Writings
"The Art and Evolution of Piano Recital Programming"
Yes, Greg is writing a book, and camouflaged within its pages is a plan to realize his mission - to demonstrate that classical piano music can serve as a relevant and powerful force in society. Music, whether it be from the past or present, can make a powerful statement in today's world, and artful recital programming can make it happen. In the book, Greg examines how piano recital programs have evolved from their integral place in society to a more removed oasis for aesthetic elevation. He charts the shifting trends in recital programs over the past 200 years, drawing conclusions about society, pianists, and the purpose of classical music. Then he goes on to analyze how an insightful juxtaposition of compositions can enhance an audience's reaction ... how the design of a program and its presentation affect the music. Along the way are a generous supply of ideas, quotes, graphs, facts, questions, and of course, surprises. Take a look at the excerpts below for examples!
He's written over 300 pages, but he still has a long way to go! Greg understands that the title belies the universal value of this exciting topic. If you have any suggestions for a more attractive (but still applicable) title, please send Greg a line!
Interact
You could make your way into Greg's book! Post your two-cents on the discussion boards, or vote in the polls. It's all a part of Greg's research and his quest to maximize the impact of classical music in performance.
Cat's Fugue
The first chapter of Greg's book in its present, working stage. It's a comical synopsis of piano recital programming told from the perspective of an innocent, 300-year-old fugue.
Old-time sea-fight
Greg's chapter on transcriptions is itself a transcription. Selections from Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself" became "Song of the Transcription," an extended poem detailing the plight and evolving purpose of the transcription over the past 170 years. "Would you hear of an old-time sea-fight" is an excerpt.
Bio
Greg's Bio on this web site is a prime example of just how recital programming can affect the music we know and love. See for yourself. The two bios displayed share the same content. Their presentation, however, is remarkably different. The context, the design, and the placement of words (read: pieces of music) influence one's perception of them.
