Nick,

Most people first hear a harpsichord as a tinkle on a distant stage. If these kids hear you play anything on the Colmar in a small room they will be changed forever.

When the handyman came into our apt to look for a water leak a few weeks ago, B was playing one of the Italians. He was visibly stunned and delighted, and he noticed its guitarlike qualities.

He had no idea that a harpsichord even existed before that.

> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Nicholas Bunning" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Black History and Harpsichords
> Date:         Sat, 2 Feb 2008 13:51:19 -0500
> 
> 
> >>
> 
> This month i am schlepping the Colmar job with its silver legs...  as
> well as  a clavichord and virginal over to a Catholic School (of which
> I am a board member) to give a lecture demo thing.  The pupils are
> great....  and all black  and aged 5-11  Someone (the school's
> priest)  suggested that I play something by Chavalier de Saint-
> Georges.  apaprently he was a black harpsichordist in an eighteenth
> century french court??  Anyone know where i can get something thats
> playable on the harpsichord ..  hes dates seem a little late....
> maybe more fortepiano?   -   anyway  harpsichord will have to do,  as
> I'm not draggin a piano there too.
> I think  a bit of Bach on the clavichord, and something Elizabethan on
> the virignals...
> 
> Does anyone know of any other stuff that might be good for em to
> hear.....  i dont think I can keep the dog-and-pony show going for too
> long...  maybe 20 minutes.  (I don't think kids can focus on anything
> heavy for too long  anyway.  I think they'll find the harpsichord a
> lil fascinating with all the horses, monkeys, and masks all over
> it.    Who knows..... maybe one kid will have his/her life enriched by
> this lil event..
> 
> Any suggestions really welcomed.... and if anyone has any leads on
> some printed music by this Saint-Georges guy I'd be grateful.  Sadly i
> need it yesterday.

>



Rodney Myrvaagnes

Please send emails to 
rodneym (AT) alumni (DOT) tufts (DOT) edu
with obvious corrections.