DESCRIPTION:
Video advertisement for "Beginner's Ear," a Recital Webcast available @
www.ianhowellcountertenor.com


"My goal," Mr. Howell writes, "is to engage my audience in an experiment of listening to old and new music with equally fresh ears.

Zen Buddhists speak of 'beginner's mind' as the best point of departure for a meditative experience. This program creatively juxtaposes styles, texts, and musical colors. Apparently dissimilar songs segue effortlessly into one another. In addition, the somewhat abstract printed program guides the audience, creating an experience that encourages neither reading while listening nor listening without understanding.

In this confusing space, everything is fresh, and everything is new. Disarmed by the unusual context, we may glimpse what is inherently human about both old and new music, and see why it is so relevant to our lives."

Music by Purcell, Kodály, Dowland, Cavalli, Barnson, Falla, Honegger, and others.
Assisted by Brad Hall-piano, and Karl Wohlwend-guitar.