I just finished writing program notes for a performance of the Mozart “Requiem” –a performance that I have nothing to do with, besides writing the notes.

I love writing program notes and lecturing about works…..it’s fun to explain and tell the ‘back story’ of the piece. It’s a wonderful way to hook people on classical music and choral music. Composers are people and I hope I bring the humanity of their lives to my notes. I have a great time writing my own program notes because I know exactly what I want people to know.

When I am writing notes for other performing groups, I always worry I won’t get what the conductor wants known, across. It’s especially worrying for me when I am doing this for an orchestral organization, with someone else preparing the chorus. I worry I will not please the conductor or the chorus master…..it’s challenging!

Eventually, I get into the piece, go to my usual sources and then let it flow! I try to present the work in a nonthreatening way and make it appealing to our 21st century audience. The music comes alive with each performance and I want them to feel it living for them. I hope I have.