He’s a Smith whose forge is seldom dark.
With so many talents, his hammer rings like Siegfried’s on Mime’s anvil.
In addition to being a fine composer, Kile Smith (pictured, left) was, for many years, curator of the Fleisher Collection at the Free Library of Philadelphia. Scores housed in the collection continue to form the basis for his monthly podcast, “Fleisher Discoveries,” which is more or less a continuation of “Discoveries from the Fleisher Collection,” a show he produced back during his days at WRTI.
He’s also a fairly prolific writer, with intelligent articles on arts and culture appearing in publications like the Broad Street Review. His liner notes include those for the Naxos release of music by 19th century Philadelphia composer William Henry Fry (which, if you haven’t “discovered” it yet, I urge you to do so).
But it is through radio that I primarily know Kile, as a frequent presence on WRTI, and once, as a guest on my weekly program “The Lost Chord.” In addition, I’ve broadcast his music many times over the years during my regular live air shifts. I’m particularly fond of the recording of his “Vespers,” with The Crossing and Piffaro, The Renaissance Band, a flat-out masterpiece. I’ve programmed it several times at both WWFM and WPRB.
It was actually through Kile that I got my foot in the door at WRTI. Unfortunately, I couldn’t do my own classical programming there, and most of my air time was spent on jazz overnights. I would have loved to have been able to select more of my own music during the classical shifts. Certainly, Kile’s recordings would have been included in the rotation.
Wouldn’t you know, it turns out his eye is as fine as his ear. If you haven’t already been doing so, check out Kile’s wildlife photography. He shares a lot of it on his Facebook page. And in case I forgot to mention, he has a wry, understated sense of humor, which comes through in most of his posts.
His blog entries and podcasts can be accessed at his website, kilesmith.com. There’s also a schedule of performances and premieres, a list of Grammy nominations, music publications, and compositions, and more wildlife photos.
Happy birthday, Kile. Long may your hammer ring true!
From “Vespers”
The latest installment of “Fleisher Discoveries,” featuring the music of Leo Sowerby
PHOTO: Kile Smith with yours truly at a Princeton Festival concert last year at Trinity Church. Yes, that’s Kenneth Hutchins on the right.
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