Sight Reading

Like so many of us, I was blessed to share quality time with Ans and considered him my mentor in the production of live events.  We accomplished much together, Live Aid being one thing, the Los Angeles AIDS Quilt Event being another.  But one of the greatest memories I have is when Ans asked me to come and sing for high holy days with the choir he led.  He asked me if I could sight read and I said, "Yes, but I'd like to go over the music with you prior to sitting in."  He agreed that it would be a good idea, so I went to the apartment one night and we sat down on the piano bench together.  Ans opened a very LARGE volume of music and began to play.  We went through a few pieces for about half an hour and Anselm turned to me and said, "You're right.  You read very well.  This should be no problem," to which I replied, "Thanks, Ans.  It's beautiful music... when were you going to tell me that it was in HEBREW???"  We both had a good laugh over that small omission of his for years to come... and it turns out that sight reading in a foreign language is not so hard if you just give yourself over to it!

- Cynthi Stephanoni

Dupont Circle

Anselm Rothschild and I met one predictably sultry summer day in Washington, D.C. After a long work day at the American Freedom from Hunger Foundation, which was located on H Street, we walked and talked ourselves to Dupont Circle where, as the sun went down and the heat broke, we sat on the grass for hours, opened our hearts and poured them out to each other. 

This is a picture of what it was like to know Anselm. He freely opened the hearts of those around him and poured himself into us. He listened and then he spoke with words and music that continues to inspire.

-Susan Forsythe

Inside Me

After hearing this song nearly 30 years ago, it touched me so deeply that I knew I would never forget it. In 2016, as a musical director, I brought this piece to my community by teaching it to an amateur singing group of adults. It moved them in such a way as to inspire them to sing the song as a series of solos with a group harmony ending. They went out on a limb, past their usual point of courage, and pushed themselves musically farther than they normally would, because the words are so personal and relevant. Anselm's music is still fresh for today. His message is universally timeless and human.

- Katy Gibney