Episode 42 – In Conversation with John Sweeney

We were lucky enough to get together with dance pianist and silent film composer, living legend John Sweeney.

John has the most amazing career in dance accompaniment and silent movies, and we well and truly put the spotlight on him to find out about his life and career, from a person, who on the surface is rather understated.

John is also famed for his extremely varied and sophisticated improvising and that is the life blood of his work as an accompanist, and we ask him in-depth about his training and education in music that has shaped him and the way he accompanies dance.

Similar Posts

Episode 14 – Pirouettes

Episode 14 – Pirouettes

The pianists talk about what types of music you can use for pirouettes and the listener will learn that there are many styles that can be used for this exercise with varying accent. The most common style of music generally used is the waltz, but you can play mazurkas, landlers, jazz waltzes, Viennese waltzes and many more.

Episode 1 – Hello

Episode 1 – Hello

The listener gets to hear how each of the pianists began in this line of work from humble and unexpected beginnings, to playing for major ballet companies and schools globally.  The team have sixty-four years of experience between them, that they can bring to the podcast.