Karen Painter is an associate professor of musicology at the University of Minnesota and an editor of the book Late Thoughts: Reflections on Artists and Composers at Work. Before she participated on a panel about whether artistic greatness only comes with age, she talked about her eBay weakness, her pianist ambitions, and breakfast only a mom could love.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Initially a concert pianist. I went from being a mediocre pianist at Yale to studying philosophy and becoming a music historian.
What would your theme song be?
Oh dear. (Laughs.) Here’s a cliché for you: Beethoven’s Ode to Joy.
What do you eat for breakfast?
I usually don’t have breakfast. Coffee and my kids’ leftovers.
How are you different from who you were 10 years ago?
I would say I’m more balanced in life and work. I have pre-school-aged children, and I’m probably writing more than I did 10 years ago now that I’m further along in developing my courses.
If you could take only one more journey, where would you go?
Vienna.
What was the first album you bought?
Mozart’s C Minor Mass.
What’s your greatest irrational fear?
I suppose a car accident. Maybe not so irrational.
Where do you go to be alone?
Usually in a forest.
What’s your favorite thing about Minneapolis?
The museums.
What item would you bid for on eBay?
Jewelry.
What’s the last habit you tried to kick?
Coffee.