Byrd, Ne Irascaris Domine/Civitas Sancti Tui As I thought about using this selection by William Byrd (c. 1543-1623) as today’s performance pick, I recalled that Byrd had appeared here somewhat recently. So I looked back at the list and discovered, of course, it was during … Read more
“What do you think of Hans Rookmaaker?” That question bounced into the chat box during one of my talks at our virtual “Greenville SC” Great Homeschool Convention three weeks ago. “Hmm,” I thought. “Now there’s a new name for me!” Following chat activity while delivering … Read more
Children Go Where I Send Thee I thought about posting this week’s performance previously, but the occasion never seemed quite right. Christmas perhaps, or as part of a series focused on pop/folk music or vocal ensembles. But on hearing that Kenny Rogers (1938-2020) died last … Read more
Like you, we are pondering ways to use this bizarre shutdown of our society for the best good. Our own days still follow familiar patterns because we work at home. Thus, the time feels pretty normal. Never fond of errands and ordinarily traveling about a … Read more
Dufay, Supremum est mortabilus Guillaume Dufay (c. 1397-1474) was a significant figure among the composers of the Burgundian School, which included Binchois, Busnois, and Dunstaple. We have not featured any of these composers yet in this series, although we included Dufay’s music in our Early … Read more
The High Road to Kilkenny Kilkenny (Cill Chainnigh) began as an ecclesiastical settlement in the 6th century. Its history as a medieval capital, St. Canice Cathedral, Round Tower, and many other attractions make it today a popular tourist destination. I have never been there, but … Read more
The grandkids are in their bedroom dancing to The Wabash Cannonball blaring from a cassette of Texas history for children. I spotted it yesterday while sorting through a box of things slated to be tossed away. Snatching it up, I popped it into our “retro” … Read more
Shostakovich, Festive Overture I have decided to listen to more Shostakovich for awhile. No, it’s not exactly my Lenten discipline. After all, I really like Shostakovich, so it doesn’t involve any sacrifice. I used to enjoy a steady diet of his music, collecting and learning … Read more
The 2020 Symposium of the National Classical Educators here in Phoenix was packed. Consequently, the architecturally fabulous Great Hall, sky bridges, and courtyards of Arizona State University’s BEUS Center for Law and Society overflowed with mission-driven teachers, historians, poets, headmasters, and curriculum developers. Everywhere you … Read more
