After more than 10 years of writing the weekly Friday Performance Picks on this site, I have decided that 505 of them is probably enough, at least for a while. I need to focus my attention on some other projects.
For anyone who might feel some faint disappointment at not receiving a new selection each week, I could suggest going back to No. 1 (Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto) and starting over. Repeated listening is, after all, the key to musical literacy, and more importantly to musical enjoyment.
But you will likely find it more useful to visit the Searchable Index that lists all of the composers and works so that you can chart your own path through the repertoire. We will be expanding the search capabilities to include historical eras, genres, and nationalities.
The imperative to write a weekly post has kept me focused on searching out new works and interesting performances, but I would be doing that anyway and will continue to do it. I can think of few things as enjoyable—perhaps I should say essential—as listening to good music. I encourage everyone to make it a habit.
Could you still send out one a week? Just as a gentle nudge to listen? I would greatly appreciate it.
Dear Carol and Hank,
I agree that you’ve left us a wealth of resources. Thank you!
I’m intrigued by two statements here, so if you’d like to expound on them in future articles, I will read eagerly and this understand more.
You say that repeated listening is the key to musical literacy. I’d love to hear you explain what you mean by musical literacy, and what happens when we listen repeatedly to one piece.
The other point that stood out to me is that you say listening to good music is essential and that we should make it a habit. I would like to hear your thoughts on how and why and when that listening is essential and how we can make it a habit.
I suppose I could also mention that you said we can chart our own paths through the repertoire. How do you recommend that those of us who are lost in the middle of the woods in the middle of our lives begin to chart a way out?
Probably many people have written about these things. Where would you point us to read further?
Many blessings on your future endeavors!!
Camille
Hi Carol,
I will miss your comments and suggestions. Hopefully, we can stay in touch in other ways.
Best to you and Hank and your family.
Bob
These have been a gift of great value freely given. Thank you.
your generosity, enthusiasm and musical expertise have been a blessing to many. Thank you!
Thank you! We have enjoyed them so much and are grateful to you! We will go back to the beginning as you suggest.
Thank you! The music you have shared is a blessing! Best wishes to all at Professor Carol!
I will miss your writing more than anything. I can picture what you are saying and you are not boring with your words. God bless you in your new projects and thank you for what you have shared.
We are so grateful for all of the work you have freely shared with us over the years!