http://www.elieshanelson.com/blog Thu, 22 Jul 2010 20:12:17 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en A year ago, I was 6 months pregnant and making a music video of Blues Lointains by Quincy Porter for my upcoming album. It was a new experience for me, as well as a new relationship with the record label Dorian Sono Luminus. This is an interview with John McLaughlin Williams, ... http://www.elieshanelson.com/blog/2010/07/22/one-year-anniversary/ At first my son seemed like a plant that required mundane (and constant) care to remain alive - feed me, change me, help me sleep, love me, and repeat the cycle. I received no thank you's, no voluntary smiles, but I remembered through my extensive reading on babies, that the ... http://www.elieshanelson.com/blog/2010/06/26/communicating-with-baby/ When I began weight lifting 2 years ago, I was worried I would hurt myself and ruining my playing. However, a new world opened up to me, and I discovered how lifting could help my playing, energy level and endurance. I found that managing the viola was easier, and I ... http://www.elieshanelson.com/blog/2010/05/02/weight-lifting-for-string-players/ I've been busy with baby care and preparing for a full recital, which I didn't realize would be so all consuming. Whoever said that one could get a lot done with babies because they sleep a lot lied to me! Anyhow, I thought I'd report the concerts I've played and ... http://www.elieshanelson.com/blog/2010/03/07/recent-news/ I've been asked by many non musicians how much I practice and how long it takes to prepare for concerts, recording sessions, etc. Many are amazed that I play my instrument several hours a day, and I rarely take long vacations (more than a day) away from playing. That is ... http://www.elieshanelson.com/blog/2009/12/27/practicing-whats-the-point/ The Blues Lointains music video is now up and running! It was shot on location at Ayreshire Farms where the studio Dorian Sono Luminus resides. I was six months pregnant, and hoping they would only video record me from the chest up! That was wishful thinking, but the videography is ... http://www.elieshanelson.com/blog/2009/11/23/blues-lointains-music-video/ The Quincy Porter CD just got another review on ClevelandClassical.com, which covers the classical music scene in northeast Ohio. It's a great site which lists the week's concerts and recitals, plus reviews of concerts and new recordings. http://www.elieshanelson.com/blog/2009/10/27/porter-review-on-clevelandclassical-com/ I've come across a couple of reviews of my new CD, Quincy Porter Complete Viola Works. They are on Amazon.com and  philly.com. It's always interesting to see what others think, but ultimately it's up to the listeners to decide what they appreciate. http://www.elieshanelson.com/blog/2009/10/09/reviews-of-quincy-porter-complete-viola-works/ My friend and colleague John McLaughlin Williams has an interview on the AfricClassical blog about his life and his experience working on the Quincy Porter Complete Viola Works recording. He's a fascinating man with a great interest in all things musical. I didn't realize how many instruments he has played! http://www.elieshanelson.com/blog/2009/09/22/john-mclaughline-williams-interview/ Bill Zick posted the conclusion to the Porter Viola Works interview. We speak about the pieces on the recording in more detail. http://www.elieshanelson.com/blog/2009/09/17/conclusion-to-yesterdays-africlassical-interview/