When Eyjafjallajokull expectorated her fine dust into the clear skies of Europe, I found myself stranded in Amsterdam with no violin, having been whisked off for a break by my beloved. For the first time in my life, I had gone away fully intending not to practice. It was only for a couple of [...]

Hello, world!
Before I update, I’d like to mention that I am seeking a personal manager to replace the last one, who was terrible. I’m not one to badmouth former colleagues, but since I’m still working with her on a daily basis I think it’s ok. She knows she’s about to get fired and what does [...]

What is “music”?
According to good old Wikipedia, “Music is an art form whose medium is sound organized in time. Common elements of music are pitch (which governs melody and harmony), rhythm (and its associated concepts tempo, meter, and articulation), dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture.”
I don’t think it’s so simple. Or rather, [...]

Unbeknownst to the beleaguered citizens of Europe, WWII is roaring to an end. Lebanon and Syria achieve independence, the 2-year Siege of Leningrad is finally lifted. Between New York City and Asheville, NC, Bela Bartók, ravaged by still-undiagnosed leukaemia, completes his Sonata for Solo Violin (Sz. 117, BB 124).
(I imagine him stuffing it into [...]