Finance Gal Fancies Notes

As I've reported in previous blogs, I'm gradually familiarizing myself with Classical music and I'm grateful to report it has acquired a permanent residence in my musical landscape. Classical compositions now make up a respectable share of my IPod library and at least half of my work week is comprised of listening to Instant Encore playing through my work computer. It's a great resource which allows listeners to enjoy full pieces, not just thirty second samples. It also features numerous selections form our own Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra on its website.

Having noted this, I have to point out that a larger percentage of my musical library is dedicated to 80's music. It's a special treat for me that our upcoming Symphony on the Prairie concert will feature the music of Michael Jackson. I've been a fan of his since Thriller debuted while in sixth grade. I've included a picture of myself as a child with my Michael Jackson doll, a Christmas present from my family. I laugh now when I see this picture and my pairing of a ruffled dress shirt with those red parachute pants!




I was deeply saddened when Michael Jackson passed away last year. I was attending the Led Zeppelin show at White River State Park featuring our orchestra when the news broke. At the end of the evening, "Stairway to Heaven" was played and a special dedication was made to Michael Jackson's memory. It was a gift for me to be surrounded by family and friends listening to beautiful music as I reminisced about what his music meant to me over the years. My favorite MJ song is "Man in the Mirror," I still break out in goose bumps when it starts playing. I also love the music videos empasizing his incredible dancing abilities. I never learned how to properly execute a moonwalk, I'm sure the grass at Conner Prairie will hinder me from attempting it one more time. I will, however, certainly be dancing in my seat the entire show.

A big advantage to music is the share-ability factor.  Of course this applies to books and movies as well, two of my other great loves.  Many of us are passionate about these avenues of expression and enjoy lending out our collections to friends and colleagues.  In the past few months, several composers have come up in conversation, Camille Saint-Saens, Jean-Philippe Rameau and Samuel Barber to name a few.  Of these, I delved into Samuel Barber pieces after a colleague lent me the second movement of his Violin Concerto.  From the moment I began listening, the soulful melody pulled at my heart and became an instant favorite.  I've listened to it many times and I'm looking forward to hearing it played this weekend in our Hall.

After sharing my thoughts with another colleague about the Violin Concerto, I was lent Knoxville: Summer of 1915 which sets music to a short story by James Agee.  The story was subsequently added to a book, A Death in the Family, winning the author a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction posthumously. Barber was said to have identified with the piece, both he and the author were five years old in 1915. Barber also related to Agee's memories, the author's father died in 1916 and Barber' s own father's health was rapidly deteriorating as he composed this work.  It's a special treat for me when music and literature intercede. I requested Agee's book from the library and will begin reading it next week. I've listened to the piece many times and look forward to comparing Barber's musical composition with Agee's words.

In researching further, I borrowed an audio CD from the library entitled Prayers of Kierkegaard. I haven't read Kierkegaard's work, however I'm familiar with Socrates whom Kierkegaard studied.  Again, I was fascinated by Barber's choice to compose based on his interpretation of written word.  Barber studied Kierkegaard's work for over a decade. The piece is divided into four parts, each representing a different prayer. Barber was quoted as saying about the piece, "The truth he sought after was a truth for me, one that demanded sacrifice and personal response." I can relate to his quest to find meaning in life experiences and admire his ability to interpret similarities between his and the philosopher's point of view.

In closing, I would like to thank my friends and colleagues for continually sharing recommendations and recordings with me. I'm going to further my knowledge of the greats Brahms, Beethoven and Mozart this summer in addition to attending many concerts at Symphony on the Prairie. 

When someone finds out I work for the Indianapolis Symphony, the first question is always "Do you play an instrument?" I usually smile and say "Yes, a calculator."  

I've been a member of the Finance staff for nearly three years and enjoy being a part of the organization.  I've always believed in the power and importance music can have in people's lives.  It has been a part of my daily life for as long as I remember.  It's the first thing I want to hear when I wake up, I listen all day at work, exercise to it and of course it's a must for any car ride, no matter how long. It moves me, connects me to my soul and serves as a link to past memories and experiences. I didn't have much exposure to classical music though, until I started working for the ISO.  The majority of my music knowledge ranges from the late 70's to present day. 

Two assets that have served me well are having an open mind and a willingness to learn.  I plan to use both of these as I delve into educating myself about classical music.  I enjoy learning the background of a piece I'm going to hear performed. I find if I do some quick research, I can ascertain the composer's mindset when it was written. For instance, prior to hearing our performance of Faure's Requiem, I discovered the composer lost both of his parents within two years. Experiencing the death of a parent myself, I felt an insight and connection to the music. Before attending the Troika concert (Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff and Prokofiev), I learned that two of the three selections were composed surrounding a war theme.  That night I also heard a piece from one of my favorite movies called "Somewhere in Time." I now know it by its correct name, Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini by Rachmaninoff.

Opening myself to new ideas has contributed to my personal growth immensely. The new approach to Happy Hour programming is very appealing to me.  I'm extremely excited for next week's show featurning the music of Brahms and John Mayer.  I was elated to learn Steve Hackman is including "The Heart of Life" in the Mayer selection from his Continuum CD.  I was introduced to this CD by someone I love deeply and immediately connected to the lyrics and melodies. It was almost a soundtrack to what I was going through in my life at the time. I appreciated Scott Harrison's recent blog about similiarities between Brahms and Mayer, it was very entertaining.

I look forward to sharing my insights into this Classical journey of mine.