Doctor’s Notes

Released: 31 December 2007

It took me almost 40 years from the time I first started composing piano music to produce a compilation on CD (Fine Tuning, 2006). Once I finally learned how to do it, I’m glad to say, I was able to complete this 2nd CD in a more expedient manner! Doctor’s Notes contains piano music in a variety of styles and it is my hope that everyone who listens will find some pieces to enjoy. It is dedicated to the many patients I’ve had the honor of caring for at the University of Michigan Medical Center.

CD Artwork

Liner Notes

Clouds of Glory: This piece was written in 2007 to celebrate Mary Helen Hertzfeld. The title is a phrase from William Wordsworth’s poem, “Ode: Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood.”
Amicus Curiae: This Latin legal phrase means “friend of the court.” The piece was composed in 2008 and is dedicated to my younger brother, David, an excellent attorney and a wonderful friend.
The Summertime VA Blues: The Galens Smoker is an annual production written and performed by medical students at the University of Michigan. I performed this composition in the 1989 show, Meccalot. [2021 update: A version with the lyrics can be found on the Vocal Compositions playlist.]
Classical Piece Offering: I decided one weekend in 2008 to compose a piece in the style of the classical era. It is dedicated to our close friends, John and Jennifer Nastelin.
The Golden Hamentashen: One Saturday in March of 2008, I was in the process of writing this piece when my daughter, Ellie, called to tell me excitedly that she had won “The Golden Hamentashen Award” for the first batch she had ever baked!.
Summer in Sylvania: This piece was composed in my hometown of Sylvania, Ohio while I was on summer vacation from college.
Snow Day: This piece is dedicated to my children (and children everywhere) and celebrates the exuberance that results when a big snowstorm forces the cancellation of school!
Tolyatti Treasures: In July 2007, the Vought family adopted Anna and Kate from Tolyatti, a city in Russia. This piece was a gift to the girls to welcome them to their new family and to our neighborhood.

Twilight Dancing: Another lively piece written while I was a medical student, with a few updates added later.
First Bass: Written in 2008, this composition has its melody in the bass clef. It is dedicated to my fabulous older brother, Mark, who shares my enthusiasm for Detroit Tigers baseball.
Buckeye Glory: I hope my colleagues at The University of Michigan Medical Center like this short piece, even if they strongly disapprove of the title. It was written in 2002 to evoke the keen anticipation felt when one’s favorite football team is about to play.
Cedar Point: Cedar Point is an amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio. Like roller coaster rides, this short piece has twists and turns and unexpected changes in direction and speed. It is dedicated to my wonderful mother-in-law, Barbara Berg, who lives a few miles away from Cedar Point in Huron, Ohio.
Sister Ann: This composition was written during my sophomore year at Harvard to accompany a poem written by my roommate, Roderick Long. [2021 update: A version with the lyrics can be found on the Vocal Compositions playlist.]
The Slower Neighborhood Squirrels: Even the slower squirrels can get going pretty quickly! This ragtime piece is dedicated to my terrific sister, Anita, who has a great sense of humor in addition to her many other fine qualities.
Children at Play: This is a brief trio for piano, four hands, and flute. It is played here by the performers for whom it was written, my children: Ben Fine (second piano part), Ellie Fine (flute), and Derek Fine (primo piano part). The first section was newly composed in 2008; the melody of the slower section was written when I was ten.

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