'The Other Seasons' by Igudesman - first try out at his home!!!

Video by Diana Amino

Recorded by Adam Lukas

Additional Mastering
Philipp Treiber

A big thank you to all of Igudesman's friends for playing it through for the first time:
Lucy Landymore on the Vibraphone
Leonid Igudesman, Kristina Suklar, Matthias Bartholomey, Tristan Schulze, Gina Schwarz, Aliona Komarovskaya, Anastasja Haradze, Alexandra Tirsu, and others.

FOREWORD

Clearly inspired by Vivaldi I wanted to create my own take on the idea of portraying the 4 seasons.
My approach was a slightly more culinary one.
Let me explain. I love improvisation. And I love food. And above all, I love the combination. I venture to the market to find wonderful produce and seasonings. Then I create something spontaneous and delicious from things I find that particular season only.

To counteract and simultaneously compliment this spontaneous approach to cooking and composition, I decided to put a somewhat philosophical layer into this work. That would be the “reasons”. Yet they are not to fear. Also spontaneously decided and often emotional and if not irrational, these reasons refreshingly different, surprising and at time simplistic.

The fundamental question for me, as for all of humanity is, what is the reason we do what we do. Many philosophers have had their own theories and plenty of religions try to give us explanation, be they satisfactory or not.

My own personal and certainly easily adaptable reason is: creativity. The theme of creativity is the thread through all of our lives. Not wanting to go into too much detail, all of the reasons I am giving here are creative ones rather than rational. Sometimes even seemingly banal. Yet I believe the banal is not to be dissed so easily as long as we infuse it with our very own creative DNA.

The main “reason” for these pieces is fun. The fun in life, in love, the fun even in difficult times, the fun that super creative creatures that we all are, are able to have in spite of ourselves. So enjoy them and make of them what you will. If you turn things around, change anything you like and make up your own “reasons” to how, why and when you perform them I will be rather pleased.
Aleksey Igudesman

ALL SEASONINGS
Spring: Spring Onion & Pepper, Salt & Mint, Coriander & paprika
Summer: Chilly & Cregano, Rosemary & Basil, Saffron & Majoran
Autumn: Parsley & Bay Leave, Thyme & Turmeric, Garlic & Cumin
Winter: Cinnamon & Cloves, Nutmeg & Cardamom, Anise & Ginger

[psodukie]

This is great! My 6-year-old started learning violin last year, and when I show him your videos, he gets this look of mischief and glee all at once. We really enjoy watching your works together!

[lesleywilbourne]

I love it...and so did your ensemble! It's so refreshing to see musicians playing with pleasure and joy so evident on their faces. Bravo maestro xxx

[yjennn]

This is so original! Would love to listen to this live....too bad your performance is in Europe.

[declamatory]

Of course, there is PDQ Bach's, "The Seasonings".