We all have a strong inclination to view ourselves as the protagonists of our own stories. People in committed relationships have an increased incentive to view themselves as serving supporting roles in someone else’s narrative. Parents have an even stronger incentive to see themselves in supporting roles, and even as backdrop. What does this mean for artists? It can mean any number of … [Read more...]
Archives for March 2018
The Pleasure of Context
Like many people, when I read a great book, I immediately cast about for other titles by the same author. When I see a film that catches my attention, I look for more by the same creative team. Part of this practice is a desire to get more of the same – the personal version of the ubiquitous marketing ploy “if you liked this, try these.” Another part, though, is a pursuit of the pleasure of … [Read more...]
Disruption
Life is full of small pleasures, and I do my best not to undervalue them. For me, many of life’s pleasures are solitary. Writing music, for example. Or reading. Or just thinking about things. Sometimes, though, events capture my attention, pull me out of my self and away from my solitary activities. Last spring was such a time. Like many others, I found national and world events … [Read more...]
Spring Flinging
I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that we had the Attacca String Quartet in residence here at the UNC School of the Arts. Things are really jumping this spring, starting next week. We are going to have new music coming out our ears, which is exactly how I like it. And I can't help pointing it out, because I love this: the next seven weeks include sixty performances of new pieces by our sixteen … [Read more...]