The Tristan Chord, the beginning of modernist atonal music. Here the wonderful Stefan Mickisch explains the Tristan Chord to Stephen Fry.
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It is Bayreuth opera time again and if you are one of the fortunate ones going and Mickisch is presenting his 'play and tell' shows, be sure to go along. I have heard lots of people explaining Wagner, some with great musical abilities, but Mickisch outshines them all. He is competent, amusing and humble. A true musician. In 2006 I drew Mickisch as he talked - portrait below the video.
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Stefan Mickisch plays and explains |
Portrait of Stefan Mickisch
In 2006 I attended a seminar given by Stefan Mickisch in Bayreuth. I drew
several small portraits as he spoke and showed him afterwards. He asked me if he should sign one and, after a little hesitation (remembering the Helen Clark portrait) I said
'Well yes, why not'. I value this little picture, painted as Mickisch
played. It reminds me what a nice (and very erudite) person I
had the honour of listening to.