. . . just back from a day in Montreal, meeting some new students and hanging with Paul Merkelo, Russ DeVuyst, and Bob Gibson (great fun). Lots of posts to respond here and thanks to all that have responded so far.
TptMike,
Yes my choices changed. I change opinions more often than underwear.
Wilmer and Manny remember when I was a student at Juilliard and thought that I knew everything there was to know about music. Funny. . . I got older and learned that I was (buzzt!) wrong.
JackD,
Do you know the cellist Matt Haimovitz? (coincidentally also at McGill). Matt abandoned a career playing the war-horse concerti with the "A List" orchestras, recording with DG, etc., to play Bach cello Suites (and new music written by friends) in more intimate jazz club settings. Career suicide for some and a total smash for him. 'nuff said (bowing to an inspired choice).
Pat,
I didn't "get" Bitches Brew when it was released. Now I think that I do.
Wilmer,
Have you heard Messiaen's opera Saint Francis d'Assise? It almost bankrupted the San Francisco Opera two seasons ago, but what a score!
Bob,
Did you know that Steve Reich lives in White River Jct. Vermont? I'm in third place in the local musician pecking order after Steve and Bob Brookmeyer. I know. We share the same accountant.
Tromj,
Do you know any of the music of Ruth Crawford Seeger? (mother of Pete and a pioneer of American music). If not, you should, for Petessake...
bft,
I like trumpet music but love vocal music.
Shark,
The Berg Concerto makes my list too. No Australian composers? Schulthorp? (renaissance man)
Pibidy,
I didn't know that Glenn Gould played the trumpet too.
Oh.
Mark.
Nevermind.
Best,
EC (mediaeval man)