Paul Thissen is the minority leader in the Minnesota House. He is an attorney and has served in the legislature since 2002.
A couple of years ago, he announced his candidacy for governor, but dropped out when it looked like the democratic race would be a choice between Margaret Anderson Kelliher and R.T Rybak.
His run for governor was our gain musically because it was during this time that Representative Thissen was alone in a car for hours and hours driving all over the state, meeting folks, getting to know the furthest corners of our beautiful region and listening to classical music.
On his playlist is the wonderfully lyrical ballet "Appalachian Spring." Though we're far from the eastern mountains, Copland became his soundtrack for the Glacier Ridge Scenic Byway and much of Western Minnesota.
Another choice on Paul's playlist is the first movement of Dvorak's New World Symphony, a piece he says he stumbled upon while exploring the winding alleys of Prague and stumbling upon an orchestra playing it outdoors. The music, the location and the people listening made their imprint and this piece is a favorite.
I am most intrigued by the jagged and rough edges of Shostakovich that Paul tells me he heard played by the Emerson Quartet in concert. While music often provides relaxation, focus and a soothing escape, Paul says he loves the complex emotions evoked by this string quartet, as well as its very specific social commentary on the lives of people of that era, something he hopes our vibrant classical scene in Minnesota can also provide its people.
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Paul Thissen's playlist:
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Check out more from Music with Minnesotans:
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Next week 'The Kayak Lady' Mary Shideler shares a playlist that reflects the serenity, beauty and sometimes rough conditions of the 1007 lakes she paddled.
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