Memories

The Incalculable Jimmy: James DePreist (1936-2013)

How does one measure a life upon passing? What is the formula for determining the value of existence? In this age of immediate, digital certainty, our popular culture gives us clear, perhaps misguided, factors – fame, wealth, power, achievement, conquest, glory. Saints and philosophers balance the equation with love, generosity, humility, service, integrity, wisdom. Poets…

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Solemn Autumn. Solemn Harvest.

There’s a wonderful work for Flute and Harp by the American composer George Rochberg called “The Slow Fires of Autumn.” I must admit I knew about it long before I heard it because the title conjured such strong associations for me: leaf piles, leisurely wood fires somewhere in the distance, cold weather and warm cider,…

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