Monthly Archives: October 2014

Pianists often speak of piano tone as a fixed quality of an instrument. “This piano has a harsh tone,” they say, as they might say “This piano’s a seven-foot grand.” But tone is affected by many factors: the “crown” of the soundboard, the quality and condition of the strings, the shape and texture of the […]

You run into odd things in the performing arts, especially from non-performers. People thinking— -Musicians are stupid.

On Santa Monica Boulevard in Hollywood long ago, a little square building was home to ERNA Chocolates, named for the late wife of the owner, Naftali Blumenau. Mr. Blumenau and his lady companion made the best chocolates ever. I went and bought some pretty often.

Funny we want to be described as “gifted,” which we can’t take credit for, and not as “hard-working,” which we can take credit for.