A listener recently contacted me asking about harpsichordist Scott Ross and his performances of Sonatas by Domenico Scarlatti. The late performer died in 1989 at age 38, but left a legacy of recordings that are revered by fans. Today’s Beautiful Music is Scarlatti’s Sonata nicknamed “Cat’s Fugue” played by Scott Ross. You can read more […]

  On this date in 1543, 9-month-old Mary Stuart was crowned “Queen of Scots.” Today’s Beautiful Music features the Scottish Early Music Ensemble from their 1984 recording, Mary’s Music: Songs and Dances From the Time of Mary Queen of Scots.       The Queine of Ingland’s Paven – YouTube Le cueur de vous ma presence

  Once upon a time, many long years ago when I first started Sunday Baroque, I remember hearing a charming song that stuck in my mind: IL EST BEL ET BON by Pierre Passereau. It’s a secular chanson from the 16th century, and the text is a conversation between two women about their husbands. Vidita

Today’s Beautiful Music is about an early Black musician — John Blanke — a trumpeter who worked in the royal court in the 16th century. Historians Tony Warner and Michael Ohajuru talk about the musician, whose image is portrayed in artwork and historical documentation, and the role he appears to have had in high society.

Rachel Barton Pine is a marvelous and versatile instrumentalist and an insightful teacher. She plays a wide range of classical (and heavy metal!) music on her violin, and she is also passionate about a rarer instrument: viola d’amore. Today’s Beautiful Music features Rachel Barton Pine giving an introduction to the instrument, with playing examples. Family

This Beautiful Music is provided by Infusion Baroque from their well-crafted and informative series, virtuELLES. This episode features composer Maddalena Lombardini Sirmen who lived from 1745 until 1818. It’s a movement from her Duet #2 for Two Violins, op. 5, and in a feat of multi-tasking it is performed by violinist Sallynee Amawat. I also

Today’s Beautiful Music is a charming Sonata by Princess Anna Amalia of Prussia, younger sister of King Frederick. It’s a flute sonata that is played her on oboe and organ – a lovely version performed by oboist Birgit Welpmann with organist Anneliese Funke. Anna Amalia – Sonata For Oboe & Organ in F major –

What a joy to discover this excellent live performance by violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins of the Concerto op.5 #1 by Joseph Boulogne Chevalier de Saint-George. Her luminous playing is backed up by the Western Piedmont Symphony, conducted by Matthew Troy, from their May 15, 2021 “Comeback Concert.” You’ll want to know more about this talented musician,