NYFOS is celebrating our co-founder Steven Blier this week! In honor of his birthday on November 25, each Song of the Day post this week will be a tribute to him. Happy Birthday, Steve! We hope you enjoy these and have a wonderful week!
Today’s post comes from Steve’s lifelong friend Matthew Epstein:
In May of 1965, Steven Blier and I gave a song recital at the Fieldston School. We were both students there, he a 13 year old, I a venerable 17!
It was my ONLY recital appearance, but it was Steven’s FIRST appearance as a collaborative pianist.
Over fifty years of friendship, I have learned a lot from Steve and I like to think he was a bit influenced by me….
I treasure our friendship and revere his amazing accomplishments.
On that 50 year old program was Handel’s “Where ere you walk”, which pointed my way to five decades of Handel!
I have found a You Tube of Rockwell Blake, singing this piece with an astonishing breath control. He was Jupiter in my 1985 Carnegie Hall concert with Kathleen Battle, Marilyn Horne, and Sam Ramey…..20 years after Fieldston and 30 years ago.
Along with our friendship, what a glorious and memorable life in music Steven and I have shared!!
–ME
Handel’s “Wher’er You Walk” from Semele sung live in concert at Carnegie Hall by Rockwell Blake
I’m overwhelmed. Matthew introduced me to so many things–educated my ears, showed me the world of opera. And he still does! A person of strong opinions, Matthew is loyal and visionary. 50 years of friendship…
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