WTF-Beta

OMG. That was horrifying. Is that really Martha Reeves??? As in, Martha and the Vandellas?

How sad.

@wtg That was lovely, thanks for linking it!

I like what the video description says:

We are accustomed to remembering him as the "Clown Prince of Denmark"—the brilliant satirist who turned classical concert halls into arenas of laughter. Yet, in this rare and precious recording, the comedy completely fades away. Victor Borge lays down his comedic armor to bare the profound, aching soul of a true classical master.Performing Fritz Kreisler’s "Liebesleid" (Love's Sorrow) through the rich, virtuosic lens of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s transcription, Borge delivers nothing short of a musical revelation. His hands breathe life into the bittersweet Viennese melody with an exquisite elegance that belongs to a bygone golden age of piano playing.There is no rush in his fingers, no modern sterility. Instead, we hear the hallmarks of the old-school tradition: a warm, singing tone, independent inner voicing, and a romantic rubato that stretches time without ever breaking it. Borge transforms a demanding showpiece into an intimate, heartbreaking monologue. It is a stunning, poignant reminder that behind the mask of history's greatest musical humorist stood a deeply sensitive poet of the piano

@jon-nyc said:

even bits and bobs during humor sketches

Yes, even from those bits and bobs, his skill was clear. But it's wonderful to hear a complete piece!

@jon-nyc said:

Very nice. I’ve never heard him play straight up before.

Same. I always thought he was hysterical, but I really enjoyed this performance!

He has short pudgy fingers, you wouldn’t look at them and say ‘that’s a pianist’.

I didn’t know that! It’s a little hard to tell from the video here, which seems like the aspect ratio is off.

Wow!

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1595935812544429

Run

@daniel welcome back! It’s sounds like you’ve had a lot of challenges, but I’m glad you’re ok!

Thank you @axtremus !

Wow, @jon-nyc that's a lot! Also, @bernard that's a lot too, albeit a different "a lot."

Unlike last summer, I have not traveled this summer (I have a conference trip coming up but it's short), so this summer has felt very relaxed. I really, really needed that! I've done a fair amount of work, mostly on research projects (and very little admin, yay!). But unlike during the academic year, I'm not working on weekends, I don't go in super early and I don't stay late. Wow, it's almost like having work/life balance!

And I have filled all that extra time with piano, which makes me very happy! I've worked on a ton of new music, and just today, my cellist friend and his (professional) violinist girlfriend came over and we did some music together.

And it was amazing. There is nothing like playing with a highly experienced musician by your side. It makes me feel so relaxed and is a huge confidence boost! It's like standing on the absolute most rock solid foundation and knowing that, because of the foundation, you will be able to jump so high you'll touch the stars.

It was absolutely glorious.

@AdagioM said:

We have 9? 10? guitars at our house.

that's kind of a lot!

@andyd thanks for all the background! Flamenco guitar is wonderful, isn't it!

@AndyD said:

Frederick Noad mostly, Solo Guitar Playing vols 1 & 2.

OMG I think I still have those! They must be the most canonical for classical guitar!

Fish

@wtg ahh, thanks for the explanation!

Basically I just don’t like steak, so I don’t want to eat whether it’s almost raw or well-done.

Coffee on the other hand, I could enjoy in just about any preparation. Well except I really don’t like it if it’s too weak.

@wtg what does “blue” mean, is that a degree of well-done?

Thanks @axtremus

I’m ok for now as well. Fingers crossed.

@Mik said:

Too much bloodlust in the far right.

Yes indeed.

2/3, 3, 0

I’m not a vegetarian, but I just don’t like meat like that.

Practice

@Axtremus

I cannot even imagine trying to write up the budget sheet for $400 million.... yikes!

Here’s a personal AI fail. In the fall, I applied for an external grant (budget $400,000) to do an elaborate, multi-year AI research study. I didn’t even get past the internal competition.

That’s ok, I knew it was a long shot.