Watching his back

Greg, Chandler, AZ — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 21:56:08 GMT

Brian...I can't believe that you do not have "The Mission" by John Williams on your iPod. He wrote that piece of music for NBC News. I would hope you would download it off iTunes. It is on the album, "American Journey." I am a HUGE John Williams fan, and Brian Williams fan. Take a listen to the whole piece. Keep up the good work!

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Amanda - Ridgewood, NJ — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 22:08:04 GMT

Bravo! Encore, encore, encore. First post I can remember in quite a while that was simply Mr. Williams sharing his thoughts and dry wit. I come to read this blog for Mr. Williams' thoughts, opinions and humor relative to happenings in the world. I have truly missed these posts; the many history lessons of late have become quite tired.

Of course this is assuming my post even makes it to the blog. Numerous submissions in the past few months that have not contained any inappropriate language or references have "mysteriously" vanished. Makes this blogger think she is persona non grata here.

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Jeremy, Marlboro, NJ — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 22:15:36 GMT

Brian,

As someone who was in high school band for all 4 years, and who got the honor of playing at both Carnegie Hall and Avery Fisher Hall in 2005, AMEN to what you're saying. I agree with you 100%.

So much technology has been doubted by naysayers but even they get sucked into it. I would have loved for the people in the audience at Carnegie and Avery Fisher Halls that night to see the magic we were making onstage that night.

I hope the powers at be hear your calling and make those needed improvements.

Sincerely,
Jeremy

P.S. What you think of Hendrick Motorsports going 1-2 in the Chase this year?

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Gene Lassers Lakewood California — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 22:18:15 GMT

The Long Beach Pops Orchestra has had big screen coverage by Charter Communications for at least 3 years now. What a difference. Check it out

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Dewey Quong, Reno, NV — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 22:47:18 GMT

Brian, if you are like me we were exposed to classical music without realizing it in the guise of Bugs Bunny cartoons, the old Bugs Bunny.

It's too bad today's cartoons, or toons as they now call them, don't have complex story lines they once did.

Rocky and Bullwinkle functioned on many levels both for children and adults. We don't get that today and there isn't much in the way of music.

You didn't mention your favorite driver(s). Who are they?

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J. Ainsworth — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 22:54:50 GMT

Brian:

I don't go to too many concerts anymore - except anytime the New Haven Symphony plays outdoors - but a concert I attended last winter showed me the value of the monitors. I went with a friend to see Celtic Woman at the former Oakdale Theater and found myself drawn to the screens because you could actually see facial expressions.

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Art Kent, Houston, Texas — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 23:12:27 GMT

We too, at the Houston Symphony, have had cameras in our concert hall for a couple of years now. And yes, while they are not universally accepted, we have found that using not just our cameras to show the conductor and close-ups of orchestra members and guest soloists, but also providing various kinds of visual enhancement to selected concerts, gets great ratings.

Of course the fact that the system was designed and implemented by a couple of NBC News veterans, Richard Yates and yours truly, has nothing to do with it.

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David — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 23:37:55 GMT

Not one word about what music was played?

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David, West Hollywood, CA — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 23:41:21 GMT

Not one word about what music was played?

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Stephanie Umbro, Maine — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 23:48:29 GMT

A Mormon in the White House? Is that any different than having a Roman Catholic? A protestant? An atheist? I'm a protestant, and I promise you, the faith of the candidates doesn't mean much to mean unless that candidate intends to legislate that belief. I can promise you that my mother won't vote for anyone other than a protestant.

I live 30 minutes west of Portland, and as of 2pm, I had 8" on my back door stoop. I must disagree with the lady interviewed from her condo balcony in Seattle: I'll take snow any day over rain all winter! I suppose that's the New Englander in me speaking....

How sad that the pay phone booths are going away. Unless you've been in the wilderness (or open spaces) of Maine, and I assume other states would qualify, you know that cell service is a joke and until very recently, I didn't own a cell phone. I'd still rather be without it! What will they do with the booths they remove - offer them for sale as antiques?

I would argue that just because you've never attended a classical concert, you aren't culturally deficient, Brian. I don't have the ipod, but my itunes is filled with classical music, among other genres. If forced to choose, I've jump at a chance to do the Philharmonic long before I'd ever go or do anything NASCAR related! I suppose, however, Brian, that as long as you keep things happy at home with the Mrs., you will be able to handle any flak that comes your way. Thanks for sharing your visit to the Phil with us.

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Laura Harrison, Newport New, VA — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 23:52:54 GMT

Well shoot, Brian. I'm a 21 year old who loves Springsteen, U2, The Police (who I saw on my 21st birthday a few weeks ago) and even I have classical pieces on my iPod. I guess it fits with my quirk that most of the music I listen to is older than I am.

At least what music you do have is good. Kudos for having good taste.

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Joan Chapman, Cheshire, CT. — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:20:20 GMT

Hi Brian -

My experience as a singer - choir, chorus, musical comedy, Messiah, etc.etc. has given me years of watching conductors and choir directors etc. of all types and facial expressions. Not only do they follow the musical lexicons, but have many physical movements to indicate a direction for their singers. And, of course there is always the 'glare'.

If you had looked closely at the faces of the musicians, I'm sure you would have gotten some indication of what their conductor was asking of them.

I agree with David - above - what was the 'set list' of the 'Phil' that night???? (I mean the programme)

on another note - here's a message from a friend who lives on the coast of Oregon:

"Morning! We haven't left the house since Sat afternoon, this is one storm to remember! Hurricane force winds, the red flags are out.. It’s been one long freight train just roaring over the house ..raining and constant blowing for 36 hours and continues..the shore pines around our home are bending and snapping back in place, they are so limber.. We didn't get down to see the wild pacific yet, it’s too dangerous to drive the few blocks.., and it’s been really blowing! But all is well, having fun hunkering down, power was on and off since 7pm Sun, on for awhile now.. Looks like it’s going to get worse during the day today...
Played golf at Pac Dunes Sat before the big one blew in… only 30mph winds and we had brilliant sun, hail and blowing rain! It was spectacular! Better send this before power goes again..

Jim..

It's just as well you didn't travel to the west coast.

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Millie Farmer, Louisville, KY — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:28:11 GMT

We have had big screen coverage of the Louisville Orchestra at the Kentucky Center for the Arts for a couple of years. The cameras are unobtrusive and the close-ups of the maestro and the players adds a lot of the performance.

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Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:45:51 GMT

Good Evening Mr Williams, I am glad that you and your wife had such a wonderful time at the New York Philharmonic concert at Lincoln Center. Sometimes one doesn't need the large screens to see the concert just listening to the fine classical music is the best way to enjoy the sounds of the orchestra. I think it is okay that you were not able to attend the Nascar Banquet this time. Next year you can plan to attend and they will be happy to see you. Now on to the broadcast. The report concerning the Iran nuclear weapons program showed how officials no matter how much information is at their disposal they can still get it wrong. Learning they had halted the development in 2005 made the officials believe they would not possibly start up again, but with this region it is wise not to jump to conclusions too fast. Interesting elections in Russia ans Venezuela this weekend. I think Chavez might have been too overconfident, yet he still remains in office for another five years. Putin's win is no surprise even though he only has a few more months in his term. Many intense elections all over the world these days. Makes it hard to keep up with all the candidates. Finally, it is better you are in New York this evening rather than in Seattle. After hearing and seeing the severe stroms battering the West it would have been difficult coming and going from the airport. Nice to have you safe and sound in New York. Keep warm with all the cold weather Mr.Williams. Thank you for the broadcast. Peace to all!

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Barbara Belt, Kennett Square, PA — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 02:28:27 GMT

Let's all send Brian our favorite piece of classical music. Or perhaps a piece that could be an introduction as to why classical music continues to stand the test of time. I would include film scores under the category. These are the pieces listed on the NYPhil site for that evening, so this is what he's heard so far!
Chávez:Symphony No. 2, Sinfonía India
Dvorák:Violin Concerto
Prokofiev:Symphony No. 5
That's a pretty heady dose for a novice.
You might try these:
Mozart Overture to Marriage of Figaro
Rachmaninov Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini (piano & orch)
Anything performed by Yo-Yo Ma
I'll try to pay attention when you wax on and on about cars....

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Karin Maandi, Rocky Hill, CT — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 03:31:10 GMT

My husband learned all his classical music from the cartoons. I grew to appreciate it through piano lessons. He gave me the CD with the nbc news theme for Christmas one year. I agree that seeing the facial expressions of the conductor would enhance the whole experience. The classical purists however may never accept that.

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Judith Lasker — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 03:52:46 GMT

Well, Brian, I propose a contest to assist you to load your top 100 classical pieces on your Ipod (similar to to debate throughout one of John Sandford's recent Lucas Davenport novels for the top 100 rock and roll songs (the recurring refrain was but there's no Beatles song!)).

Judith

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Joan, St. Louis — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 03:59:59 GMT

Well, I agree with Amanda that this was a stellar column well worth the time, but let me jump in to defend the history lessons we've been getting as anything but tired. I'm faschinated by them, apparently having forgotten everything I learned in school and now reading them as if for the first time.

Thanks to all of you who give of yourselves to this blog.

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Ivan Sherman — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 04:28:38 GMT

Please let me know how to get the Nightly News on my I-Pod now that the affiliation between NBC-Universal and I-Tunes has been severed. Thank you!

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Jackie Rawlings Riverside California — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 06:26:48 GMT

Hi Brian good show again. I enjoyed the news that Iran doesn't and hasn't been developing Nukes. I wonder what the Middle East Leaders and the rest of the Summit thought about that news. As Bush/Cheney have been spreading the word and asking for more sanctions as the Iran President was telling the truth all a long. Makes you wonder about honesty with this Administration as the UN was lied, then the American people now the rest of the World. Just once I wish the Bush Administration would tell the truth about something, anything these lies are getting old.

I like classic music and country but I love James Blunt's songs. Ok the oldies are still great but the new artist aren't so bad. But after going to James Blunt concert I was hooked. Out here in California it's nothing like New York City when it comes to the Arts/Music.

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Patty, Pasadena, CA — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 22:07:23 GMT

Just had to comment on Jackie's comment - here in LA we have wonderful opportunities to have access to the arts. I have been to Disney Concert Hall on a number of occasions to hear the world-class LA Phil (and btw, they have seats behind the orchestra that are at a lower price that go on sale right before a performance, where you are practically sitting with the orchestra and can see every motion, facial expression and direction that the conductor gives - awesome). LA Opera with Placido Domingo is tremendous, we have the Ahmanson, Mark Taper, Pantages, Hollywood Bowl, any number of venues where you can enjoy just about any type of music or theater you want.

Loved the idea about the top 10 for Brian's iPod. I read the Lucas Davenport novel in question and agreed with a lot of the choices. Here's one for Brian's pod: Georg Solti and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra: Tchaikovsky's 6th, The Pathetique

Now that you have experienced live classical music, I bet you get hooked!

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Gina Jones, Trenton, NJ — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 18:51:14 GMT

I'm need of some help. Last evening, Tuesday, 12/4/07, Brian Williams had a segment regarding 'young women in science'. I wanted to know who could I contact to add to the rewards of young women who wish to pursue sciences? I tried to contact Siemans in Princeton, and it was not sucessful.

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Lynda Thompson — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 02:46:32 GMT

Thanks Brian for your comments on this subject.

I grew up going to symphony performances, taken by schools. I then entered the string orchestra classes in school and continued those classes throughout school. I continued playing until after school. That music helped me stay out of trouble, helped me in math, and helped me to think more logically. It helped me to come out of my shell in order to perform. I still enjoy listening to all types of music, particularly instrumental and orchestral music.

Most of the music and arts instruction in this country's schools are being cut because of funding and because of SOL's. Music helps children to develop their mind, muscle memory, and discipline in ways that they wouldn't otherwise.

I hope you enjoyed your experience. You certainly aren't culturally deficient, grin. Thank you for being a comforting presence to my day in our present world.

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Charles Surrency Adel GA 31620 — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 20:35:20 GMT

Brian, enjoy listening to the news. You do a great job gathering the news and covering every detail.
Keep up the good work.

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Charles Surrency ADEL GA 31620 — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 20:46:57 GMT

Brian, you do a great job gathering the news. You cover every detail. I like that very much. I can just know that if I see the NBC news, I can keep up with everything.
Keep up the good reporting.