Some say Mahler is an acquired taste
but I took to his music immediately
when I was introduced to it.
Although he wrote in a Post-Romantic style, in many ways he was the first truly 20th Century composer.
A few words used to describe Mahler in Harold Schonberg's "The Lives of the Great Composers":
eternal questing
seeking and searching
inability to come to terms with society
guilt complex
doubt and anxieties
an "obsessive neurotic"
a psychic weakling
a sentimentalist
austere
despotic
querulous
arrogant
a "manic depressive"
In other words, the first 20th Century Schizoid Man.
"Only when I experience do I compose -
only when I compose do I experience."
- Gustav Mahler
The Los Angeles Philharmonic, under the direction of their 30-year old conductor Gustavo Dudamel, is performing "The Mahler Project", all 9 symphonies (plus the Adagio from the 10th) in a three-week time span.
I, of course, have to go.
I will bask in 7 symphonies in the course of the next 14 days, including the rarely performed Symphony #8 which asks for an orchestra and chorus of 1000 performers.
Over the years this overwhelming amount of music
has spoken to my heart
led me into marriage
and charted points in my mental joy and anguish.
Mahler died at the age of 51 in 1911.
His last completed score (Symphony #10: Adagio) was completed in 1910.
His music, and his life, bridges the Millennium.
Two years later, Schoenberg performed "Pierrot Lunaire".
Three years later, Stravinsky performed "The Rite of Spring".
Mahler's symphonies certainly led the way, consciously or unconsciously, for these composers.
Mahler was a crazy diamond.
I look forward to spending time studying the facets,
watching them shine.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Happy Holidays From George Kahn
Happy Holidays! Please enjoy this video of my conducting debut with the Santa Monica High School Symphony, playing "Sleigh Ride" by Leroy Anderson
Monday, November 21, 2011
Join me at the Holiday Party of the Season December 14
Once a year I put on this special Jazz Holiday Party to raise money for the homeless in Los Angeles. We have so much compared to others, and it is time to share a little with those less fortunate.
PATH Ventures is building housing for the previously homeless in Los Angeles. We get together and play great jazz and blues. No long speeches. Just a night of great music at the Premiere Jazz Club in Hollywood, CA, The Catalina Jazz Club (see below for more details!)
This year I could really use your help.
- come out for the show! Tickets start at $25. (see details below)
- spread the word by forwarding this announcement to others that might enjoy the evening!
- think about having your corporation sponsor a table at the event by calling Elisabeth Walker at 323-644-2209
- post a flyer at your office (I have real pretty ones I can mail to you, if you want – just let me know)
- if you can’t make the show, please consider making a donation to PATH Ventures by calling Elisabeth Walker at 323-644-2209
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
George Kahn To Be Featured Guest Artist At The Catalina Jazz Club 25th Anniversary Concert Monday Evening, October 17
On Monday evening, October 17, the Catalina Jazz Club will host their 25th Anniversary Bash, benefiting the California Jazz Foundation. The evening will be under the musical direction of Grammy-nominated jazz artist John Beasley, and will feature Jazz pianist, George Kahn and his group.
The event will be an all-star evening of Jazz,
featuring a long list of renowned players
that have performed at the
Catalina Jazz Club over the years.
Doors open at 7 PM and music begins at 8 PM.
George Kahn has a long history of performing at Catalina, beginning in 1998. Catalina Bar & Grill has certainly lived up to its slogan "Nothing But The Best In Jazz" by presenting a veritable ‘Who's Who’ of Jazz legends. The tentative list of performers for the 25th Anniversary bash include (in alphabetical order) John Beasley, David Benoit, Brian Bromberg, Stanley Clarke, Ndugo Chancler, Peter Erskine, George Kahn, Lainie Kazan, Mike Lange, Hubert Laws, Barbara Morrison, Lee Ritenour, Tierney Sutton, and members of The Yellow Jackets.
The California Jazz Foundation will be the beneficiary of all proceeds from the door at this event as well as a silent auction filled with wonderful items. The Foundation is a charitable, nonprofit organization created to aid and assist California Jazz musicians with financial or medical crisis. Established in 2006, The Foundation was formed to fulfill an unmet critical need to help these talented artists who have given us so much pleasure over the years –
Suggested minimum donation for this event is $25, and the proceeds go to The California Jazz Foundation .
Catalina Jazz Club is located at 6725 West Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood California 90028
Phone: (323) 466-2210 for reservations
(One block EAST of Highland Ave.)
info@californiajazzfoundation.org
The event will be an all-star evening of Jazz,
featuring a long list of renowned players
that have performed at the
Catalina Jazz Club over the years.
Doors open at 7 PM and music begins at 8 PM.
George Kahn has a long history of performing at Catalina, beginning in 1998. Catalina Bar & Grill has certainly lived up to its slogan "Nothing But The Best In Jazz" by presenting a veritable ‘Who's Who’ of Jazz legends. The tentative list of performers for the 25th Anniversary bash include (in alphabetical order) John Beasley, David Benoit, Brian Bromberg, Stanley Clarke, Ndugo Chancler, Peter Erskine, George Kahn, Lainie Kazan, Mike Lange, Hubert Laws, Barbara Morrison, Lee Ritenour, Tierney Sutton, and members of The Yellow Jackets.
The California Jazz Foundation will be the beneficiary of all proceeds from the door at this event as well as a silent auction filled with wonderful items. The Foundation is a charitable, nonprofit organization created to aid and assist California Jazz musicians with financial or medical crisis. Established in 2006, The Foundation was formed to fulfill an unmet critical need to help these talented artists who have given us so much pleasure over the years –
Suggested minimum donation for this event is $25, and the proceeds go to The California Jazz Foundation .
Catalina Jazz Club is located at 6725 West Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood California 90028
Phone: (323) 466-2210 for reservations
(One block EAST of Highland Ave.)
info@californiajazzfoundation.org
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Japan Relief Concert - Walt Disney Concert Hall Father’s Day, June 19th, 2011 at 7:00pm
There is a wonderful concert taking place this Sunday (Father’s Day) June 19th:
Guido Lamell, a member of the LA Phil, has organized a benefit concert for Japan Relief at Disney Hall with a performance of Beethoven’s 9th. The orchestra and choir will consist of many of the best musicians in Los Angeles. As a special treat, my wife Diana Zaslove Kahn will be in the choir, and my son, Evan Kahn will be playing cello in the orchestra!
When you are done with your Father’s Day BBQ, please come join us downtown at Disney Hall. Tickets are available from TicketMaster, or at the Disney Hall Box Office (and yes, you will be able to buy tickets the night of the performance at the door)
Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall Father’s Day, June 19th, 2011 at 7:00pm
Beethoven’s 9th Symphony and Chorale Finale Sing-Along
Performed by the
L.A. Musicians Symphony and Chorus
Music Director and Conductor
Guido Lamell
featuring musicians from Los Angeles’ finest orchestras and choirs including: L.A. Philharmonic, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, LA Master Chorale, Los Robles Master Chorale, Pasadena Symphony, New West Symphony, USC, UCLA, Colburn School, Santa Monica High School and more.
Event and ticket information
www.Beethoven9forJapan.org
Ticket proceeds are tax deductible in part and will be distributed for the benefit of Japan Earthquake Relief and Rebuilding efforts through the
U.S. Japan Council Earthquake Relief Fund
Tickets: $30 - $140 available through Disney Hall Box Office (in person) and Ticketmaster (online and phone)
Guido Lamell, a member of the LA Phil, has organized a benefit concert for Japan Relief at Disney Hall with a performance of Beethoven’s 9th. The orchestra and choir will consist of many of the best musicians in Los Angeles. As a special treat, my wife Diana Zaslove Kahn will be in the choir, and my son, Evan Kahn will be playing cello in the orchestra!
When you are done with your Father’s Day BBQ, please come join us downtown at Disney Hall. Tickets are available from TicketMaster, or at the Disney Hall Box Office (and yes, you will be able to buy tickets the night of the performance at the door)
Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall Father’s Day, June 19th, 2011 at 7:00pm
Beethoven’s 9th Symphony and Chorale Finale Sing-Along
Performed by the
L.A. Musicians Symphony and Chorus
Music Director and Conductor
Guido Lamell
featuring musicians from Los Angeles’ finest orchestras and choirs including: L.A. Philharmonic, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, LA Master Chorale, Los Robles Master Chorale, Pasadena Symphony, New West Symphony, USC, UCLA, Colburn School, Santa Monica High School and more.
Event and ticket information
www.Beethoven9forJapan.org
Ticket proceeds are tax deductible in part and will be distributed for the benefit of Japan Earthquake Relief and Rebuilding efforts through the
U.S. Japan Council Earthquake Relief Fund
Tickets: $30 - $140 available through Disney Hall Box Office (in person) and Ticketmaster (online and phone)
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Many Musical Events
Please join me for some or all of these wonderful musical events:
1. The George Kahn Quintet, featuring George Kahn on piano, returns to the Culver Club in Culver City for an exciting night of West Coast Jazz on Friday, May 20th, 2011. The evening will feature music from George’s most recent highly regarded album, Secrets From The Jazz Ghetto, as well as a very special tribute to the great Horace Silver. Accompanying George Kahn will be: Larry Klimas on sax, John Fumo on trumpet, Karl Vincent on bass and M. B. Gordy on drums. The Culver Club is located in the Doubletree Hotel (FKA the Radisson Hotel)
Friday, May 20, 2011
1st show @ 7:30 PM / 2nd show @ 9:30 PM
6161 West Centinela Ave., Culver City, CA 90239
Reservation a must! call: 310-649-1776
For more info: http://www.in-housemusic.com/radisson_calendar.htm
$10 Cover Charge for the show
(The Culver Club charges a $15.00 min per person for drink or food)
(A 15% food and beverage discount is offered to Members of the LA Jazz Society and CA Jazz Foundation.)
Free validated parking with the show and all ages are welcome!
2. A special afternoon “Jazz Brunch” for lovers of both Big Band and Small Group Jazz will be presented at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood on Sunday, June 12 from Noon – 3:00 PM. George Kahn and his trio open the show, followed by the award-winning SaMoHi Jazz Band under the direction of Tom Whaley. Earlier this year, the Santa Monica High School Jazz big band and combo competed in the 43rd Annual Berklee College of Music High School Jazz Festival, the largest high school jazz festival in the world, at Hynes Auditorium in Boston. With 300 band competing, Samohi ended the 13-hour day triumphantly, sweeping the top awards at the festival: first place in the highest division: Division 1- Big Band and Division 1- Jazz Combo. Here are the details:
Sunday, June 12th 2011
Doors open at 11:30 AM – Music starts at 12:00 Noon
At the Catalina Jazz Club
6725 W. Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA
(one block East of Highland, park on No. McCadden Place)
Reservations a MUST! Call: (323) 466-2210
For more info: http://www.catalinajazzclub.com/
$15 COVER ($10 FOR STUDENTS), plus minimum food/drink - ALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE SANTA MONICA HIGH JAZZ PROGRAM
3. Courtney Lemmon, George Kahn and Eric Sittner continue to “work it out” at WEST Restaurant at the Hotel Angeleno. This residency, which started in February, has now moved to Fridays, as well as a special Mother’s Day Brunch on May 8. The upcoming dates are: Friday May 13 and 27 from 8 – 11 PM. No cover, no minimum except for Mother’s Day Brunch, where you should call the hotel for details.
Hotel Angeleno is that “round hotel” at the corner of Sunset Blvd and the 405 freeway. Yes, it used to be a Holiday Inn. Now it is a very hip space with a great view of the city. No cover, no minimum-
Take a break from the traffic and stop in for a drink or a bite to eat.
West at the Hotel Angeleno
170 N. Church Lane, Penthouse Level, 17th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90049
P: 310.598.7859
http://urlwww--westatangeleno--com.rtrk.com
1. The George Kahn Quintet, featuring George Kahn on piano, returns to the Culver Club in Culver City for an exciting night of West Coast Jazz on Friday, May 20th, 2011. The evening will feature music from George’s most recent highly regarded album, Secrets From The Jazz Ghetto, as well as a very special tribute to the great Horace Silver. Accompanying George Kahn will be: Larry Klimas on sax, John Fumo on trumpet, Karl Vincent on bass and M. B. Gordy on drums. The Culver Club is located in the Doubletree Hotel (FKA the Radisson Hotel)
Friday, May 20, 2011
1st show @ 7:30 PM / 2nd show @ 9:30 PM
6161 West Centinela Ave., Culver City, CA 90239
Reservation a must! call: 310-649-1776
For more info: http://www.in-housemusic.com/radisson_calendar.htm
$10 Cover Charge for the show
(The Culver Club charges a $15.00 min per person for drink or food)
(A 15% food and beverage discount is offered to Members of the LA Jazz Society and CA Jazz Foundation.)
Free validated parking with the show and all ages are welcome!
2. A special afternoon “Jazz Brunch” for lovers of both Big Band and Small Group Jazz will be presented at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood on Sunday, June 12 from Noon – 3:00 PM. George Kahn and his trio open the show, followed by the award-winning SaMoHi Jazz Band under the direction of Tom Whaley. Earlier this year, the Santa Monica High School Jazz big band and combo competed in the 43rd Annual Berklee College of Music High School Jazz Festival, the largest high school jazz festival in the world, at Hynes Auditorium in Boston. With 300 band competing, Samohi ended the 13-hour day triumphantly, sweeping the top awards at the festival: first place in the highest division: Division 1- Big Band and Division 1- Jazz Combo. Here are the details:
Sunday, June 12th 2011
Doors open at 11:30 AM – Music starts at 12:00 Noon
At the Catalina Jazz Club
6725 W. Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA
(one block East of Highland, park on No. McCadden Place)
Reservations a MUST! Call: (323) 466-2210
For more info: http://www.catalinajazzclub.com/
$15 COVER ($10 FOR STUDENTS), plus minimum food/drink - ALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE SANTA MONICA HIGH JAZZ PROGRAM
3. Courtney Lemmon, George Kahn and Eric Sittner continue to “work it out” at WEST Restaurant at the Hotel Angeleno. This residency, which started in February, has now moved to Fridays, as well as a special Mother’s Day Brunch on May 8. The upcoming dates are: Friday May 13 and 27 from 8 – 11 PM. No cover, no minimum except for Mother’s Day Brunch, where you should call the hotel for details.
Hotel Angeleno is that “round hotel” at the corner of Sunset Blvd and the 405 freeway. Yes, it used to be a Holiday Inn. Now it is a very hip space with a great view of the city. No cover, no minimum-
Take a break from the traffic and stop in for a drink or a bite to eat.
West at the Hotel Angeleno
170 N. Church Lane, Penthouse Level, 17th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90049
P: 310.598.7859
http://urlwww--westatangeleno--com.rtrk.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)