Joby Bell - Joby Bell - Program Notes

"Oh, I like all kinds of music!” is a familiar strain among certain age groups. But those groups will not be the only attendees at a recital. I seek a wide common ground on which everyone can enjoy the recital. I believe the program notes are the tool for that job. My notes usually explain the piece rather than the composer. I provide only the barest biographical information to provide necessary context. My primary concern is to outline a road map through the piece: what to listen for, what style to understand, what clever surprises await. The ultimate satisfaction comes when a person tells me that they heard what the program notes prepared them for! Here are some examples of my writing, what I always hope is “easy reading” for the audience: