American Masterclass in Paris presented by pianist Jay Gottlieb

Approximately 100 guests, all French, arrived at 8 pm. Most of them are subscribing members of Le Circle des Concerts Temps,  an organization that promotes classical music concerts. The fee for this event was about 20 Euros and included a sumptuous buffet dinner in which Jay himself mingled with the guests after his presentation.

First, Jay introduced himself and explained that this event was not a concert, but rather a Master Classs. He told the audience that he would be commenting on choice American composers and playing excepts on Eliane’s Steinway Grand piano. The audience was interested and attentive with all eyes and ears focused on Jay.

The musical program included selections of work from 21 composers :

James Hewitt, Louis Moreau Gottschalk, Thomas Wiggins, Schoot Joplin, CharlesIves, Henry Cowell, George Antheil, George Gershwin, Ruth Crawford Seeger, AronCopland, John Cage, Morton Feldman, Earl Brown, Leonard Bernstein and George Crumb.

Jay Gottlieb came to Paris to study the mythic music teacher Nadia Boulanger and later won le prix Lili Boulanger in 1979… Lili Boulanger having been the sister of Nadia was the first women composer ever to win the Prix de Rome in 1913. Nadia’s students list is  like the who’s of of 20th century music with such students as John Elliot Gardiner, Aaron Copeland, Quincy Jones, Dino Lipatti,Danial Barenboim, Virgil Thompson and Philip Glasss. Jay has performed with with many orchestras including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic and the Orchestra de Paris. He lives in Paris and performs internationally.

For more information on Jay and where or what he may be playing, consult his web site: www.jaygottliebpiano.com.