Spirit, Body, and Soul: Pianist & Composer David Berry on Virtuosity, Creativity, and Artistic Identity

Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. How do we bring our full musical selves to the stage? In this Season 6 finale of The Piano Pod, concert pianist, composer, arranger, educator, and artistic leader David Berry joins host Yukimi Song for a rich and deeply personal conversation on virtuosity, improvisation, composition, contemporary music, artistic identity, and the connections that unite seemingly different musical worlds. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music and The Juilliard School, Berry has built a multifaceted career as a performer, educator, curator, and advocate. Equally at home with Liszt, George Walker, James P. Johnson, contemporary composers, and his own original works, he embodies the spirit of this season’s theme: Creativity and Connection. Throughout the episode, listeners will hear excerpts from Berry’s own compositions and arrangements, including Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho and Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child. Featured Music & Recordings Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child Danse Andalouse by Joaquín Nin James P. Johnson: Yamekraw – A Negro Rhapsody Adolphus Hailstork: Chamber Works Featuring the premiere recording of Hailstork’s Piano Quintet Detroit with The Harlem Chamber Players. Spotify Tiny Glass Tavern — Let Us Dance, Let Us Sing Featuring David Berry’s performance of Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho. Spotify Publications Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho for solo piano David Berry, Since Jesus Came Into My Heart: 10 Stylish Arrangements for Solo Piano Lillenas Publishing Company, 2024 David Berry Website Facebook The Piano Pod Become a VIP Member / Unlock Exclusive Content on Substack Season 6 Piano Music Playlist Nominate Guests for Season 7: Culture and Courage HERE #DavidBerry #ThePianoPod #PianoPodcast #ClassicalMusic