03 October, 2013

Covered It Before - Music is Art

This post was first published in December, 2012.  



Music is art.  This statement needs no explanation, except I came to it late in life!  Of course music is art, and those who teach and play instruments are my brothers and sisters.  I stumbled (or is it youtubed?) onto Nadia Boulanger and was taken instantly by her genius as an instructor and by her authority.  Anyone animated by art will learn from her.

Mademoiselle Boulanger quotes Paul Valéry:
 "The gods kindly offer us the first verse. What is difficult is to write the next ones, which will be worthy of their supernatural brother."


Although I am the world's worst music patron, I find Mlle. Boulanger's stature and teaching style to be a very cool drink of water. I am listening to the longer video posted below as I type this, and although I am also the dimmest bulb at French, I am learning. 

"It's always necessary to be yourself – that is a mark of genius in itself,"  Nadia Boulanger.

Nadia Boulanger


My friend at Art and Music, Katherine van Schoonhoven, well understands the bridge between these two arts. Another friend and blogger is Rosemarie Kowalski, who blogs at Peaceful Ones, and she also celebrates the connection between the two.

This longer video, in French with subtitles, I recommend to you.



Nadia Boulanger.

2 comments:

neddelta said...

Thank you so much, Casey, for posting this riveting portrait. While direct subject was music, I was struck by the visual beauty of each frame. And to hear Leonard Bernstein speak French was a special treat!

Best, Evelyn

neddelta said...
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