Samuel Barber, "Nocturne", and John Browning, pianist

 Ah, the summer is fleeting, and so is the hope I had of finishing my preparations for a late summer recital!  My enthusiasm for the music I have been working on to perform for this recital has not at all dimmed, just been somewhat postponed!  In all honesty, I keep thinking of other material that would work well.  I  have decided to "let go" of one piece so that I may include another - the "Nocturne" for piano written by Samuel Barber, a composer whose music I have been particularly drawn to, especially his works for piano.  As I really dig into this piece, I have been doing some reading and listening, particularly to the late pianist John Browning.  Browning was quite connected to Samuel Barber, as Browning premiered some of Barber's piano music.  In 1962 Browning gave the premiere of Barber's Piano Concerto, which was written for him.  In 1993 Browning won a second Grammy award for his recording of many of Barber's solo piano works.  Browning's recording are, for me, a wonderful reference for study of Barber. Along similar lines, I was delighted to happen upon a wonderful youtube video of Browning talking about the "Russian school" of piano performance, especially discussing the teachings of Rosina Lhevinne, who for many years taught at Juilliard (she was a teacher of Louis Pollak, who I studied with for a time).  I have linked this video with Browning here, and I encourage you to watch and contemplate........many interesting ideas about piano performance I think you will enjoy.  Oh, and for those of you over the age of 21, Greg Anderson of the piano duo Anderson & Roe, is apparently quite a cocktail enthusiast!  Here is Greg's recipe called "The Barber Nocturne," which has among the ingredients bourbon and pumpkin puree for those of you who can't wait for the pumpkin latte season!  Play Barber responsibly!
THE BARBER NOCTURNEI created this autumnal drink while listening to the music of Samuel Barber — nostalgic, deep, earthy, sophisticated, melancholy, and distinctly American. Drink it while listening to his Violin Concerto, or his Cello Sonata, or his Essay, Op. 12… or if you dare, his famed Adagio for Strings. Or, simply enjoy it during the Thanksgiving season!
Although it features pumpkin puree, this drink is far from a dessert drink, being neither too sweet nor too spicy.

• 1 1/2 ounces bourbon
• 1 ounce pumpkin purée
• 1/2 ounce Grand Marnier
• 1/2 ounce brown sugar simple syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Add ingredients and ice to a cocktail shaker, shake, and strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with nutmeg if you're feeling fancy. Makes 1 drink.
Note: to make the brown sugar simple syrup, mix 2 parts brown sugar with 1 part water. Bring to a boil, then let cool before mixing it into the drink.
Note: 1/2 ounce = 1 tablespoon.