Episode 62 - Why are we playing?

🎙 Episode 62 – Why Are We Playing?

G’day and welcome back to Piano, Finally. This week included two very different performances: Circa and the Art of the Fugue at City Recital Hall, and Radio Luxembourg at The Joan in Penrith. Both highlighted the power of live music, from Bach’s intricate counterpoint to the raw energy of 1960s rock and pop.

🎭 Performance Reviews

• Circa and the Art of the Fugue combined the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra with contemporary circus from Circa. Historically informed Baroque met modern dance—plus some spectacular floor rolling. A unique experience worth catching in Melbourne. More info
• Radio Luxembourg featured John Waters, Stewart D’Arrietta and the Chartbusters. It’s a trip through the British invasion, with music from The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, The Troggs and more. Great fun and beautifully played. Radio Luxembourg Live

📝 Essay – Why Are We Playing?
Both concerts raised a bigger question: why do we play music? The Brandenburg players acted as messengers for Bach’s intent, while the rock band communicated their personal connection to the songs. For amateurs like me, the “why” often comes down to enjoyment. We practise, persevere, and share music not for a paycheque, but for the joy of saying, this piece means something to me, and I want to share it with you.

🎹 Gear Review – Adam D3V Monitor Speakers & K&M 18807 Holders
Thanks to a video by DSoundman, I’ve upgraded the Nord Stage 4 setup with Adam D3V speakers mounted on K&M 18807 holders. The sound is a huge improvement, and the speakers sit right where they should—making practice far more enjoyable.

🎼 Progress
This week I’ve circled back to four older pieces: Spindler’s Canon, Türk’s Bagatelle in F, and Andrew Craggs’s Afternoon Snooze and Blackout Blues. All recorded on the Kawai NV10 through Pianoteq 8 on Cubase, emulating the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX grand.

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