Acoustic Corner: Robert Thies

ACOUSTIC CORNER

From the previous article of the ‘Acoustic Corner’ comes the definition of ‘frission,’ a sizzling, sparkling energy or synergy borne of mutual intent, talent, and vision. ‘Frission’ is also described as the indefinable effect which sound waves have on the brain.

The sound waves created by the piano come to mind. A piano can be described as a keyboard instrument, a percussion instrument, and a string instrument. The keys are attached to devices which hit the strings, which are aligned along the harp which hovers inside the body of the piano. It is quite an amazing mechanical sequence. However, it takes a skilled and inspired artist to create the synergy.”

~ Jean Sudbury

Robert Thies

Robert Thies is a Steinway Artist. He is grateful to spend his life developing and sharing his deep love for classical music. Robert brings music to life through an eclectic mix of styles. Since childhood, he has found that preparing for recitals is the best way to truly learn a piece. The privilege of performing a work on multiple occasions leads to deeper knowledge and insight into that particular piece.*

By Jean Sudbury

Robert has experienced the synergy, energy, and power of performing concertos with major symphony orchestras. He has also embraced the intimacy of chamber music, where every individual must connect “eye to eye” to create a glorious musical experience for both performers and listeners. His artistic dreams are fulfilled every day as a professional musician. He performs with orchestras, chamber groups, and in solo recitals. If he’s not performing or recording, he is preparing for the next opportunity, and these activities often intertwine. Robert Thies has had the honor of recording movie soundtracks for James Newton Howard and James Horner. The creativity of pictorial music brings a different kind of joy to his heart.

Robert’s current recording project is with Damjan Krajacic, a Croatian flutist. This project is a sequel to their first duo recording in 2012, Blue Landscapes. It was a labor of love—a week-long improvisational session. When they decided to release the CD, they were overjoyed by the international response to the music. They now have fans from the Middle East, Europe, South America, and East Asia. Damjan Krajacic is a highly skilled and inventive jazz musician, and his improvisations possess such creative structure that one would imagine them to be fully written out.

Robert Edward Thies (Photo – robertthies.org).

Robert believes that music is akin to the natural beauty of the world. The sounds of birds, a meadow stream, and the soft whisper of a breeze—all are forms of music. The joy of music is shared through hiking together and soaking in the atmosphere or by attending his solo recitals. The works he selects for these recitals are especially dear to him. Whenever he performs, his imagination is sparked by living in the world of the composers and the cultures of the times in which the music was written. This helps him create a visual reflection of the music. Robert shares the joy of music through this imagery

*Steinway is a highly respected company that makes some of the finest pianos in the world.