A Composer’s Journal Entry: May 4, 2006 by classical composer Laurie Conrad
Laurie Conrad is a classical pianist and composer living in Ithaca, NY. Her music is performed all over the world by professional performers and ensembles, as well as on radio and television . Some of her honors include: The International Who's Who in Music (Cambridge), Who's Who's in American Pianists, and Marquis' Who's Who in America. For a list of Conrad's articles, please type her name in Buzzle's search feature.
A Composer’s Journal
Thursday, May 4
Took eight or so baby lilac trees out of the front gardens a few days ago & put them in a big bucket filled with water - and left the bucket on the corner with a note that said: Medium purple Lilacs/ FREE/ plant at least eight feet apart & keep wet for the first few weeks. Please leave the bucket.
Went to the corner today and the bucket was empty. Written in pencil, on my note was: Thank you for your thoughtful & kind heart. We were needing these to screen an ugly part of our property. Thanks so much. Chaloph, on Third Street, Ithaca.
I’ll have to drive by there at the end of the summer and see them ... An interesting name, Chaloph.
Last night I dreamt that Louise was recording new songs I had written. One was especially beautiful, as was her singing of it. I listened intently, and followed the melody with my Heart in the dream, admiring her phrasing - and the song. And then I woke. Unfortunately, I do not remember the notes to any of the songs ... Which does not mean that I will not write them, in this reality. They are there, somewhere, in my mind and Heart.
Sunday, May 7
Myra stopped by briefly yesterday. I was working in the garden, and she helped a bit. I mentioned the songs, & we decided to start looking for musicians. She will be back in Ithaca in a few weeks, perhaps we can set something up then. I might make the harp part a bit more difficult & interesting, just to give her something to work on. I just scribbled myself a note & threw it on the floor so I would see it when I go back downstairs. Well, I hope I see it.
There is so much to do, & so little time.
Thursday, May 4
Took eight or so baby lilac trees out of the front gardens a few days ago & put them in a big bucket filled with water - and left the bucket on the corner with a note that said: Medium purple Lilacs/ FREE/ plant at least eight feet apart & keep wet for the first few weeks. Please leave the bucket.
Went to the corner today and the bucket was empty. Written in pencil, on my note was: Thank you for your thoughtful & kind heart. We were needing these to screen an ugly part of our property. Thanks so much. Chaloph, on Third Street, Ithaca.
I’ll have to drive by there at the end of the summer and see them ... An interesting name, Chaloph.
Last night I dreamt that Louise was recording new songs I had written. One was especially beautiful, as was her singing of it. I listened intently, and followed the melody with my Heart in the dream, admiring her phrasing - and the song. And then I woke. Unfortunately, I do not remember the notes to any of the songs ... Which does not mean that I will not write them, in this reality. They are there, somewhere, in my mind and Heart.
Sunday, May 7
Myra stopped by briefly yesterday. I was working in the garden, and she helped a bit. I mentioned the songs, & we decided to start looking for musicians. She will be back in Ithaca in a few weeks, perhaps we can set something up then. I might make the harp part a bit more difficult & interesting, just to give her something to work on. I just scribbled myself a note & threw it on the floor so I would see it when I go back downstairs. Well, I hope I see it.
There is so much to do, & so little time.

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- Words to the song cycle "Unsung Songs": A Composer's Journal Entry, June 9, 2006
- Dinner with Kate Millett and Myra Kovary: A Composer’s Journal December 16-20, 2005 by Laurie Conrad.
- Twelve Tone Music, a Brief Explanation: A Composer’s Journal October 12, 2005
- Prayer to Our Lady: A Composer’s Journal July 26 - August 9, 2005
- A Composer’s Journal, Entries April 5-14, 2005 by Laurie Conrad.
- Modern Classical Music: A Composer’s Journal: Entries January 21 - 27, 2005
- Classical Music: A Composer’s Journal Entries: January 2-5, 2007
- A Composer’s Journal Entries: June 3 - June 7, 2006
- Atonal Music: A Composer’s Journal Entry: February 20, 2007
- Chamber Music: Starting work on Images: A Composer’s Journal Entries: February 16- 19, 2007
- Finishing Trois Prieres: A Composer’s Journal Entries: February 2- 4, 2007
- Photos: JF and Louise McConnell: A Composer’s Journal Entry: January 20, 2006
- My Singer, Louise McConnell’s family: A Composer’s Journal Entry: January 20, 2007
- Piano Quintet: A Composer’s Journal Entries, January 18-21, 2007
- Composing Music: A Composer’s Journal Entries: January 13 - 16, 2007
- A Composer’s Journal Entries: April 10 - 15, 2006
- A Composer’s Journal Entries: March 30 - April 9, 2006
- A Composer’s Journal Entries: February 25 - March 25, 2006
- A Composer’s Journal Entries November 6-10, 2005 by Laurie Conrad
- An Afternoon with Kate Millett: A Composer’s Journal August 23 - September 3, 2005 by Laurie Conrad




