Many of us are craving the live concerts that are on hold. So today’s Beautiful Music offering features pianist Lara Downes from a 2011 performance at the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts at UC Davis. She is playing her fascinating “13 Ways of Looking at the Goldberg: Bach Reimagined.” It is Lara Downes’ exquisite […]
Beautiful Music in Difficult Times August 8 Read More »
“Masques” were a type of entertainment popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, often including a mix of music with dancing, singing and acting, Think “multi-media spectacle” in today’s terms. Musica Pacifica plays some Beautiful Music from their DANCING IN THE ISLES recording. These are cheerful and lovely masques you’ll want to wear all day
Beautiful Music in Difficult Times August 7 Read More »
Since live, in person concerts have been in such short supply, I especially like to share with you Beautiful Music live performances. This is sacred music by Salamone Rossi — from his Songs of Solomon — sung by a group called The Strangers.
Beautiful Music in Difficult Times August 6 Read More »
Antonio Vivaldi has a reputation as a “Concerto King” for composing hundreds of Concertos. But Vivaldi also composed operas, and today’s offering of Beautiful Music is a complete performance of Vivaldi’s opera ORLANDO FURIOSO.
Beautiful Music in Difficult Times August 5 Read More »
The great musician and teacher Leon Fleisher died a few days ago. I had the honor and privilege to interview him twice, and to meet him in person. He was not only a brilliant musician, he was a wise teacher and down-to-earth spokesperson for music and humanity. Today’s Beautiful Music Offering is a pair of
Beautiful Music in Difficult Times August 4 Read More »
Learning about new instruments seems to be popular, so today’s Beautiful Music offering is music played on the viola da gamba. And as a special bonus, an interesting introduction to the instrument itself.
Beautiful Music in Difficult Times August 3 Read More »
Today is NATIONAL SISTERS DAY, so in honor of my two beloved sisters — Lorraine and Jeanette — and all sisters, here are two talented identical twin sisters. Guher and Suher Pekinel are pianists who perform a wide range of music together. Here are some of their imaginative performances of music by Johann Sebastian Bach.
Beautiful Music in Difficult Times August 2 Read More »
There are some people who possess otherworldly musical talent. One of those people is Bobby McFerrin! If all you know about him is his infectious hit “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” you are missing out on an extraordinary, multi-faceted body of work. This is from a 2002 concert performance of Antonio Vivaldi’s Concerto for 2 Cellos
Beautiful Music in Difficult Times August 1 Read More »
Some serene and uplifting choral music is my offering of Beautiful Music today. The British vocal group Stile Antico sings John Sheppard’s (c.1515-1558) VERBUM CARO. Close your eyes and let these transcendent voices wash over you.
Beautiful Music in Difficult Times July 31 Read More »
Today I’m offering you Beautiful Music played on an unusual instrument: the cornetto! It looks a little like a recorder, and sounds a little like a trumpet. Listen to this music by Venetian composer and violinist Dario Castello (1602-1631) for cornetto and organ, then check out the video giving some in-depth info on the instrument.
Beautiful Music in Difficult Times July 30 Read More »
