Deep Dive
Why did Errollyn Wallen choose Beethoven's Symphony No. 7, 4th Movement, as one of her desert island discs?
Errollyn Wallen chose Beethoven's Symphony No. 7, 4th Movement, because it was a recording she heard as a teenager that changed her life. She would play it repeatedly on a cassette player under her pillow at boarding school, and it had a profound impact on her, despite her peers listening to pop music.
Why did Errollyn Wallen's parents leave her and her siblings in London when they moved to New York?
Errollyn Wallen's parents moved to New York for better opportunities and planned to send for their children later. However, the plan never materialized, and Errollyn and her siblings were raised by their uncle and aunt in London.
Why did Errollyn Wallen's uncle and aunt have a significant impact on her upbringing and musical development?
Errollyn Wallen's uncle and aunt, Arthur and Rini, took on the role of primary caregivers after her parents moved to New York. They instilled a love of music, poetry, and culture in her, provided her with piano lessons, and supported her artistic interests, despite the challenges and tensions in their own relationship.
Why did Errollyn Wallen feel a deep connection to Ella Fitzgerald's performance of 'Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered'?
Errollyn Wallen considers Ella Fitzgerald a composer and feels that her performance of 'Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered' is beyond just singing. Fitzgerald's musicianship and the emotional depth of her performance deeply resonate with Errollyn, who sees her as a musical genius.
Why did Errollyn Wallen choose Stravinsky's 'The Firebird' as one of her desert island discs?
Errollyn Wallen chose Stravinsky's 'The Firebird' because it holds a personal memory of an embarrassing moment at the opera house. She and a friend climbed over seats to get to the correct row, and the opening of the piece now reminds her of that experience. She also admires Stravinsky's innovative use of acoustics and space in his compositions.
Why did Errollyn Wallen experience depression during her time at boarding school and what impact did it have on her?
Errollyn Wallen experienced a wave of depression during her time at boarding school, which led her to leave the school and return to her aunt and uncle's home. This decision was detrimental to her well-being, as she had no friends and was isolated, leading to a suicide attempt. She later found solace in dance and music, which helped her overcome her struggles.
Why did Errollyn Wallen choose Bach's 'Double Violin Concerto in D Minor' as one of her desert island discs?
Errollyn Wallen chose Bach's 'Double Violin Concerto in D Minor' because of its beautiful style and the full-fat vibrato played by Isaac Stern and Itzhak Perlman. She also found a personal connection when her own violin concerto was premiered by Michael Stern, the son of Isaac Stern, linking her to the tradition of classical music.
Why did Errollyn Wallen choose Stevie Wonder's 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)' as one of her desert island discs?
Errollyn Wallen chose Stevie Wonder's 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)' because it changed the quality of her driving experience from Inverness Airport to Strathy Point Lighthouse. She finds the song incredibly sexy and musically genius, and often plays it on loop during her three-and-a-half-hour drive.
Why did Errollyn Wallen choose her own composition 'What's Up Doc' as one of her desert island discs?
Errollyn Wallen chose her own composition 'What's Up Doc' because it was one of the first songs she wrote and recorded. The song brings back memories of working with talented musicians and the joy of songwriting. It represents a significant moment in her musical journey.
Why did Errollyn Wallen choose Benjamin Britten's 'Peter Grimes' as her final desert island disc?
Errollyn Wallen chose Benjamin Britten's 'Peter Grimes' because she considers it a masterpiece in operatic writing. She admires the score's necessity and the way it conveys the story without the need for sets, lighting, or costumes. The opera is a significant influence on her own work, and she aims to achieve a similar level of craftsmanship in her compositions.
- Early connection with piano at age 5
- Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 as a life-changing experience
- Tactile connection between mind and body while playing
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