SPCO keyboardist Layton "Skip" James shares a story from long career playing harpsichord

Programs & Series | All Things Considered | Special Collections | The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra | Topics | Arts & Culture | Theme & Variation - Classical interviews | Types | Interviews | Minnesota Musicians | Grants | Legacy Project Work (2021-2022) | Legacy Project Work (2023-2024) |
June 11, 2010
Layton "Skip" James - Interviewee, John Birge - Interviewer
Listen: Skip Skips SPCO-8860
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Classical MPR’s John Birge sits down with Layton “Skip” James, as he retires from The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra after 41 years as keyboardist. James recalls a memorable night that didn't go exactly as planned. James was playing the 5th Brandenburg Concerto by Bach. It has a huge harpsichord solo, or cadenza. But James found himself in the spotlight in an unexpected way...

James is especially known for playing the harpsichord. What a lot of concertgoers might not realize is that he also builds them. He started on a substandard instrument back in the 60's, and decided he could do better. So, if you've been to the SPCO and heard him play, you've also seen his handiwork.

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