I love how down-to-earth and ‘authentic’ Adolphe is. I had not heard of him before, but his experience as a musician, composer, etc., brings such a freshness and frankness about what music is really about. This is a great series which make me reflect about what makes life and the arts deeply satisfying. Bognar is an excellent interviewer, but I wonder if his questions about how young people can be ‘successful’ (ie., making a good living) miss the mark. Several of the great artists who he has interviewed show that ‘success’ is not about making money, but rather that doing the art is what gives meaning and passion to life, even if one is monetarily poor. Adolphe’s talk makes me think of a couple of excellent musicians, with whom I cannot feel any emotional connection, even though, outwardly, they close their eyes and seem to be swaying to the music they are performing. The truly great ones, however, seem to be in their own world, and their music seems to come from ‘somewhere else’! Adolphe describes how truly meaningful music comes from the heart - being ‘successful’ is not why great artists do what they do.
I went to school in the early 1960's at Joseph Pulitzer JHS out in Queens. Several memorable instructors - including a really intense teacher, who was in charge of the Assembly Programs - Mr. Jules Adolphe. Sometimes he was a little difficult. As longtime listeners to WQXR, hubby and I have extremely eclectic musical tastes - but always compete to see who solves the piano puzzler first..creating some lively arguments hereabouts. Anyway, the name 'Adolphe" rang a distant bell in my head. Bruce actually does resemble Mr. Adolphe from Pulitzer. Anyway, a delightful interview and nice to see the 'next generation' of Adolphe, (related or not), gracious, witty, and oh so engaging!!
Good question, Tara. We don't have the budget for a sound designer so, along with editing the picture (and directing and shooting and producing) I do that myself. In more recent episodes I took the advice of a sound designer friend who told me to use a "limiter" to boost the overall sound level. Works very well. Anyway, sorry it's too quiet, and thanks for watching!
@@ericbenjamin2908 Music is a profession like any other. Getting along with people, respectable education, and “correct interpretation” just like it were etiquette. It should be of absolutely no surprise that this creates sameness and some calculated atmosphere of “conveying the composer’s message”, for no other reason other than “I was taught to play like this”
Bruce Adolphe: Great musician, great man.
I love how down-to-earth and ‘authentic’ Adolphe is. I had not heard of him before, but his experience as a musician, composer, etc., brings such a freshness and frankness about what music is really about. This is a great series which make me reflect about what makes life and the arts deeply satisfying.
Bognar is an excellent interviewer, but I wonder if his questions about how young people can be ‘successful’ (ie., making a good living) miss the mark. Several of the great artists who he has interviewed show that ‘success’ is not about making money, but rather that doing the art is what gives meaning and passion to life, even if one is monetarily poor.
Adolphe’s talk makes me think of a couple of excellent musicians, with whom I cannot feel any emotional connection, even though, outwardly, they close their eyes and seem to be swaying to the music they are performing. The truly great ones, however, seem to be in their own world, and their music seems to come from ‘somewhere else’! Adolphe describes how truly meaningful music comes from the heart - being ‘successful’ is not why great artists do what they do.
Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts, Denise!
Happy Birthday, Bruce Adolphe! Best wishes to you!
How had I not heard of this wonderful musician or his delightful radio program?! Thank you - again!
This was a wonderful interview, very inspiring. Thanks for doing these!
Thanks for watching and commenting, Morna Boyle!
Your show has a great mix of guests, from world-famous to not world-famous; and I learn wonderful things from each one!
It's really great that you are interviewing living composers. I admire your vision.
Great interviews! I'm learning so much from your guests. Thank you!
I was hoping you'd interview him at some point - thank you!
Fantastic interview!
How wonderful! I am a great fan of Piano Puzzler and what greater context I now have. Thank you both!
I think this is my favorite interview so far very rich, dense and thought provoking
I went to school in the early 1960's at Joseph Pulitzer JHS out in Queens. Several memorable instructors - including a really intense teacher, who was in charge of the Assembly Programs - Mr. Jules Adolphe. Sometimes he was a little difficult. As longtime listeners to WQXR, hubby and I have extremely eclectic musical tastes - but always compete to see who solves the piano puzzler first..creating some lively arguments hereabouts. Anyway, the name 'Adolphe" rang a distant bell in my head. Bruce actually does resemble Mr. Adolphe from Pulitzer. Anyway, a delightful interview and nice to see the 'next generation' of Adolphe, (related or not), gracious, witty, and oh so engaging!!
❤
He looks a bit like Horowitz! A distant relation? Fascinating about the dialects.
The I love the "Piano Puzzler". I usually get the styler composer, but the pop song? I just don't not popular music that well.
Why is the audio so quiet?
Good question, Tara. We don't have the budget for a sound designer so, along with editing the picture (and directing and shooting and producing) I do that myself. In more recent episodes I took the advice of a sound designer friend who told me to use a "limiter" to boost the overall sound level. Works very well. Anyway, sorry it's too quiet, and thanks for watching!
HA the video title! Tells you something about these so-called "great artists", whether performer or composer.
To what are you referring? "So-called"? Cheap shot. Your credentials?
@@ericbenjamin2908 Music is a profession like any other. Getting along with people, respectable education, and “correct interpretation” just like it were etiquette. It should be of absolutely no surprise that this creates sameness and some calculated atmosphere of “conveying the composer’s message”, for no other reason other than “I was taught to play like this”