NY Diary (19-5) Rigor, Music and Flamenco

The word "Rigor" has both good and bad connotations. Here it means discipline of a high order and is applied to pianist Igor Levit, whose repertoire, pianism and intellect incline toward the austere.

This 3-CD set, characterized by classics today as a " 'Triple Threat' Variation Tour-de-Force", is a famous one. I found the little known Rzewski piece, "The People United", absolutely riveting throughout its considerable length. There are effects galore, including howling and foot stomping, but they all serve the flow of music. Perfect for the audiophile and it sounded stunning on my horns.

Flamenco is flamboyant but highly rigorous. Every twist and turn is calculated, perfectly angled and poised. This past Saturday Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana (official link) performed at the Flushing library. Now, I have watched quite a bit of flamenco from Spain and can attest the four performers here were authentic. There were two dancers, one singer/dancer and a guitarist (Gaspar Rodriguez), who was highly virtuosic. I enjoyed it very much.

Incidentally, director Carlos Saura made several Flamenco films, the most famous of which is Carmen. It is a stunning film - watch it if you can (youtube trailer below).

The morning before I had to attend to some legal matter in Jamaica. Afterwards, I walked to the main public library and borrowed some CDs, including Igor Levit's set. Then for lunch I walked to Hillside Ave, which is populated by all kinds of Bangladeshi stores. There were three restaurants close by; two were almost empty while the other had lines. That makes picking easy, right? The canteen-styled Sagar Restaurant (official link) turns out to be a big thing in this neighborhood. The fellow behind me said it is mobbed on weekends. The goat curry, pulao rice and paratha were all delicious. Price is reasonable, especially considering the big portions (I had to take some home). The place was clean and friendly, though service was a bit chaotic. I shall definitely return!