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6 days ago

Following last week's Bach post, the Prelude in C Major, BWV 547, here is the fugue to go with it, preceded by a little commentary by Kent on what makes this fugue (which commences halfway through the video at around 5:30) so special. ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago

Here are my dear friends Jamet Pittman and Ray Nagem with “Strange Fruit.”

Billie Holiday made this song famous – and it nearly put an end to her career. It is an indelible song, one that has always touched me to the core – but particularly at this moment, it moves me to re-examine how we have glided over our bloody history so easily. I know I must do this – we all must.

Love, Kent ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago

Kent says: "This is the Bach Prelude in C major, BWV 547. We organists call it the ‘9/8’ Because it is in a unique dance meter. It is a joyous, buoyant piece of music- Perhaps just what is needed at this moment!" ... See MoreSee Less

3 weeks ago

Kent says: "Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in A Minor, BWV 543 is one of my favorite of all his preludes and fugues! The prelude begins with some fancy work on the keyboard; the pedals respond with their growly bass, and then it cooks along, keyboards and pedals together, until the end. The fugue subject is one of the most elegant, joyous and simply tuneful in all of Bach’s music! It is in 6/8 time, and swings like a pendulum in a way that for this player seems to connect with the rhythm of the universe!" ... See MoreSee Less

4 weeks ago

From Kent:
On June 2, the anniversary of the death of my dear friend and mentor Nancianne Parrella (who as many of you know was my companion for so much of my musical journey), I saw the reports that the president was threatening with military action the protests after the death of George Floyd. I was overcome with grief. Searching for a ray of hope, I called my friend Jamet, and she lifted me up. Here is Jamet Pittman, with me at the piano. Let us love each other and find a new way, a better way, to embrace all peoples with equity, kindness, and humility. ... See MoreSee Less