Dear Guests, Inspired by the kindness and deepening friendship with Alex Klein, I embarked on a new journey as a composer by writing POETRY for Oboe solo in Spring of 2020. I intend to perpetually compose poetry for solo oboe my entire life. They are both inspired by and dedicated to him and “All who weep and beauty seek” . This morning, he released a YouTube of his gorgeous interpretations of the first 5 of 10 poems in this first book: https://youtu.be/qO7iHFVUy7Y .
In a world and culture where time is money - it’s an extra special honor when an artist takes the time to let a composition “marinate the heart” and to integrate that intelligently with acquired skill, like Alex voluntarily does here.
I’m so grateful and honored.
Also, in a world where life is short and tomorrow is not promised, I have a high respect for how precious time is and think carefully about how time is spent - how, when, why, where….
What are we doing here? What REALLY matters?
As with poetry - no two people or performances can (or should) be the same.
Here, Alex provides a powerful interpretation that is uniquely wonderful. He owns it, as I wish all who would play my music would own their voice within what I’ve written. It can be done while honoring the page.
What a joy and pleasure to hear this.
I hope his performance will inspire others to take the time to find their own unique voice to interpret these poems and share their own unique fragrance and flavor with the world.
As a teacher, I have said to children - and adults - imagine the song HAPPY BIRTHDAY being sung to you. You can imagine your mother, father, friends - all people sing it in their own voice. Each voice matters. The more the merrier!
Enjoy and remember - I am available to assist musicians in both understanding the music I write and in cultivating personal expression.
Let your light shine.
BRIGHTLY
Kathryn J. Potter
February 2, 2021