In a city renowned for massive monuments, the most poignant of Berlin’s memorial structures lies unnoticeable beneath the cobblestones of a square separating the Berlin State Opera from the historic Humbolt University. Anyone crossing this busy square known as Bebelplatz could easily overlook the presence … Read more
As often is the case, Hank had the initial idea: why not institute a series of concentrated presentations that may be helpful to our audience? The titles of these series (A Sprint Through and What’s So Great About?) were mine, though. Both wordings reflect pedagogical … Read more
Stravinsky, Symphony of Psalms I count this among the works that I once knew well and then let languish. It seems to be a long list, which I guess is to be expected after spending years listening voraciously as a student, and then turning to … Read more
Taverner, Mater Christi sanctissima To mark the beginning of Lent, let us consider this antiphon by the English Renaissance composer John Taverner (c. 1490-1545). Not much is known about Taverner’s life. His entry in Grove does more to debunk earlier biographical accounts than to add … Read more
While impossible to prove, reading The Chronicles of Narnia in childhood would have given me a richer understanding of life. For one thing, I would have better understood the puzzling gap between the adult world and the kaleidoscopic realm of the imagination. Narnia’s roster of … Read more
Spencer Williams, Basin Street Blues Mardi gras is upon us. Always the last day before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, this year it falls on February 16. I will not be in New Orleans to celebrate this exercise in hedonism, some of which is harmless … Read more
After several warm days, we’re back to February’s rain, mush, and slush. That groundhog should have slept in. Nonetheless, several bright spots are keeping me warm include a new webinar in our series What’s So Great About? The spot of honor this time goes to … Read more
Bizet, The Flower Song (from Carmen) The music of Georges Bizet’s Carmen (1875) has gained a popularity that few operas can match. People with little exposure to opera are likely to recognize the Toreador Song and the Habanera. There are many other great moments in … Read more
As spring tries to suggest itself, and certain aspects of life are returning to normal, many of us are taking heart about the upcoming conference season. One event I do love towards the end of February will still be “virtual,” but in this case a … Read more
Boy genius? Unmatched musical master? Semi-tragic figure plagued by self-created problems? What about the trendy idea that listening to Mozart’s music will make babies smarter? What accounts for the mystique behind this composer? Join us on February 11 and find out as we discuss what makes … Read more