Library of Congress Commemorates Irving Fine World Premiere Performances, Lecture, Symposium and Film December 2-6, the Library of Congress, home to the Irving Fine Collection, commemorates the 100th anniversary of the birth of this important American composer, whom Aaron Copland described as “the greatest of us all.” The weeklong celebration includes panel discussions, a lecture, …
Gershwin Prize Honoree Billy Joel met Beethoven this week thanks to the Music Division, who showed the six-time Grammy-winning composer manuscripts and artifacts from one of his favorite composers, including a lock of Beethoven’s hair. Joel was an engaged audience, humming along to Gershwin’s “Summertime” when he was showed a holograph from Porgy and Bess, …
Michael Feinstein on Musicals & Songs at the Library of Congress Series 1 – Rodgers & Hammerstein Episode 10 – “Manhattan” & Epilogue In the final episode of a series of ten videos that explore the Rodgers and Hammerstein collections at the Library of Congress, Michael Feinstein discusses the Rodgers & Hart collaboration that led to …
Michael Feinstein on Musicals & Songs at the Library of Congress Series 1 – Rodgers & Hammerstein Episode 9 – “A Real Nice Clambake” In the ninth episode of a series of videos that explore the Rodgers and Hammerstein collections at the Library of Congress, Michael Feinstein discusses Oscar Hammerstein’s research techniques, and “A Real Nice …
Michael Feinstein on Musicals & Songs at the Library of Congress Series 1 – Rodgers & Hammerstein Episode 8 – “Do-Re-Mi” In the eighth episode of a series of videos that explore the Rodgers and Hammerstein collections at the Library of Congress, Michael Feinstein discusses “Do-Re-Mi” from The Sound of Music. Produced by special arrangement with …
The following is a guest blog by Anne McLean, Senior Producer for Concerts and Special Projects, Music Division, Library of Congress. On Thursday, October 30, the Music Division celebrates the 150th birthday of Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge, pianist, composer, and impresario. She was an extraordinarily generous and visionary benefactor , an important music philanthropist who was …
The following is a guest blog by conductor, composer and educator Joel Spiegelman, written in commemoration of the Library’s Irving Fine Centennial Festival. During November of 1988 I got a call from Saulius Sondeckis, the conductor of the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra, asking me if I would be available to conduct his orchestra in a series …
Have you ever forgotten the pleasures of an early romance, or been unable to recall a tune that is just at the back of your mind? Or, perhaps like late Liszt, have you ever forgotten your keys? Such is the fate of a great deal of wonderful music, and prompted by the occasion of what …
The following is a guest post from Senior Music Specialist Mark Horowitz who will be presenting a High Noon Lecture in the Whittall Pavilion on Tuesday, October 21. The talk is free and open to the public – click on the flyer below for more details. Over the years I’ve done several talks at the …