Suzanne Bona

Some musicians have extraordinary talent that transcends a simple description, or single genre. These exceptional musicians have natural gifts that they tenaciously nurture, always challenging themselves and broadening their skills. Jon Baptiste is one of those musicians. Born into a musical family in Louisiana, he played in his family’s band as a young boy, started […]

There is something extra special about hearing a phenomenal musician describe a piece that’s particularly moving, and countertenor Derek Lee Ragin talked about the aria ALTO GIOVE by Nicola Porpora. His voice was used in the soundtrack of the 1994 film FARINELLI, about the 18th century castrato Carlo Maria Michelangelo Nicola Broschi. Below is one

A few days ago, I had the pleasure of watching a showcase (online) of students at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) in their annual MOVEABLE FEAST event. One of the performers was a young Chinese pianist, Jiaiun (David) Lai, who spoke about his upbringing, and meeting his teacher — pianist Michael Chertock — and

Today’s Beautiful Music offering is from a sacred piece that was long misattributed: a DIXIT DOMINUS setting that was thought to be by Baldassari Galuppi, and later discovered to be by Antonio Vivaldi. There is a link to the story below. And this is a gorgeous performance by mezzosoprano Anna Bineta Diouf of the aria

Being able to watch concert performances online opens up the world of music. From a concert on September 15, 2018, Jane Glover conducts Music of the Baroque Chorus & Orchestra performing three coronation anthems by George Frideric Handel. Jane Glover also offers some contextual information about the music. (5) Handel’s Coronation Anthems live in concert

Soprano Ítaca Vicente and tenor Ariel Hernández are the soloists for this Beautiful Music by George Frideric Handel: AS STEALS THE MORN UPON NIGHT. Such sublime music and artistry … times 2! These are two different concert performances by the same musicians of the same music. There are also links to bios by both soloists. (5)

A soul-stirring performance of soul-stirring Beautiful Music. Contralto Marian Anderson was an extraordinary musical talent — one of the most gifted singers of the 20th century. This is her performance of music from Johann Sebastian Bach’s St. John Passion, as well as a link to Marian Anderson’s biography. (5) Marian Anderson sings the most soulful

I discovered this gorgeous performance by accident, just surfing around online. Although it is short, it is so serene and captivating that it stopped me in my tracks, and I hope you will react in the same way. Enjoy this Beautiful Music by Johann Sebastian Bach. (5) Bach – Cantata No. 180: Schmücke dich, o

Eiji Hashimoto was a harpsichordist and conductor who taught at Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Dr. Hashimoto died recently, so since he was a seasoned editor of Sonatas by Domenico Scarlatti, today’s Beautiful Music features his performance of three of those Sonatas. (5) Keyboard Sonata in E major, K.381/L.225/P.323: Allegro – YouTube (5) Keyboard Sonata in

This is Beautiful Bolivian Baroque Music from the archives of the Jesuit Missions. Anaustia is a fusion of Spanish Baroque and the local Chiquitano language. This performance is by VIA ARTIS konsort. (3) Baroque Music, the Latin American way – Anaustia – YouTube