Verdi, Caro nome (from Rigoletto) Caro nome translates as “dear name.” Unfortunately, the dear name that Gilda knows at this point in Act I of Verdi’s opera Rigoletto (1851) is a false one. Gilda, daughter of the court jester Rigoletto, thinks she has just fallen … Read more
Trees block our view of the sunrise. What else did I expect once we left the open skies of Texas for the forested hills of Winston-Salem? No surprises there. Of the things I miss about Texas, the wonders of the sky matter the most. Serious … Read more
Trenet, Ah, dis! Ah, bonjour! One thing I like about writing this series on listening is that I can do whatever I want. (Yes, there’s probably some line I could cross that might get Professor Carol’s attention, but that hasn’t happened and probably won’t.) Today, … Read more
I joined my daughter at the YMCA last night. My version of working out wouldn’t impress anyone, but I enjoy the bikes and the treadmill. This Y has a little library in the lobby with some interesting titles, so you can scoop up a book, … Read more
I was delighted to receive this note from my colleague Dr. Shawn Eaton and wanted to share it. He comments on a topic that is central to what many of us do, and I would invite others to join in the discussion. I just finished reading … Read more
Rimsky-Korsakov, Capriccio Espagnol You may have thought that only French composers could write Spanish music, but here’s proof that Russians can do it too. Okay, that’s a bit overstated: we could find plenty of superb Spanish composers. But it’s hard not to think of Bizet’s Carmen, … Read more
We’re organizing the library in our new house in North Carolina. While the living space is generous, the library will still consume two-thirds of the bottom floor. Right now that space is a mess, filled with stacks of books waiting to find their proper shelving. … Read more
Villa-Lobos, Choros No. 1 Choro in Portuguese translates as “cry,” or more appropriately, “lament.” The popular musical genre under that name first appeared in Brazil in the late 19th century. Despite the name, Choros tend to be upbeat. They drew on African rhythms and a … Read more
This week brought an opportunity to help a friend by doing spot editing on his forthcoming book. His field is American art history, and it’s been fascinating to revisit this subject by engaging in an editorial volley with his mind. I choose the word “volley” … Read more
Haydn, Piano Trio in C Major, Hob. XV: 27 The piano trio of the Classical era grew out of the Baroque trio sonata. The long-popular Baroque trio sonata featured a solo instrument accompanied by what was called the basso continuo consisting of harpsichord and viol da gamba … Read more