Alan Lomax folk music archive available for free online

Alan Lomax (on left) with banjo player Wade Ward, 1959

Alan Lomax spent his life traveling the globe recording folk tunes from numerous countries and cultures. Now, his entire collection, including thousands of songs and interviews, is now available online for FREE. It really is fun to listen through the tracks, getting a small glimpse of the different cultures whose traditional music is now available to everyone with internet access.

Link to recordings HERE.

NPR Article HERE.

Antigua-Backun Clarinet is a "Music Inc." Magazine Top 50

The Antigua-Backun Clarinet, announced back in October, has been selected as one of "Music Inc." Magazine's top 50 products. 

"Antigua hasn't offered a wooden clarinet until now, with the release of an instrument designed by Morrie Backun. The CL3230 is made of grenadilla that's aged 25 years or more and is provided by Backun from his Canada-based company's stash of high-end woods. Keywork and assembly are completed in Antigua's factory overseas, and customers have the option of silver-plated or nickel keys. Other features include undercut toneholes and black Valentino synthetic pads. "

Link to Antigua website HERE. 

Martin Fröst pronounces his name

I was fortunate enough to be able to attend a masterclass by Martin Fröst at the Colburn School today. I will get my notes up as soon as possible! Until then, just a little video I took today to clear up all controversy about his name. haha

Buffet debuts new "Divine" model clarinet at Frankfurt Messe

Not much information is available about this clarinet right now other than that it is the new top of the line model for Buffet-Crampon. I'll get information to you as soon as I get it! Below are some pics and the YouTube video:

Bring a Friend for Free to the LA Phil

"Attention music lovers! Share the gift of music by bringing a friend for FREE to hear Sibelius’ Sixth Symphony this Saturday at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Find a music loving pal, then use the password FRIEND4FREE here"

- LA Phil Facebook Page

Vänskä conducting Sibelius 6, the Rosenkavalier Suite, and Martin Fröst performing the Aho Clarinet Concerto, don't miss out!!!

This Saturday, March 24! Again, the link is HERE. 

Interlochen Arts Academy Webcast Featuring Alexander Fitterstein

Alexander Fitterstein will be playing Weber's Recitative and Polacca with the Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra. You can watch the live stream for free March 18 at 3:00pm Eastern Time. 

Link to live stream: http://macad.interlochen.org/livestream

Here's a sample from a rehearsal:

Dogs Have Perfect Pitch

The dogs were first trained to recognize solfege syllables. By playing the correct note on the keyboard the dogs were rewarded with food. Later the person carrying out the tests played a pitch on the ocarina in order to see if the dogs could find the note based upon pitch instead of a verbal solfege command. Surprisingly the dogs immediately understood and were able to find the notes. The dogs were also able to mimic basic tunes played on the ocarina.

"Wolves are known to have absolute pitch. They are able to recognize their pack mates by their individual vocalizations. Pavlov's students showed that dogs also possess absolute pitch."

Inside the Case (responses thus far)

Anthony McGill, Principal Clarinet Metropolitan Opera Orchestra

   

Chris Peryagh

Hilary Zirkle, Junior Peabody Conservatory

Charles Sonoda, Freshman DePaul University

Joshua Anderson, Sophomore Peabody Conservatory

Jennifer Hughson, Masters Student Peabody Conservatory

Joel Weszka, Masters Student Peabody Conservatory

James Duncan, Sophomore Peabody Conservatory

Yuri Kim, Junior Peabody Conservatory

Inside the Case

I am starting a project called "Inside the Case." The idea is that people take a photo of the inside of their clarinet case and then share it online for others to see. All this can be done easily by sharing a photo over on the Curious Clarinet Facebook Page. I have uploaded my picture and I hope to see many others! Don't forget, to take part you have to use the Facebook Page.

"Art Direction: Instruments From Inside"

A new Berlin Philharmonic advertising campaign takes advantage of macro photography, using the effect to make the small spaces within instruments seem much larger. The photographs, including a cello, flute, violin, and pipe organ, were taken by Bjoern Ewers. More photographs can be found in Bjoern's portfolio HERE.

Ricardo Morales has "resigned" NY Phil Position, Decides to Stay with Philly

Mr. Morales has decided to "resign" his position with the New York Philharmonic and remain with the Philadelphia Orchestra.

"For family reasons, Mr. Morales has chosen to remain in Philadelphia, where he currently holds the position of principal clarinet with the Philadelphia Orchestra. The New York Philharmonic wishes Mr. Morales well in his future endeavors," said a statement from the New York Philharmonic.


A Philadelphia Orchestra spokeswoman said, "We are pleased to have him rejoin the orchestra."

Article from Philly.com HERE
Article from NY Times HERE