Glinka, Ruslan and Ludmilla Overture Yes, that’s a little guy on a horse about to do battle with a giant’s head. Not a whole giant, just the Head. So we must be deep into some fairy tale—in this case Pushkin’s Ruslan and Ludmilla. Ludmilla has … Read more
He caught only a glimpse of the monument. You know how it is, traveling as a tourist by bus. If you sit on the right side, whatever you need to see is on the left. About the time the guide mentions something important, the light … Read more
Pérotin, Viderunt Omnes The Gothic style of architecture pioneered by the Basilica of St. Denis (completed in 1144) sparked a wave of new construction across Europe. The Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris was under construction from 1163 to about 1240. But it wasn’t just new construction … Read more
I’m watching barges go up the Rhine River. The precious, early morning hours before official tour activities begin are my favorite, no matter where I am. Still, the joy of sitting here, looking out at the castles on the Rhine? That defies description. By the … Read more
Monroe, Jerusalem Ridge Around the Fourth of July, I like to turn to something with American roots. “Jerusalem Ridge” was written by Bill Monroe (1911-1996), known as the father of bluegrass. The musical style, and Monroe’s band the Blue Grass Boys, take their name from Monroe’s home … Read more
A swan passed by my window this morning at sunrise. No, it wasn’t a dream. I’m on a river boat serving as Study Leader for a two-week Rhine River cruise from Basel to Amsterdam. The focus for this trip is family. Of the 130 passengers … Read more
Poulenc, Margoton va t’a l’iau Margoton goes to fetch water with her little jug. The spring was in a deep hollow, and she fell in. “Oh Dear,” said Margoton to herself. French composer Francis Poulenc (1899-1963) developed a reputation for lighthearted and whimsical compositions, and … Read more
Each week I wonder what I’ll decide to write as my next blog post. Ideally, a theme moves into my thoughts by Saturday or Sunday. If not, I pray that one will float down on Monday (picture the Baroque era’s theatrical deus ex machina lobbing … Read more
Lahusen, Komm Trost der Welt The composer of today’s work, Christian Lahusen (1886-1975), was born in Argentina to German parents. He attended high school in Germany and went on to study music in Leipzig. He held various posts as a pianist, teacher, and Kappellmeister. Although little … Read more
At each conference recently, I’ve found myself discussing the same quandary: how do we implement curriculum so that the arts occupy a central, not ancillary, position? Particularly in the realm of Classical education, we extol the value of the arts as a component of the … Read more