Category Archives: Music

On My Bookshelf: A Natural History of the Piano

Posted on 25 February 2015 by

Stuart Isacoff’s book–I could call this a biography–is a hugely enjoyable read. Great combo of historical information, personal testimony of artists and by artists, and the occasional supporting illustration. Mr Isacoff starts with the ancient history of the instrument, early … Continue reading →

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Lenten Reflections: Arevakal

Posted on 24 February 2015 by

Often missed in the blizzard of symphonies Alan Hovhaness composed are various works for orchestra not labeled “symphony,” but which to my ear, don’t sound much different from them. You can hear an early Hovhaness work, his first concerto for … Continue reading →

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Music From Our Sea

Posted on 9 February 2015 by

There is an enormous wealth of fabulous music online. Much is not readily available in recorded form–concerts and such. I’m disinclined to hero worship as readers here know. About the closest I get is my admiration for the fine musician … Continue reading →

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Yellowjackets

Posted on 3 February 2015 by

When I was working my way through grad school, I spent a few years as a part-time jazz and classical announcer in public radio. I enjoyed both genres, but it was a real expansion working in an environment where I was … Continue reading →

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On The Shore

Posted on 23 January 2015 by

Frequent commenter and friend Jimmy Mac forwarded me a letter to the editor of The Tablet. From Peter Stanford, it read, in part: We were so relieved when our local parish priest agreed that my dad could have a Catholic … Continue reading →

Posted in Liturgy, Music | Tagged | 2 Comments

Hadestown

Posted on 16 January 2015 by

About every five years I run across music that rockets to the top of my favorite list. I listened to the first song from Anaïs Mitchell‘s folk opera Hadestown on YouTube. Then I paused and ordered the full cd online. … Continue reading →

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Riu Riu Chiu

Posted on 28 December 2014 by

I was looking for a version of “Riu Riu Chiu” to share that I have on vinyl from the early 80’s. Not on YouTube. Maybe someday I’ll record my own version and post it here. The “nonsense” title is thought … Continue reading →

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