Have you ever seen a carillon? Better yet, have you ever heard one played? There are more than 150 carillons across the United States, and one of them may well be in your community. David Maker is a retired University of Connecticut music professor who became smitten with carillons many years ago when he learned […]
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
Beautiful Music in Difficult Times January 27 Read More »
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
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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
Beautiful Music in Difficult Times January 25 Read More »
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
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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
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January 26th is AUSTRALIA DAY, celebrating the land, people, democracy, and culture of Australia. In honor of the holiday, Sunday Baroque will feature Australian soloists and ensembles, including horn player Barry Tuckwell, conductor Richard Tognetti and his Australian Chamber Orchestra, and violinist Ray Chen’s new Covid-quarantine home-studio recording, SOLACE. Those are some of the highlights of Sunday Baroque this weekend.
Playlist 2021-01-24 Read More »
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)
Beautiful Music in Difficult Times January 22 Read More »
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
Beautiful Music in Difficult Times January 21 Read More »
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
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