House-Music

The idea of the “portable concert” or “home concert” is nothing new.

As long as people have been willing to sit (or not), listen (or not), drink and eat (always), and contribute something to the affair, there have been incredible places that get transformed into concert venues.

The old idea of the “Schubertiade” took the first part of the 19th century by storm. The mother’s milk of Felix and Fanny Mendelssohn were Sunday Musicales, hosted by their parents to show off their children. Practically around the corner from the Mendelssohn parties (decades later) was the house where Robert and Clara Schumann raised many children, composed, and lived a life of music.

So who knew that Albuquerque, the home of “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul” (both of which I love) could also be a fertile ground for house-concert music-making? 

I will write about the second “Moveable Sol” later today - that deserves another post. Two other things happened recently regarding house-music making, and both deserve their own posts. 

I had the good fortune to introduce myself musically to the Santa Fe Desert Chorale this past weekend. The invitation came from a recent UNM grad (now doing administrative work there!) and Dr. Michael Hix, my baritone colleague here at UNM (here is his website). 

The challenge with house concerts is of course, the instrument (or lack thereof). One of the reasons why I was able to take this gig was that I owned a Yamaha P70, or a weighted-key keyboard with a good sound and built-in speakers. It was a purchase I made back in 2008 and am glad every time I get a call when I need the instrument.

Bravo to the audience (and a big thank-you), to my partner Michael, and to the Santa Fe Desert Chorale on the beginnings of their summer season!

 

 

PHOTO: our “house concert performance"