A New Account of the Blue Danube Waltzes, composed and performed by The Anderson & Roe Piano Duo.
***1*** I’m an artist bent on on altering the perception of classical music. I am convinced that the music I love can be a relevant force in society - it can offer a powerful statement about the world in which we live and it can change our lives.
***3*** I’m a duo pianist - visit the Anderson & Roe piano duo website at www.andersonroe.net
***4*** I’m a composer - I recently premiered my very own "Star Wars Fantasy: Four Impressions for Two Pianos" at Alice Tully Hall in NYC. In composing the 15-minute work, I began with a number of familiar tunes from the movies and departed into my own, unexpected musical landscape. You can hear clips at www.andersonroe.net. I also compose for The 5 Browns (www.the5browns.com); four of my compositions and arrangements appear on their latest CD, "Browns in Blue."
***5*** I’m a writer - my book-in-progress presently fills more than 300 pages. It’s about piano recital programming; specifically, it’s about the transformation of recital programs over the past 200 years, and about ways in which the presentation of music can make a statement, link history, and illuminate beauty through design. The book is my fervent vision for the future of classical music.
***6*** I was the "Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire" Intern on MTV’s Total Request Live - Following a random sequence of events, I found myself on the sets of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," meeting the cast, serving as Assistant Director, and working in the Art, Costumes, Visual Effects, Animals, Props, and Set departments .... all the while being followed by MTV cameras. Clips from my trips aired in 2004 and 2005.
***7*** I’ve acted on Broadway! - I played the role of Vernon Duke in the Broadway musical "Misia," composed by the 1930s and 40s songwriter Vernon Duke. Our troupe presented the show to producers and sponsors at the Playwright Horizons in New York City last year.
***8*** I’m a loyal friend and intensely passionate about (just about) everything with which I associate myself!
The Anderson & Roe Piano Duo perform their own arrangement of Astor Piazzolla’s Libertango.
Buy the Anderson & Roe Debut Album, "Reimagine," from CD Baby
It is with tremendous sadness that I have to report that on 26 May 2008, my partner of 29 years, Stephen Wade, passed away following two massive brain attacks (Strokes) which killed off 70% of the remaining "Good" side of his brain.
I wanted you to know that although unable to talk, he SOooo enjoyed your DVD piano duet performance of LIBERTANGO with Elizabeth Joy Roe, that he has been showing it to everyone who came into our flat to visit, Carers, Neighbours, friends.
You brought real joy and laughter into the last weeks of his life with your filmed 'Tongue in cheek, sexy, passionate, Tango performance!'
With your permission I should like to play it at his funeral.
Don't delete him from your friends list just yet as I intend to release his incredibly moving, half hour long, "Sept 11" Symphonic Tone poem which he recorded using 103 instrument sound samples. I'll be renaming it "One Man's Tribute" I'll let you know when we finish mastering it and have it's web site ready. I want to use it as a charity fund raiser.
Just to let you know that I am so delighted to have your latest CD and DVD Anderson & Roe Piano Duo.
I have just been watching your DVD which is absolutely marvelous. Its so original, well directed, sexy and amusing. A real masterpiece. Your CD is also quite remarkable.
My congratulation to you both. i certainly treasure your work.
Best regards Sandy Williams, Secretary on behalf of Stephen Wade
Hi Greg! I am sorry adding you in that way :) As I've started with piano duo, one day I just went on youtube.com page and was trying to find some special piece to play... & I saw your LIBERTANGO.... after that I couldnt sleep well for a couple of weeks (hehe), I just HAD to watch this video and listen of course at least once a day :D AMAIZING! Just wanted to say thank you for giving so much inspiration :) Blesses and respects, Anna.
Have just watched the Andersen and Roe performance of the Blue Danube Waltzes. Its fantastic, so innovative, entertaining and charming. Very well done to both of you.
Enjoyed your Harry Potter series of photos too.
Looking forward to your next trick!
Best regards
Sandy Williams on behalf of Stephen Wade
Because you're my fellow classical fan, I know that your reaction to my blog titled "Is that even possible?", which explains why I'm a big fan of classical who doesn't know much about rock, will be different from that of other visitors. But I'm still interested in hearing it!
my friend, what extraordinary playing!! soo beautiful...and the video clips, every time I watch them I am filled with such gladness. keep up the great work!
I love the Libertango duet video -- fantastic work, both of you! Such intensity, I can only imagine what it would be like to witness it live.
Just like to say I really like your interpretations, and most especially your technique of fluidly singing out lines over strict accompaniment rhythm. One particular example of this is in the beginning of the Libertango. I've studied it for quite some time and I have yet to obtain such a technique. I think it has something to do with the placing of the melody over the accompaniment, setting some notes further back whilst bringing others forward. It seems to me that a perfect technique in this respect would be the ability to leave the accompanying hand to do it's work and subconsciously keep it to a strict tempo, whilst focusing all of one's attention on the melody, listening to the beat of the accompaniment almost as if someone else is playing it. Might I be right?
Anyway, I hope you are having fun, and if you ever visit England again and you are in the Oxfordshire region, you would be more than welcome to come play on our Fazioli grand in our recital hall. In fact, it would be an honour! It has such a wonderful tone, and a huge colour pallete. Chopin sounds simply divine coming from such a piano, and of course from a divine pianist. Somehow I don't think Chopin would sound so divine being played by my cat, if he can play Chopin at all! :D
Henrah
