John Kuzma's Podcast

Listen along with me this week as we discuss the final two movements of my string quartet.

Listen along with me this week as we discuss the first two movements of my string quartet.

My thoughts on the piece "Tree Song" from my suite "The Lamb," and on the poem that inspired it. 

This week, we discuss the Prometheus legend and how it ties into my poetry and my book The Fire of Prometheus. The book is now available in all three Tattered Cover Bookstore locations, so Colorado listeners can have a chance to grab their copy while supporting a great local business. The book is also available online, so click any of the links below for more information.  http://www.tatteredcover.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Prometheus-John-Kuzma/dp/0692955720/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1522071400&sr=8-1&keywords=john+kuzma www.JohnKuzma.com

This week I am joined by organist Frank Perko, who will be performing my Toccata in Boogie in his program at First Plymouth Congregational Church (3501 S Colorado Blvd) in Denver this Saturday. We discuss the Toccata and Frank talks about the past, present, and future of organ playing and technology. Enjoy the episode, and I hope you can make it to First Plymouth on the 17th!

In these revised format podcasts, we have an opportunity to look more deeply into the music. Today we have a chance to discuss parody in music. I knew that, in American Suite, I had an opportunity to frame my compositional parody of other music so that the organist is looking at the music in a reflection, as if in a mirror. And by using the technique of parody I say more with less.   - You can purchase my book of poems, "The Fire of Prometheus," and listen to more music and podcasts at www.JohnKuzma.com -  

This week we listen along with John as he discusses thoughts and memories surrounding his piece Gymnopedie. Pay attention for the moment where the oboe soloist plays a (nearly) impossible note!

This week we continue our new episode format as John discusses one of his Two Carribean Psalms, and shares some thoughts on music in the church. What are your thoughts on the role of music and composers in the church? Join the conversation at www.JohnKuzma.com

Join us this week in a new format of “Music For a While,” where we listen along with John to recordings of pieces he has written. John follows along in his original score as he provides commentary on musical content, as well as stories and insider information about the composition, rehearsal, and performance of the piece. Enjoy the first installment, John’s “Centennial Te Deum.”

Rev. Bill Calhoun joins John in sharing remembrances of the Rev. Jack Sanford.

The substance of this poem surpasses any recollection I had about my early childhood, and it recounts many figures in my life in a very positive way. I doubt I would have made it without them.

The poem Osso Bucco is about ignorance - mine especially. Bear with me, if you haven’t already switched to another podcast! The poem is worth waiting for until the end is revealed, and my foolishness once again laid bare for all to see. Believe me, it is worth waiting for.  

All that’s in this poem is pre-brain surgery. And any redux of this has to be understood, for the poem presses its own understanding on our awareness. Because the review of my life about which I speak here was the first real review, and since then brain surgery has surpassed any estimation I have ever had of recovery.

This poem contrasts insane images with practical reality. It is not for the faint of heart, but with a childlike grasp of reality, the poem promises that we will make it through.

This poem is about how the hopelessness and disintegration we all experience is temporary, and dissipates of its own energy.

The indomitable personality of a neighborhood dog circumscribes all our efforts at convenience and containment of his tireless efforts at inclusion. Barbara Wollan joins us again to discuss today’s piece, The Lamb.

Four vignettes summarize the impact of loneliness, which transcends economic class or condition.

“I Want the Star” is my quintessential Christmas song, and the repository of much ambition. If you know a world-class soloist who can sing this song like today’s guest Barbara Wollan, please have them contact me! The poem describes the essence of winter in the form of the struggles of ordinary people to escape bone-chilling winter.

Jack’s Tree was written at a time when the progress we have enjoyed with inclusion into mainstream life of once marginalized men has become a reality. I look forward to my continued collaboration with the Denver Gay Mens’ Chorus, and to many new endeavors.

Join me as I speak with my friend and colleague Donna Frederickson about by new book of poems, The Fire of Prometheus. You can purchase my book at www.JohnKuzma.com