In essence

1686 Posts
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iDisorder in Opera: Poulenc “La Voix Humaine”
“iDisorder” is one of the latest terms used in the medical sciences. Apparently, it changes your brain’s ability to process information and the ability to relate to the world due to daily use of media and technology. “There is the
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Destination London
London, London, London – which London do you mean? The London of the early 20th century of men in top hats and women in sweeping dresses? Or the London of the late 19th century of the demi-monde and the easily
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Doing Opera at Home
Until recordings became common in the latter part of the 20th century, the only way to hear some of the great works was to attend a performance or to have your own orchestra. For the rest of the music-loving world,
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Muses and Musings
Beethoven and his “Klärchen”
Ludwig van Beethoven and Antonie Adamberger
At the tender age of 16, Antonie Adamberger was already one of the biggest stars on the Viennese theatrical stage. Tall, slender, gorgeous, and certainly highly talented, she gave her debut on New Year’s Day 1807 at the Burgtheater, and
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The Henri Casadesus Viola Inventions
The surname Casadesus identifies a prominent French artistic family. An integral part of the international classical music landscape, the Casadesus family remained artistically active for well over a century. Arguably, the most prominent member of the family was pianist Robert
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The 1749 Royal Bang!
What do you get when you mix sulfur, charcoal and potassium nitrate? If you have taken rudimentary classes in chemistry, you know that it is the chemical formula for gunpowder, aka black powder. Although it was first described in an
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Destination Paris
Paris, as well as being the City of Light, is, for some people, also the City of Dreams. In so many images, the city comes to life – the open vistas and city views from the Eiffel Tour, the magnificent
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King Norodom Sihanouk
The Royal Composer and Filmmaker of Cambodia
Recently, I introduced you to the swinging king of Thailand! King Bhumibol the Great, who died in October of 2016, was an accomplished jazz saxophonist. He founded his own band, paired up with jazz great Benny Goodman, and over a
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