Eric Roter, M.D. with Michael Schneider

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Tchaikovsky Rococo Variations (excerpts)

(recorded April 6, 2005)
Eric Roter, M.D., cello
Michael Schneider, piano

Piotor Tchaikovsky was born in 1840. He was one of the greatest Russian composers, and his ballet music (the Nutcracker, Swan Lake ) is among the most famous and best-loved classical compositions. The Variations on a Theme Rococo, for cello and orchestra, was composed in 1876. It begins with a simple theme and is followed by seven variations which span vast compositional and emotional territory. Tchaikovsky died at the age of 53 (according to some accounts) from “cholera,” a diarrheal illness. Diarrheal illnesses are still the most common cause of mortality among children in underdeveloped countries, and millions of people die from dehydration each year. Fortunately, the “runs” are usually self-limiting and resolve within a week. If one is unfortunate enough to be smitten, it is essential to keep fluid intake ahead of fluid output. Imodium, an over-the-counter medication, is very effective and is often used as an initial treatment. Serious cases of diarrhea with vomiting are often treated in the emergency room with intravenous fluids and electrolytes.

Thanks to concert pianist Michael Schneider for appearing as a guest artist on ER Music. Please visit his website at www.pianomike.com and learn more about this extraordinary musician.

THE ROCOCO VARIATIONS

Theme; Variations 1 and 2

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Variation 6; Andante

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Variation 7 and Coda; Allegro Vivo

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Eric Roter, M.D.

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J.S. Bach: "Sarabande" from Suite #5
Dedicated to E.R. Physicians and Nurses
(recorded 3/12/05)

In the E.R., we often find ourselves in the midst of cacophony.  We are suddenly called upon to transform dissonance into consonance and arrhythmias into steady, meaningful beats.   We desperately need to pause and reflect, but we cannot, as we have other duos, trios, quartets to conduct in simultaneous perpetual motions.

Bach composed his brief masterpiece “Sarabande” almost 300 years ago.  Sometimes at work, I hear these few lines of music playing in my mind.  They offer me comfort and a fleeting opportunity to feel instead of think.   To those who find that they, too, need a few precious moments to look within and find peace, I offer this to you.

Thanks to Shinya Tamura and Yamaha of Japan for their ingenious “Silent Cello,” and to the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, for use of their facilities.

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Eric Roter, M.D.

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J.S. Bach: "Gigue" from Suite #3
(recorded 1/19/05)

Bach composed 6 Suites for Unaccompanied Cello. They require nothing more than a cello and a cellist to reveal the entire spectrum of thought and emotion. Bach composed this movement in the style of a "Gigue," a French Baroque dance.

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Paganini: Violin Caprice No. 13

(Recorded April 15, 2005)

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Paganini was one of the greatest violinists of all time. He achieved “rock-star” fame during his lifetime and audiences were mesmerized by his daredevil virtuosity. Paganini composed 24 Caprices for the violin, each one an olympic event for the hands.

I present to you the 13th Caprice, in my own arrangement of Luigi Silva’s (1903-1961) arrangement, which I recorded on April 15, 2005.

 
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