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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Bach Cantatas January 12th, 2012 J.S. Bach Liebster Gott, wenn werd ich sterben, BWV 8 (1724) A recent poll of Classical music buyers by the BPI (The British Recorded Music Industry) returned an interesting answer: that the favourite composer of an overwhelming majority was Johann -
La Campanella January 6th, 2012 Aix-en-Provence 27th December 2011 ‘La Campanella’ is often heard as an encore at recitals, in TV commercials, and in movies. To some it is a perennial favourite, but to others it may be too frequently performed. In either case, it -
Osvaldo Golijov December 31st, 2011 Osvaldo Golijov (b. December 5, 1960) grew up in an Eastern European Jewish household in La Plata, Argentina. Born to a piano teacher mother and physician father, Golijov was raised surrounded by classical chamber music, Jewish liturgical and klezmer music, - Danubian Debauchery I
Johann Strauss and Maria Anna Streim December 31st, 2011Johann Strauss Täuberlin-Walzer, Op. 1 Kettenbrücken-Walzer, Op. 4 “Homage to Queen Victoria of Great Britain”, Op. 103 (1838) “Radetzky March”, Op. 228 (1848) One would be hard pressed not to agree with the assessment of a contemporary music critic, who -
Vienna’s New Year Concert, Past and Present December 30th, 2011 One of my most memorable new year’s day was in the year 2010. I went to a friend’s place to watch a TV broadcast of the New Year Concert, live from Vienna, with several music lovers and critics. Before the -
Why It May Hurt to Play December 28th, 2011 Ravel : Bolero Sibelius : Oceanides We musicians just want to make music. We are willing to self-destruct if need be. But the goal is to re-create great music with ease and expressiveness. It’s vital to keep in mind that -
Harmony December 24th, 2011 Making room for the good It seems like just yesterday that I was scratching my head in front of my computer, coming up with resolutions that begin with an H. And here I am again, one year later, wondering what -
Ying Huang December 14th, 2011 Ying Huang, renowned lyric coloratura soprano and opera singer, is one of the outstanding Chinese vocal artists who has been active worldwide in opera and concert performances, TV and movie productions as well as recording studios. Her tender and sweet
