Monthly Archives: May 2009

Brian Satterwhite – a man of many talents

Brian Satterwhite

Brian Satterwhite

If you’re a fan of Film Score Focus then you might be aware that not only does host Brian Satterwhite have an encyclopedic knowledge of film scores but he is an accomplished film composer as well. In fact, Brian has been composing for over a decade now and recently wrote compositions for the SXSW hit Artois the Goat.

Portions of the score from Artois the Goat were recorded in KMFA’s Studio 2000 using the Steinway O piano.

Listen to selections from Artois the Goat as well as Cowboy Smoke, Ride Around the World, and other scores Brian has written by visiting his ReverbNation page. http://www.reverbnation.com/briansatterwhite

And if you like what you hear, drop Brian a line at bmsatter@nuancemusic.com.

Film Score Focus can be heard Saturday mornings on KMFA at 10.

Judy Watts, Development Coordinator

The Soloist: a Classical Summer Blockbuster Pick

The Soloist features the real life story of homeless, talented musician Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Foxx) and Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.) the LA Times author who finds him admiring a Beethoven statue in a park one fated day.  As Steve gets deeper and deeper into writing his story he also delves deeper and deeper into the homeless and mentally impaired world of Nathaniel Ayers.  Over 90,000 people are currently homeless in Greater LA and the Director Joe Wright does not hesitate to show an unflinching and often Purgatory-like view of their rough lifestyle.Jamie_Foxx_in_The_Soloist_Wallpaper_7_800

It’s difficult to pinpoint one reason why I really enjoyed watching this film.  I can tell you, however, that the combination of great acting especially by Foxx who never drops out of character, the images, and recurring Beethoven music – make this a poignant and touching film.

One of the themes in the movie touches on the healing powers of music, something many KMFA listeners comment on during the membership drives.  In one scene of the film, Ayers plays his cello to a group of homeless people who sit stunned and awed.  In all of their chaotic lives, this moment of calmness is a refuge from the rigors of living on the streets and it’s palpable.  

It’s not an obvious summer blockbuster flick with no doomsday events, aliens, or time travel, but it is a real story about a real musician.  If you enjoyed movies like The Red Violin, Shine, and Amadeus, then this is a must see.

Catch The Soloist at The Alamo Drafthouse.

Judy Watts, Development Coordinator

In celebration of Brahm’s birthday

Bion Tsang and Anton Nel

Bion Tsang and Anton Nel

Austin’s own Bion Tsang, cellist and Anton Nel, pianist celebrated Brahms’ birthday with a first-of-its-kind performance of Johannes Brahms four Hungarian Dances.  Usually listeners will recognize the violin as the focal instrument, however, Bion Tsang transcribed the classic work to cello.

We’re certain if Brahms were around today he would be delighted to hear this new version of Hungarian Dances.

Happy Birthday, Johannes Brahms!
Judy Watts, Development Coordinator

Accolades for Dan Welcher’s Symphony No. 5

First impressions upon hearing Dan Welcher’s Symphony No. 5 performed by the Austin Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Peter Bay:

How nice to meet you: What a treat it was to hear Dan Welcher’s much anticipated, brand new Symphony no. 5; it had kaleidoscopic color for the ears. I especially enjoyed Welcher’s lovely use of percussion and wind instruments. He added just the right dash of dissonance, to keep things spicy but never so much as to alienate his audience. There were even echoes of Austin in the work….were those bats I heard? The piece was engaging and the final movement was satisfying, as it recalled some themes from earlier in the symphony. Isn’t it nice to say, “I was there”?

Dianne Donovan
one pair of ears