Dec

Jonathan Tessero’s Hunt to Know the (Musical) Score

by Janine Boylan on December 16, 2013

A butterfly on a musical score, symbolizing Jonathan Tessero's life passion for music and his search for Offenbach's original music to the ballet, Le papillon. (Image © Anna Maria Thor / iStock)

Where was the original musical score for the ballet Le papillon?
© Anna Maria Thor / iStock

A Life Passion for Music, A Love of Ballet

When conductor Jonathan Tessero heard a recording of Jacques Offenbach’s single ballet Le papillon (The Butterfly), he fell in love with it. He wanted to know how Offenbach could direct stringed instruments to perfectly mimic butterflies. So Tessero went looking for the original score.

He found plenty of information about the composer, the history of the performances, the story line. He found audio recordings and videos of parts of the choreography. He found the modern adaptation John Lanchbery did for the Houston Ballet. Read more...

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Discoveries/On the World Stage/The World's Music

Dec

Aha Moment Maker: Word Magic

by Your friends at OIC on December 14, 2013

ANCIENT ROME—Today, “abracadabra” is a word we instantly recognize and associate with magicians and magic tricks. However, the history of this unique word is as much medical, as it is magical.

The first recorded use of he word “abracadabra” was in a Latin medical poem by the Roman physician Quintus Serenus Sammonicus in the 2nd Century AD. His prescription for those with malaria or fever was to wear an amulet around their neck with “abracadabra” written in the form of a triangle. The contention was that this “formula” would funnel the sickness out of the body. Read more...

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Your Own Aha Moments

Dec

1 Sketchbook + 2 Artists = The Art of Sharing

by Meredith Mullins on December 12, 2013

Dragon lady, creative expression from Mica and Myla Hendricks showing the art of sharing and collaboration (Drawing © Mica and Myla Hendricks)

Creative Expression from a Dynamic Duo

“If you can’t share, we might have to take it away from you.”

These are words of wisdom that many parents use to teach youngsters the fine art of sharing.

However, in this story, the wisdom came from an unexpected source. The insight was offered by a 4-year-old.

The young artist—Myla—was eyeing her mother’s new sketchbook, with its rich inviting paper, perfect for inspiring colorful drawings.

“Can I draw in it too, Mama?” Myla was getting excited.

Artist mom Mica Hendricks was enjoying the new treasure, sketching some of her signature faces (personalities that combined the best elements of movie stills, Maurice Sendak, and RJ Crumb). She wasn’t too interested in sharing.

“If you can’t share, we might have to take it away from you.” Her daughter’s tone was serious. The ultimate guilt trip. What was a mother to do?

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Monthly Archives: December 2013

Jonathan Tessero’s Hunt to Know the (Musical) Score

A Life Passion for Music, A Love of Ballet

Aha Moment Maker: Word Magic

1 Sketchbook + 2 Artists = The Art of Sharing

Creative Expression from a Dynamic Duo