Haydn, Seven Last Words The Seven Last Words spoken by Christ on the Cross come from the four Gospels. Three are reported in the Gospel of John and another three in the Gospel of Luke. The seventh appears in both Matthew and Mark. Numerous authors … Read more
When one has deeply felt convictions, it’s nice to have them reinforced. In recent years, I find myself positively preaching about the blessings that pour into a family when the arts assume a central position in the educational process. Included in that phenomenon is the … Read more
Byrd, Miserere mei, Deus We begin the Lenten Season on a more reflective note, especially compared to last week’s Shrovetide Fair and Petrushka. William Byrd (c. 1543-1623) made his mark on the early Elizabethan Era. He grew up in the reign of the Mary Tudor … Read more
Keeping one’s sense of wonder can be a challenge. Discovering wonder in the middle of stressful situations can be hard too. Yet, just as we are uplifted by cherishing beauty, so too are we renewed by dwelling in moments of wonder. Such a challenge arose … Read more
Stravinsky, Petrushka Stravinsky’s ballet Petrushka opens amid the festivities at the Shrovetide Fair. And since Shrovetide takes place this week, now may be a good time to look at Petrushka? Despite my Anglican leanings, I did not grow up hearing about “Shrovetide.” In South Louisiana, … Read more
Britten, Four Sea Interludes (from Peter Grimes) I’m sitting in my son’s new apartment on the beach, a stone’s throw from Chesapeake Bay. No really, I could throw a rock from here that would land in the water. There is nothing between the window and … Read more
It’s all about to start. Conference season, lecture season, tour season. In the past few days while organizing my talks, searching for lanyards and badges, retrieving adapters and connectors (plus the right clothing for different climes), I’ve had one pressing “seasonal” question badgering my mind: … Read more
Delius, In a Summer Garden Frederick Delius (1862-1934) absorbed musical influences across Europe and America before turning seriously to composing. Born in Yorkshire to German parents, his early career in his father’s business took him to posts in Germany, Sweden, France, and Florida. Delius had … Read more
In a tattered black-and-white photo, my second-grade teacher Mrs. Summers sits with dignity at her desk, beautifully clad in a classically tailored suit. On her desk stands a rare item of frivolity: a shoebox decorated with doilies and crepe paper. To that box we dutifully … Read more
