Anthony Newman talks about playing Bach (also: concert Feb 21, La Jolla, CA!)

From the San Diego News Network.

I can really relate to this quote from Anthony Newman, organist, harpsichordist, fortepianist, conductor and composer:

"I get a sudden rush of serotonin when I play Bach," says Anthony Newman, “It gives me the best feeling.”

Two things here:
1) I don't know much about the chemical side of happiness, so I can't say what my seratonin levels do when I play (but caffeine always helps!).
2) I personally mostly associate playing Bach with feelings of worry (beforehand) and relief (when safely behind me). This is because as a French Horn player, Bach means one of several killer, technically difficult and/or very high cantatas; the first Brandenburg Concerto; or a part in some extremely challenging transcription for horn and organ or brass quintet or something ...

On the other hand, successfully making music really is a joy. When years of study, practice and preparation come together for 5 or 10 or 90 minutes to produce an aurally satisfying experience, it's a feeling that's hard to beat. For many musicians, that's enough in and of itself. For me, adding an audience to the mix, with whom I can share my experience of the music, really takes it over the top.

Anthony Newman has has a great reputation as a composer, conductor and performer and has worked with many of the greats. He'll be playing 5 Bach prelude and fugues on February 21st at 4 p.m. on the organ at St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, 743 Prospect St., La Jolla to benefit San Diego's Episcopal Community Services organization.

More About Anthony Newman and his upcoming concert on the San Diego News Network

More information on the concert: (858) 459-3421; http://www.stjamesbythesea.org

Anthony Newman's website: http://anthonynewmanmusician.com