Isabella Leonarda (1620-1704) was born in Novara, and at age 16 she joined an Ursuline convent. She was a musician, and while she wrote a small number of secular instrumental compositions, the majority of her works were sacred vocal compositions. In addition to her many motets, she also composed this mass — Beautiful Music written […]
Beautiful Music in Difficult Times March 15 Read More »
As a music lover — especially if you’re an opera fan — you deserve to know the name Sissieretta Jones. The American soprano’s full name was Matilda Sissieretta Joyner Jones (January 5, 1868 or 1869 – June 24, 1933), and she was an amazing talent and a trailblazer! Sissieretta Jones was the first African-American woman
Beautiful Music in Difficult Times March 14 Read More »
Chi-Chi Nwanoku is a trailblazer! She is the Founder, Artistic and Executive Director of the Chineke! Foundation, which supports, inspires and encourages Black and ethnically diverse classical musicians working in the UK and Europe. She is also a double bass player — a founding member of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, and its
Beautiful Music in Difficult Times March 13 Read More »
Today marks one year since my first “Beautiful Music” blog post. The world had just taken an alarming and isolating turn, and as an antidote to social distancing, I felt compelled to reach out and find a way we could come together in our shared love of music. In honor of this anniversary, I am
Beautiful Music in Difficult Times March 12* Read More »
Diving into the works of Johann Sebastian Bach can be a daunting task. Where do you start? We’ve come up with a list to help you explore Bach’s extraordinary legacy and some of the musicians who do justice to it. Listen to the Bach Birthday Bash on March 24th for more recommendations.
Georg Philipp Telemann was a highly respected and admired musician. He was an innovator, an educator, and a savvy businessman. And Telemann wrote a record-setting number of compositions. You’ll hear a cross section of Georg Philipp Telemann’s talents on Sunday Baroque this weekend.
Playlist 2021-03-14 Read More »
Barbara Strozzi (1619-1677) was a Venetian singer and composer, and one of the first women to have her music published in her own name. She published 8 volumes of her own compositions, much of which is vocal music. In addition to reading more about her biography, you can listen to Beautiful Music by Barbara Strozzi
Beautiful Music in Difficult Times March 11 Read More »
Oleg Timofeyev plays guitar and lute, and is a musicologist. The Moscow-born musician has a particular interest in reviving the Russian 7-string guitar and its repertory. He lives in Iowa now, where he teaches, and recently released a download-only album, MUSIC BY 18TH CENTURY WOMEN COMPOSERS. He spoke with Suzanne about his career, the Russian
After watching Leonard Bernstein conduct one of his iconic Young People’s concerts, Marin Alsop decided she wanted to be a conductor, too. Even when her violin teacher told her “girls don’t do that,” Ms. Alsop’s mother told her otherwise. Marin Alsop lived up to her mother’s vision, and became the first woman conductor of a
Beautiful Music in Difficult Times March 10 Read More »
Soprano Nicole Cabell’s velvety tone and brilliant range and facility are such a delight. The California native was not from a musical family, and only started singing in her mid-teens. She quickly discovered her musical gifts, and enrolled in the Eastman School of Music. You can read her bio, linked below, and listen to Nicole
Beautiful Music in Difficult Times March 9 Read More »
