As a mythological character, Hercules is one who has always captured our attention. Famed for his strength and for his adventures around the known world, he’s caught the attention of writers and musicians for centuries. The stories and feats of
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Forgotten Pianists: Magda Tagliaferro July 10th, 2017 Magda Tagliaferro (1893-1986) was born in Brazil to French parents and learned piano from her father, who had studied at the Paris Conservatoire with Raoul Pugno. With the encouragement of Pablo Casals, Magda also attended the Paris Conservatoire, entering it -
The Road Home July 9th, 2017 I have performed in Asia many times with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra as well as with other orchestras. However, our CSO tour to China this past March was also a deeply meaningful personal journey for me. Our CSO tour lasted -
Muses and Musings
Salon Pauline Viardot July 8th, 2017Pauline Viardot (1821-1910) was one of the most celebrated mezzo-sopranos of her time! During a remarkable career spanning almost a quarter of a century, she performed on the most prestigious stages around the world, and her distinguished interpretations decisively shaped -
Ending with a Crash and Series of Tinkles: Andy Akiho’s Ricochet July 7th, 2017 Andy Akiho’s new concerto, Ricochet, takes the idea of rhythm and makes it the center point of his whole piece. The piece opens with an extensive violin solo, but not a cadenza in the way that we’ve come to expect -
The Independent Journey of Joel Prieto July 6th, 2017 Puerto Rican / Spanish tenor Joel Prieto began his professional career 11 years ago and has moved from triumph to triumph. Early videos show his 2013 recital at Wigmore Hall in London, his performance in Vienna for Christmas that same -
Dvořák’s Legacy
Jiří Bělohlávek (1946-2017) July 6th, 2017Acknowledged as “the most profound proponent of Czech orchestral music,” conductor Jiří Bělohlávek has died aged 71. He is best remembered for his radiant interpretations of Janáček and Martinů, two towering voices that forcefully carried the rich legacy of Czech -
Not your Grandma’s Harpsichord
Elisabeth Chojnacka (1939-2017) July 5th, 2017I am sure you have seen popular culture caricatures of double-chinned, middle-aged chaps with fluffy powdered-wigs playing keyboard instruments producing a metallic sound? The instrument, of course, is the harpsichord and it has been around for a while. The earliest -
Please Stop the Music! July 4th, 2017 Extraordinary, isn’t it? It’s a classical concert, so presumably the audience are there because they want to hear classical music – and yet the bar is playing “bad pop” (and those two words cover a multitude of sins!).