Henning's Headquarters

[Karl Henning]

Mild quandary in the quest to record the 9^th Ear concerts.  Charles and I each have a portable device, and we would like to have documents from both.  Charles's runs on batteries, so that's all right.  My quandary is, even fully charged, my device will not last an entire 9^th Ear program.  I can run the device plugged in, but I have found that when the outlet is not properly grounded (as in historic King's Chapel), there is a hum which spoils the recording.  I have an idea that when I tried plugging the device at HTUMC, I did a test and there was hum.  (I don't recall such a test at the Nave in Somerville, probably I did not find a nearby outlet.)  At the least, I can husband the device's power, and cherry-pick the numbers I record . . . but that is not ideal for me as a performer (I'd just as soon concentrate on getting the music played to my best ability).

So, I've picked up a 15-foot extension cord, and I'll see if that doesn't bring me to a well-grounded outlet . . . .

[Karl Henning]

Viz. Christmas music:  Just got a courtesy e-mail message (but very friendly!) saying that the board is going to review all the music suggested, and will decide at their July meeting.

[Karl Henning]

. . . So, I've picked up a 15-foot extension cord, and I'll see if that doesn't bring me to a well-grounded outlet . . . .

Sorry: 25-foot.

[Karl Henning]

The combination of not having those three shifts each week at a retail second (third, really) job, with having the time to practice clarinet is energizing.

Here is my favorite of Charles's set of four Tala Pieces. (I like the lot, but this one I find particularly fun.)

[Karl Henning]

Flashcard Program Notes

I see people walking around like trees

My wife listened to this piece, and asked me what its title was.  I found that the title which I had in mind, did not in fact suit the piece as I had composed it;  so I asked for her suggestion.  "Something mysterious," was her reply.  A friend in Columbus, Ohio supplied a nicely mysterious title.

Le tombeau de W.A.G.

William A. Goodwin was the organist, music director, electrical engineer, & guy-who-just-got-everything-done at the First Congregational Church in Woburn, Mass.  I worked with Bill for a number of years as assistant choir director, composer-in-residence, and occasional guest clarinetist.  Bill was a great friend, and I wrote this piece to honor his memory.

Thoreau in Concord Jail

Refusing to pay his poll taxes because of his opposition to the Mexican-American War and to slavery, Thoreau spent a night in Concord Jail.  As Thoreau played the flute (I know not how well), I felt that the perfect scoring for a piece reflecting on his experience that night, would be a single unaccompanied wind instrument.

How to Tell (Chasing the Tail of Nothing)

The phrase how to tell I borrowed by lopping off half of the title of a book.  My music, however, has nothing to do with the book (though it is a frightfully amusing book).  I originally asked Dan if he would play bongos for a piece I was planning to write; he suggested the frame drum instead, and I've never even looked at a bongo since.

[Karl Henning]

The 9th Ear have broken onto boston.com, baby!

[North Star]

Listening to Le tombeau de W.A.G. for the second time in a row now, this is beautiful. I sense the faint scents of Beethoven, Schubert and Stravinsky.

[Karl Henning]

Many thanks!

[Brian]

Wow, that was really good! Something about the ending must beg for the beginning, because I was halfway through my own second consecutive listen when I got called in to a meeting.

[North Star]

Something about the ending must beg for the beginning, because I was halfway through my own second consecutive listen when I got called in to a meeting.

Huh?

[Brian]

Huh?

I mean, when you listen to the ending, it makes you want to hear the beginning again.

[Ken B]

I mean, when you listen to the ending, it makes you want to hear the beginning again.

It's the song that never ends,
It goes on and on my friends

[Sergeant Rock]

I mean, when you listen to the ending, it makes you want to hear the beginning again.

That was my initial reaction too. I played it, was compelled to listen to it, a half dozen times. Couldn't stop.

Sarge

[Karl Henning]

I am touched, friends.

[North Star]

I mean, when you listen to the ending, it makes you want to hear the beginning again.

That was my initial reaction too. I played it, was compelled to listen to it, a half dozen times. Couldn't stop.

Sarge

Similar reaction here as well.

[Karl Henning]

Thank you all!

Concerts tomorrow and Saturday nights!  Should be pretty good, and then we shall also have the alto flute/clarinet/double-bass/frame drum version of Le tombeau . . . .

[North Star]

Thank you all!

Concerts tomorrow and Saturday nights!  Should be pretty good, and then we shall also have the alto flute/clarinet/double-bass/frame drum version of Le tombeau . . . .

Excellent!

[Cato]

The 9th Ear have broken onto boston.com, baby!

What hath God wrought!  0:)

Let's hope for quickly spreading fame and - even better! - fortune!

[Karl Henning]

Full notes for The 9^th Ear programs this weekend.

[Karl Henning]

None of the outlets in our church sanctuary, apparently, are properly grounded;  so it's no good running my device while plugged in for tomorrow's concert . . . I've just got to do what I can with it fully charged.

This evening, I still hope to find an outlet in the Somerville space which is grounded.  But, of course, I may not find one there, either;  so, I've got the MicroTrak fully charged, in case.