“For me, as a creative musician, composition is a daily function that I feel compelled to discharge. I compose because I am made for that and cannot do otherwise. Just as any organ atrophies unless kept in a state of constant activity, so the faculty of composition becomes enfeebled and dulled unless kept up by effort and practice. The uninitiated imagine that one must await inspiration in order to create. That is a mistake. I am far from saying that there is no such thing as inspiration; quite the opposite. It is found as a driving force in every kind of human activity, and is in no wise peculiar to artists. But that force is only brought into action by an effort, and that effort is work. Just as appetite comes by eating, so work brings inspiration, if inspiration is not discernible at the beginning. But it is not simply inspiration that counts; it is the result of inspiration—that is, the composition.”
Stravinsky, Igor (2011-05-24). An Autobiography (Kindle Locations 2169-2175). . Kindle Edition.
I have just read this autobiography and I found many interesting comments and anecdotes. Here’s one:
“I should like to quote a remark of Rimsky-Korsakov’s that he made later on when I became his pupil. I asked him whether I was right in always composing at the piano. “Some compose at the piano,” he replied, “and some without a piano. As for you, you will compose at the piano.” As a matter of fact, I do compose at the piano and I do not regret it.”
Stravinsky, Igor (2011-05-24). An Autobiography (Kindle Locations 41-43). . Kindle Edition.
“I can never concentrate on my work if I am where I can be overheard, so that it was impossible for me to settle down with my piano in the boarding house in which I was staying with my family. I therefore chose this isolated place in the hope of finding peace and solitude, free from all importunate neighbors.”
Stravinsky, Igor (2011-05-24). An Autobiography (Kindle Locations 1786-1788). . Kindle Edition.
THE BOOK IS IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN and is free to read on a Kindle.
You know, it happened a long time ago (released in 1960 on Atlantic Records, catalogue SD 1311) but ‘Giant Steps” for all its rave reviews, critical reviews, detractors, supporters, worshippers, for all the tenor saxophonists who have practiced the first take solo to death, for all the reviews…..it is a momentus, gigantic recording that has a very narrow but Mile High seat of importance in the history of our music. Unique. Flawless. Impressive. Mind boggling, (add your own adjectives). SO LISTEN TO IT ONCE IN A WHILE, as though you’ve never heard it before. Imagine it recorded last week. IT STILL AMAZES. Trane…we love you!
https://paulread.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/giant_steps.jpg247251lucie5656https://paulread.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/paul_read_logo_black.pnglucie56562014-01-18 00:00:582017-06-26 09:15:51Giant Steps by John Coltrane
Saxophones and Woodwinds: Andy Ballantyne, Tara Davidson, Alex Dean, Quinsin Nachoff, Bob Leonard Trumpets: Jason Logue (lead), Chase Sanborn, Lina Allemano, Jim Lewis Trombones: Terry Promane, William Carn, Andrew Jones, Larry Shields (bass tbn) Rhythm Section: Geoff Young (g), David Braid (p), Andrew Downing (bs, vc), Kevin Dempsey (d) Voice: Trish Colter
Composer and Conductor: Paul Read
For information, purchase or to check out excerpts, please visit www.addorecords.com
Stravinsky Notes (3)
General, News/Opinion/ThoughtsFrom “An Autobiography” by Igor Stravinsky (1936)
Stravinsky, Igor (2011-05-24). An Autobiography (Kindle Locations 2169-2175). . Kindle Edition.
Stravinsky Notes (1)
General, News/Opinion/ThoughtsI have just read this autobiography and I found many interesting comments and anecdotes. Here’s one:
“I should like to quote a remark of Rimsky-Korsakov’s that he made later on when I became his pupil. I asked him whether I was right in always composing at the piano. “Some compose at the piano,” he replied, “and some without a piano. As for you, you will compose at the piano.” As a matter of fact, I do compose at the piano and I do not regret it.”
Stravinsky, Igor (2011-05-24). An Autobiography (Kindle Locations 41-43). . Kindle Edition.
Stravinsky Notes (2)
General, News/Opinion/Thoughts“I can never concentrate on my work if I am where I can be overheard, so that it was impossible for me to settle down with my piano in the boarding house in which I was staying with my family. I therefore chose this isolated place in the hope of finding peace and solitude, free from all importunate neighbors.”
Stravinsky, Igor (2011-05-24). An Autobiography (Kindle Locations 1786-1788). . Kindle Edition.
THE BOOK IS IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN and is free to read on a Kindle.
Giant Steps by John Coltrane
General, News/Opinion/ThoughtsCD Release
General, News/Opinion/ThoughtsNOW AVAILABLE
ARC-EN-CIEL
Paul Read Orchestra (PRO)
Addo Jazz Recordings AJR005
Visit Addo Records Now!
Featuring:
Saxophones and Woodwinds: Andy Ballantyne, Tara Davidson, Alex Dean, Quinsin Nachoff, Bob Leonard
Trumpets: Jason Logue (lead), Chase Sanborn, Lina Allemano, Jim Lewis
Trombones: Terry Promane, William Carn, Andrew Jones, Larry Shields (bass tbn)
Rhythm Section: Geoff Young (g), David Braid (p), Andrew Downing (bs, vc), Kevin Dempsey (d)
Voice: Trish Colter
Composer and Conductor: Paul Read
For information, purchase or to check out excerpts, please visit
www.addorecords.com