The Good Musician

It’s been a little over ten years since Margaret Hillis, the indomitable conductor of the Chicago Symphony Chorus, passed away. I met her at a Chorus America convention in the late 80’s, and was suitably awestruck. She had complete control over her chorus, and more, the CSO as well. My mom attended a performance of the Beethoven Ninth Symphony, and Sir George Szolti was the director at that time. Sir G was taken ill, and Ms. Hillis filled in with only a few moments notice. Mom said it sounded just as good, if not better, than the Szolti version. Hillis …read more

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James and Gus photo by John Katz. Used with Gus’ permission.
The Good Musician interview with Dallas-based composer and sound designer, James Neel, principal of James Neel Music House. James is the very definition of “a musician’s musician.” And he’s been doing it for a long time. Maybe this interview will stir up some of the old gang to comment, hint, hint.
1. Who is your greatest unsung influence (as opposed to favorite famous composer/performer)?
Richard King Hamilton – now living in Los Angeles (incredible musician – all world). When I was a junior in high school, he showed me …read more

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My daughter never had a chance. Her mom was a musician before she was born. By the time I was six months pregnant, I found I couldn’t get a deep enough breath to execute a Bach sonata line. And if you’re crazy enough to attempt a Bach melodic line, you prepare by ramping up your cardiovascular, as much as the technique and phrasing. Takes beaucoup breath support.
By the time she was a year and a half, I was processing into Sonoma State University, taking a two year senior year, and she was with me a good bit of the …read more

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