UCLA Lecture by Mark O'Connor on American Classical Music

[@markoconnor]

"Hands-down, the best lecture on American music that I have ever seen." -Michael Paull

[@Jeremy-yr8yg]

Awesome!!

[@bsdml]

Hands-down, the best lecture on American music that I have ever seen.

[@itsthecoast]

Wonderful lecture and beautiful performance. Thanks to Mark O'Connor and UCLA for making this available on youtube.

[@markoconnor]

I just made it out of the recording studio. "Beaumont Rag" "Minor Swing" "Take Five" and "I'll Fly Away" are all down on tape today. Matt Munisteri was amazing on the old L5 Gibson circa 1927. Made one year before "Beaumont Rag" was first recorded by the Samuel Peacock and his Texas string band, the Smith’s Garage Fiddle Band consisting of his brothers Charlie and John. It was just a classic all around day of recording. Dan Nimmer, the piano playing prodigy who plays with Wynton Marsalis all the time... was tremendous on "Take Five." We laid down a swingin' groove on it in 5/4 meter. I am really excited by what we got... On "I'll Fly Away" I even sang the refrain while I played altered chords behind it to demonstrate re harmonization of a melody to students - and learning to perform and think two things at once in music. I couldn't quite reach the low note with my voice, but it probably will be charming just the way it is! What an amazing time in NYC for the last few days. The studios are just walking distance from me. The American music in Book IV is just huge. This will be yet another game changer for the American violin I believe... Worked on it long and hard. The material is there and the effort is there. American string playing will finally take its rightful place in the classical canon - soon. Listen to this comprehensive lecture I gave to UCLA on American music... Dr. Robert Winter set it up for me to do and produced it... This all is slowly but surely getting the attention of the high ups... We are almost there!

[@docwallacemusic]

Good stuff, Mark! "We're almost there."

[@fatherjohndamico]

Thank you, Maestro, for an inspiring and very moving lecture on our American music.

[@TheLouise24]

Mark, I saw you at Merelefest (which is held about 12 miles from my home) performing a bluegrass jam with Sam Bush, Tony Rice, and Jerry Douglas. What a treat: all of you fine musicians on one stage. Thank you not only for your outstanding fiddle playing but also your violin performances. You have added so very much to the music history of this country with your performances and with your lectures. And, also, thank you for posting these wonderful videos. You are an American treasure!

[@Sibirjachka1]

Thanks a lot,Mark!!!! I like very much your performance!!!! My admiration your Job!!!!Respect!!!! Warm greetings fromRussia

[@frankholly1095]

This is why Mark O'Connor is my hero.

[@Aljazhhh]

Nice !

[@292EDboynton]

Thanks for sharing- I wish your Christmas show wasn't sold out