Memories flooded me Monday as I arrived in Weimar, a city best described as our heart-home. No matter where I walk, my mind overflows with twenty-four years of memories. After the intensity of my early December Christmas-Market tour (Interlaken, then down the Rhine to Düsseldorf), … Read more
Britten, A Ceremony of Carols Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) became one of England’s most notable composers in the years prior to World War II. He continued to hold a dominant position until his death. His most significant works include the operas Peter Grimes (1944) and Billy … Read more
It’s difficult to write an essay when you are constantly on the move, interacting with fellow travelers, giving talks, eating too many delicious meals, and just plain being absorbed in the magic of Christmas Markets along the Rhine River. But what about pulling out a … Read more
J. S. Bach, Canonic Variations: Vom Himmel hoch If you are in Germany this Christmas, you will have many opportunities to hear the popular Christmas hymn Vom Himmel hoch, da komm’ ich her (From Heaven Above to Earth I Come). Martin Luther composed the hymn … Read more
I’m sitting at the gate in the Piedmont Triad Airport (Greensboro, High Point, Winston-Salem). It’s a delight to fly out of this airport. It’s got everything necessary, yet is quiet, friendly, and overall the opposite of frantic. My route will replicate one I would have … Read more
Josquin, El Grillo Josquin Desprez (c. 1450–1455-1521) is one of the most important composer of the middle Renaissance. His life history is riddled with gaps and uncertainties as he moved through various posts in the Low Countries, France, and Italy. Born in French-speaking Flanders (today’s Belgium), … Read more
Grocery-shopping with grandson Charlie early Wednesday brought us smack-dab into contact with “the bread man.” In fact, Charlie nearly ran into his tower of racks as it lumbered down Aisle 8. Fortunately, the man sensed a child in the way and screeched the whole thing … Read more
Duparc, Phidylé Henri Duparc (1848-1933) can be added to the list of composers who studied law before committing to a career in music. I have threatened to compile that list someday, but the list would be long and not particularly useful since none that I … Read more
“Cooking is for people who can stay in the zone.” My husband Hank told me that recently. Admittedly, it is a clever statement, but it hurt my feelings a bit. I withheld responding that, if I “stayed in the zone,” there would rarely be a … Read more
Mouret, Rondeau This rondeau by French composer Jean-Joseph Mouret (1682-1738) will be instantly recognized by many as the musical theme for the television series Masterpiece Theater. Some of the best television drama, much of it produced by the BBC, aired as part of the series … Read more