David Schonfeld is alternate host of Tuesday Evening Classics.What do you like about working at WWUH?
I admire the inclusive mission of the station and its commitment to
consistently high standards. This translates to dedicated volunteers and wise management. I appreciate the freedom that broadcasters are given to fashion their own programs and explore their own interests. There's a nice camaraderie among the classical broadcasters even though we have different tastes and styles. WWUH has a world-class library of classical recordings. I'm like a kid in a candy store when I'm browsing the CD stacks. Although I enjoy the music programs, I particularly depend on WWUH's Public Affairs programming to learn what my country is really up to. I listen without fail, weekdays 12-1.
Favorite Classical Composers / Works
All the usual suspects, of course, from the Renaissance to our times. I have a particular interest in Twentieth Century British composers and in the non-dodecaphonic giants of the Twentieth Century: Hindemith, Bartok, Nielsen, Janacek, Shostakovich, Martinu. I revel in the wonderful early-music recordings now available and continue to be amazed at the quantity and quality of great compositions from all eras being rediscovered in our time.
Activities / Interests
I enjoy several kinds of folkdancing and spend a lot of time in Balkan
folkdance music transcription, practice, and performance (clarinet,
oboe, bass, guitar, vocal). For many years I studied and played South
Indian Classical music. I also love walking, swimming, birdwatching,
gardening, yoga. And yes, I follow the Red Sox.
When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?
One of my life problems is that I've never been able to decide what I
wanted to be when I grew up! I'm over 60 now, and I still can't decide.
There are too many possibilities and not enough time. While attempting
to decide, I've worked as a music teacher, yoga teacher, elementary
school teacher, and computer programmer.
How were you introduced to Classical Music?
My mother was a good pianist and choral singer and my father loved to sing folk songs. My parents took me to classical concerts when they were free and nearby, but I mostly slept through them. It was a favorite uncle and aunt and their son who really kindled my love of classical music when I was around eleven years old. My uncle bought me a clarinet
and my cousin gave me my first lessons.
Place of Birth:
Bronx, NY
Started at WWUH:
2002
I want to encourage listeners to write to me with suggestions on format and content.
Please email me at dschonfeld@fastmail.fm
