We all know Bess’ song from Porgy and Bess: ‘Summertime, and the Livin’ is Easy’. We decided to do a survey of what other composers thought about summer and were surprised at the very different moods and modes composers used
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Piano Rhapsodies September 5th, 2021 A rhapsody is a one-movement, episodic work, often featuring a contrasting moods, colours and tonalities, with a distinct air of spontaneity and improvisation. In these respects, the Rhapsody is related to the Fantasia or Fantasy or Ballade. Perhaps the most -
Cello Music by Women Composers III
Rebecca Clarke and Rita Strohl September 4th, 2021We have not exhausted the gorgeous cello music written by women composers by any means. Here are three more outstanding gems. Rebecca Clarke (1886-1979) is another composer who deserves the limelight. A world-class viola soloist, chamber musician, and composer, Clarke -
Everyone Wants a Goldberg September 3rd, 2021 J.S. Bach: Goldberg Variations (Glenn Gould) We were thinking about Bach’s Goldberg Variations the other evening. Written, as related by Bach’s biographer Johann Forkel, for the ill and often sleepless Count Kaiserling, who wished for some night music that was -
Taking an Old Idea Further: Strauss’ Aus Italien September 2nd, 2021 The lure of Italy to those who live in cold Northern Europe cannot be understated. Composer after composer went south and brought back their musical memories of that country of sunshine and warmth, of folksong and dance, and of landscapes -
Joshua Hopkins September 1st, 2021 Rossini: Il barbiere di Siviglia – Largo al Factotum (Joshua Hopkins) Canadian Baritone Joshua Hopkins has developed a career as one of the leading young singers of his generation, performing regularly at the Metropolitan Opera, Houston Grand Opera, and the -
Music & Language: An Analogy September 1st, 2021 I often describe music as a language; it is in my opinion the purest of all. As are its intentions and purpose. This is how I approach creating and performing music; as a means to exchange my ideas and feelings. -
Condemned by a Kiss: Stravinsky’s Le baiser de la fée August 31st, 2021 Stravinsky’s ballet Le baiser de la fée gives us the life of a child fated to a bad end by a desirous fairy. Composed in 1928 for Diaghilev and created for the prima ballerina Ida Rubinstein, the ballet tells of -
From Schumann to Tsitsaros
Humoresque Encounters August 30th, 2021In the early 19th century, the term “Humoreske” started to appear in popular periodicals. This period of history, known as Biedermeier in Central Europe, saw a great flourishing of artistic styles in literature, music, the visual arts and interior design.