Nelson Freire

Nelson Freire is quite an amazing pianist.  It's good Decca decided to sign him.  I had borrowed his Brahms Piano Concerto recording and was quite impressed.  Even in his 60's his technique has held up in these highly demanding concerti.  I saw that he actually programmed these two works in during the past season of concerts.  Unlike Gilels, Freire doesn't plod along at a slow pace.  He's more like Pollini in that respect. All in all, a new favorite recording of these works to set alongside Pollini, Fleisher and Serkin.

Parkview Presbyterian Church 2008 September 27

It's been almost 3 years since Parkview Presbyterian Church, Saskatoon, closed its doors (as a Presbyterian Church). At a board meeting yesterday, it was decided that the two stain glass panes that were installed at Parkview would find a new home at St Andrew's Presbyterian Church Saskatoon.

The windows are 31" wide in 3 sections that are 28" high each.  Click on the picture to see it full size.

 

 These pictures were taken on 2008 September 27 on a fine fall day.  Here are some other photos from that day:

Géza Anda died on this day in 1976

About a year ago I noted that Géza Anda had died in mid-June.  Today, I actually made money on the TSX. It's been really bad for junior mining stocks since March.  However, today, Ethiopian Potash rose from the dumpster to make me $95.  I have to hope Sunridge Gold does the same too.

Anyways, I would recommend piano buffs buy the Brilliant Classic set The Art of Géza Anda.  It is pretty much a reissue of DG's Géza Anda, Troubadour of the Piano minus the Brahms 2nd Concerto with Friscay and Schumann concerto recordings from that set.  I still want his version of the Chopin Waltzes though.  It's hard to get nowadays!

Teacher Resources

http://www.fourgreensteps.com/school-program/teachers.php

Beware of private placements!

I read about Everton's intention to buyout it's partner on May 25th.  In that news release it said it would need to raise $5 million.  Well, yesterday, they announced the details.  Today, the stock tanked 14%.  So, there's another thing to watch for!  SELL before these private placements come up.  Malbex also tanked after then went for more cash with a private placement and I'm in the red there as well.  Ethiopian Potash says it won't need to dilute it's shares any more, but if they do, watch out!

Chopin and a bad month

As noted earlier, I'm enthralled with Alice Sara Ott's recording of the Chopin Waltzes.  A couple of days ago, I dug out Pollini's 1972 recording of the Chopin Etudes.  Incomparable.  Yesterday, because of my poor blood sugar results all month, I went on the NordiTrak for 30 minutes and listened to Clara Haskil's recording of the Chopin 2nd Concerto.  Ever since I discovered her playing of that concerto, I've listened to it way more than the 1st Concerto.  I should dig out Pollini's 1960 recording of the E minor!  Hopefully, the blood sugar will improve too.

Powerpoint 2010 Frustrations

I had everything ready on a Powerpoint and was ready to package for CD when I saw the optimise media button.  What a mistake.  It junked the video I had in the presentation!  More to come...