Dear friend
On February 21, the U.S. celebrates Presidents Day, a somewhat vague holiday placed in 1968 near Washington’s birthday on February 22, but also traditionally including Abraham Lincoln, who was born on February 12, 1809.
So, we thought to bring you two President’s penchant for music.
Thomas Jefferson’s favorite composer was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Because the Dranoff2 is dedicated to the two piano genre, we chose the wonderful Sonata for 2 Pianos, here played by Daniel Barenboim and Martha Argerich. One can close one’s eyes and imagine this music in the halls of the White House, which had been completed just a year before the third president took residence there.
Both President Harry Truman and his wife were avid lovers of music. He had not been able to participate in sports due to frail health, and so turned to music and reading. He had considered a career as a classical pianist and through much of his life, got up at 5am every morning to rehearse. A great favorite was Aaron Copland.
Have a wonderful week.
Warmly,
Gabriele Fiorentino
President,
The Dranoff 2 Piano Foundation
Piano Slam
