Josef Konecny, April Polka Ah, June. This polka may be named for April, but it doesn’t matter. June means we are headed back to Germany. And that means German music at the various Fests in my neighborhood. Germans will hold a festival for practically any reason … Read more
Barsanti, Lord Aboyne’s Welcome “Lord Aboyne’s welcome” or “Cumbernauld House” appears in A Collection of Old Scots Tunes (1742) compiled and arranged with harpsichord and cello accompaniment by Francis Barsanti (born Francesco Barsanti in Tuscany). What’s an Italian doing compiling Scottish tunes? Barsanti (1690-1775) left Italy … Read more
I am not contemplative by nature. Those who know me realize how true that statement is. Yet, at this past weekend’s conference in Louisville, Kentucky entitled The Fruitful Garden, an inspiring group of Classical educators caused me mightily to wish that I could be more contemplative … Read more
Rodrigo, Concierto de Aranjuez You have heard it in commercials and films: the slow second movement of Concierto de Aranjuez by Joachim Rodrigo (1901-1999). It’s hard to imagine a more poignant melody cast in such a peaceful setting. Of course, the second movement (6:41 – … Read more
This weekend brings a much-anticipated event: our second gathering of educators at a conference entitled The Fruitful Garden. Sponsored by the Classical Consortium (CiRCE, Classical Academic Press, Memoria Press, IEW, Center for Lit, and Professor Carol), our focus will be the Seven Liberal Arts, exploring … Read more
Hummel, Septet Op. 74 (1st Movement) Johann Nepomuk Hummel (1778-1837) deserves a spot in this series for several reasons, the least of which is that I walk by his house often when I’m in Weimar. He spent the last 20 years of his life in … Read more
Have you participated in the time-honored ritual of the spring ballet recital? This past Saturday marked our granddaughter’s first foray into the world of sequined tutus, hair-sprayed topknots, and stage make-up. Overall, her little band of four-year olds did pretty well. But the recital left … Read more
Trevino, Catching Shadows This work was written originally for two marimbas. In this sextet version the marimbas play the most prominent role, but I want to focus on the cajón drum (sometimes called a tapa)—maybe the only instrument that you sit on to play. Our trailer for … Read more
My refrigerator is covered with oblong magnets stamped with art. I buy these after museum visits and, yes, I know: they are kitschy. Plus they are overpriced and the paintings aren’t well reproduced. Still, I get a kick out them, particularly watching them migrate while … Read more
Ray Noble, Cherokee At the conferences this year I heard quite a few comments from people who read this series every week. I appreciate the feedback, and of course it’s nice to know that people enjoy it. I had a rather lengthy conversation with one … Read more