WHAT'S ON YOUR IPOD? BWW Talks to Pianist Jeffrey Biegel

WHAT'S ON YOUR iPOD?

BWW Classical Talks to Pianist Jeffrey Biegel.

Jeffrey Biegel is not your run-of-the-mill classical pianist. Yes, he has performed with major symphony orchestras in most of the world's great concert hall, yes, he has amassed an astoundingly impressive portfolio of recordings, and yes, he possesses technical virtuosity of seemingly, other-worldly caliber, but the versatile virtuoso is also just about the most eclectic musician on the planet today - not merely within the classical realm. Whether he's performing the Piano Concerto No. 1, by rock legend Keith Emerson (of Emerson, Lake and Palmer fame) or the charming "Manhattan Intermezzo" by pop-rock icon Neil Sedaka, or a symphony of the music of The Monkees (with Peter Tork) Biegel brings the same extraordinary level of artistry, intensity and commitment to every performance and every work.

His big news on the classical side is the formation of a new classical "super-trio" with New York Philharmonic Concertmaster Glenn Dicterow and cellist Robert DeMaine. Their debut performances are scheduled for early 2015. Biegel's new CD, "Life According to Chopin," is a fresh look at some of the composer's great waltzes, nocturnes and mazurkas -given that special Biegel touch.

BWW Classical is thrilled that Mr. Biegel took time from his busy schedule to sit down and share with us some of the music that is currently inspiring him.

http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/album.jsp?album_id=1353203

Fine pianist, Stewart Goodyear--a favorite of mine--in his new concerti release of Tchaikovsky 1 and Grieg--looking forward to this!!!

http://www.naxos.com/catalogue/item.asp?item_code=8.559723

Kenneth Fuchs--always delivers wonderful recordings with the London Symphony--his "Discover the Wild" in particular, is an enthralling and exciting piece, full of American landscape.

http://www.amazon.com/Real-Neil-Sedaka/dp/B008RZHB3Y

Neil Sedaka--in an acoustic recording for voice and piano--up close and personal; I particularly love 'Beginning to Breathe Again'.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Truth-About-Love-nk/dp/B008J34466/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1400884813&sr=8-2&keywords=just+give+me+a+reason+pink

Pink--the main attraction is "Just Give Me A Reason"--why? Because I like songs that remind me a bit of songs I grew up with--sensitive harmonies, songful melodies and clear recorded textures without too much boom, and just enough balance.

http://www.naxos.com/catalogue/item.asp?item_code=NBD0034

Leonard Slatkin conducting the Orchestre National de Lyon. I love the music by Ravel--and to listen to the orchestrated versions add to the colors and sonorities I love about this music; who better than this orchestra in France to bring it to us?

BWW Classical thanks Jeffrey Biegel for stopping by and telling us what's on his iPod.

Mr, Biegel will be performing Neil Sedaka's "Manhattan Intermezzo" with Ocean City Pops in NJ on June 29; "Rhapsody in Blue" with the Pacific Symphony in California on July 20; Beethoven's "Choral Fantasy" with the Colorado Symphony in September. He will be recording a new CD "Gershwin'Ellington'Emerson'Sedaka" this Fall and performing at the Emerson Birthday Concert October 10/11 with South Shore Symphony at Molloy College, Long Island, NY.

For more information about Mr. Biegel's upcoming projects and performances, please visit: www.jeffreybiegel.com

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