Michael Gordon's "Accidental Music Lesson" in the New York Times
Gotham - mvt 1, excerpt from Bill Morrison on Vimeo . Excerpt from “Gotham”: film by Bill Morrison, music by Michael Gordon. Composer Michael Gordon has an inspiring piece on art, family, home, and music in today's online New York Times: Once, at my last piano lesson before heading off for vacation, I asked Mrs. Kutzen what her plans were for the summer. Her reply: “Michael, musicians don’t take vacations.” I filed this line away in a special part of my brain, an informal collection of “accidental music lessons.” My interpretation of Mrs. Kutzen’s words has changed through the years, like a Talmudic discourse that is argued from different points of view: 1. Musicians just don’t ever feel quite right going an extended period of time without playing their instrument. 2. Music isn’t a job that you punch in and out of. It’s an obsession, a calling and your purpose in life. 3. Musicians don’t make a lot of money and you’re not going to be able to afford a vacation anyway. -January 25,...