3x3 Three Minutes, Three Questions

Edward Neeman SoNA Guest Artist

"The 'silent' in silent film is really a misnomer, because there was always musical accompaniment in the theater while the film was playing," says critically acclaimed Australian-American pianist Edward Neeman. "Chico Marx of the Marx Brothers began earning his living as a theater pianist, improvising to the action on the screen. Imagine if Chico were improvising at your local AMC! That would be stiff competition for today's blockbusters.

"Watching a silent film silently turns it into a museum piece. With live music ... it becomes real cinema."

FAQ

‘A Night at the Movies’

With SoNA

WHEN — 7:30 p.m. Saturday

WHERE — Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville

COST — $28-$50

INFO — 443-5600

Neeman will perform "Silent Years" by William Perry -- a piece he describes as "catchy and well-crafted" -- when the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas caps off its sold-out 60th season Saturday with "A Night at the Movies."

"This piece was written as soundtracks for three silent films, each abbreviated to around 8 minutes," Neeman explains. "The films will be shown during the performance."

Neeman, who has performed across five continents, has been lauded by critics as a "true artist" with "an excellent technique" who "isn't afraid to put a distinctive stamp on whatever he touches." Here, he answers three questions for What's Up!

Q. Why piano? How and when did you fall in love?

A. Piano was my first instrument. I started playing when I was 4 years old and haven't stopped since! I think we musicians tend to gravitate toward instruments that suit our personality. Pianists are independent people -- we don't need to rely on accompanists. We're usually introverted, because we need to practice by ourselves for so many hours every day.

While I love playing piano ... I wish I could sing -- I think many pianists secretly want to be singers -- but I'm totally untalented in that respect. I did take singing lessons very briefly, but my wife couldn't stand it and refused to let me sing at home. So that didn't work out.

Q. You talk about "the classical music of today." How do you define that? And why is it your passion?

A. I love working with composers and playing music that has barely been performed, if at all. It's the thrill of setting off into uncharted musical territory, in search of hidden gems.

A. As a composer and solo artist, what is the allure of performing with an orchestra?

A. I love working with orchestras, both as a soloist and an orchestral pianist. It's exciting to be in the midst of so many fine players, making such powerful and colorful music. There's nothing like sitting in front of an orchestra, being inspired by the rich wall of sound of the full orchestra playing its heart out.

-- Becca Martin-Brown

bmartin@nwadg.com

NAN What's Up on 04/24/2015

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