Over the past several years I’ve joined a panel of Classical educators who come together at the large regional conferences known as the Great Homeschool Conventions. Originally entitled “Classical Education Unplugged,” our panel found itself renamed “Classical Education Unhinged” in this year’s program. We laughingly … Read more
Schein, Ach Herr, ach meiner schone In the past two weeks we have looked at the music of Heinrich Schütz and Samuel Scheidt. Johann Schein (1586-1630) represents the third member of our famous trio of early German Baroque composers. Schein was born in Grünhain, but moved to … Read more
Driving back to Texas from the Great Homeschool Convention in Greenville, after a detour to visit friends in Winston-Salem, we stopped overnight in Meridian, Mississippi. As we were pulling off the highway, Hank said, “A State Police patrol car is following us.” You know the … Read more
Scheidt, Canzon Bergamasca One often finds Samuel Scheidt (1587-1654) closely associated with Heinrich Schütz (whose music we featured last week). He was born and spent most of his career in the German city of Halle, not far from Schütz’s home of Weissenfels. Schütz and Scheidt, however, … Read more
Since we sold our ranch two years ago, we have been in transition. We presently live in what I like to call a Texas McHouse: one of these huge houses with an open floor plan, 28ft ceilings, and more granite than anybody needs. It’s nestled … Read more
Schütz, Heu mihi domine and Quid commisisti Heinrich Schütz (1585-1672) earns an extensive entry in The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians. It begins with a striking accolade: “He was the greatest German composer of the 17th century and the first of international stature.” No weasel … Read more
What do Christmas and the season of educational conferences have in common? First, both sneak up on you. One day it’s August, and, the next thing you know, it’s time to launch the Advent calendar. So, too, with the conferences. Wasn’t it just Christmas? How … Read more
Hindemith, Sonata for Harp Our apartment in Weimar, Germany backs up to the Liszt Conservatory of Music. In summer, the open windows bring the sound of students practicing. We like that. Professional musicians also live in the area. The couple that until recently lived on … Read more
Why do I recommend La Bohème as a first opera? Well, for starters, it’s not long. (That matters, especially for kids.) It runs about two hours, with four short acts between that last about 30 minutes each. It boasts several “hit tunes” that are likely … Read more
“Mimi dies,” a Metropolitan Opera representative whispered to me over the phone. I was making an inquiry into the appropriateness for young people of one of the Met’s upcoming HD satellite transmissions, in this case, their February 24 Saturday matinee performance of Giacomo Puccini’s La … Read more