I have more than a few things to say about last Tuesday’s Los Angeles Philharmonic concert at the Hollywood Bowl, as usual. But let’s get one thing out of the way, shall we? Yefim Bronfman is a bad-ass. Ok, perhaps this is old news, but even if that’s the case, it’s worth repeating. So many … Continue reading
—– Props to @jozjozjoz for pointing me to the video above, with apologies to Carl Orff. It is one of the best and funniest “mis-heard lyrics” I’ve seen and heard, almost as good as the granddaddy of ’em all: this interpretation of Pearl Jam’s Yellow Ledbetter. Make me fries. Continue reading
“Great” is an often overused and mis-applied word, but is unquestionably appropriate in describing Martha Argerich. The great Argentinian pianist was born on June 5, 1941, which makes her 71 years old today. Her appearances are always events, partly because they are relatively rare. Every few years, her name comes up on a local program, … Continue reading
The distinguished American pianist turns 69 years old today. Click HERE to read my review of his performance with the Los Angeles Philharmonic earlier this season, and watch the video excerpt below of him giving a master class at Bard College Conservatory in 2009. RELATED POST: The world we live in, and life in general: … Continue reading
The Los Angeles Philharmonic recently held auditions to find a new Principal Cello to replace Peter Stumpf, whose name still appears on their roster as being “On Leave” but who hasn’t been with the orchestra all season. The required repertoire list for the audition included some excerpts that would be expected (Haydn Concerto, Don Quixote, La … Continue reading
Thoughts of this coming weekend’s concerts of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra conducted by their tech-loving Music Director, Jeffrey Kahane, reminded me of how he has increasingly taken to using iPads instead of regular sheet music, especially when playing the piano. Among other reasons, it helps him avoid page-turning snafus. Timo Andres also used one … Continue reading
Anton Bruckner wrote multiple settings of “Christus Factus Est Pro Nobis.” This particular one is near and dear to my heart because it was the first Bruckner motet I learned to sing. In fact, it was the first Bruckner work of any kind to which I was introduced. Here’s a rendition by the Bristol Cathedral … Continue reading
See for yourself what the St. Louis Symphony is up against. . . .The horror. The horror. Do your part today to help Save Powell Hall. Continue reading
“Every three seconds, someone in the world is cast in the musical, Les Miserables. They believe they will dream the dream, but instead, are living a nightmare. . . .” Continue reading
On this leap day in 1792, the great Italian composer, Gioachino Rossini, was born. He wrote over 30 operas along with many other works, but he is probably best known for The Barber of Seville. So in honor of Signore Rossini’s 220th birthday, I offer you The Barber of Seville the way most of us … Continue reading
The classic Latin chant about Christmas, O Magnum Mysterium, has been set to music by many distinguished composers over the centuries, ranging from Palestrina to John Harbison. Morten Lauridsen’s 1994 version has since gone on to be a modern-day classic and the best selling chorale octavo ever sold by the Theodore Presser Company. As absolutely amazing … Continue reading
I’ve enjoyed many performances of “Messiah” in person, on CD, and on video, and have also sung bass in my fair share of student, community, and semi-professional performances of Handel’s most famous oratorio. One of my personal favorites has always been a concert by Robert Shaw and the Atlanta Symphony, with Sylvia McNair as the … Continue reading
The great German composer was born on this date in 1770. In his honor, please enjoy the iconic first movement from his Fifth Symphony, performed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic conducted by the incomparable Carlo Maria Giulini. If you typically associate Maestro Giulini with interpretations that lean towards the broad and spacious, you may be … Continue reading
On this date in 1865, Jean Sibelius, Finnish composer and nationalist, was born. In his honor, below is a brief excerpt of his Second Symphony played by the Gothenburg Symphony, conducted by their Music Director, Gustavo Dudamel. If you want to hear the whole thing, here’s also a live recording of the whole Second Symphony conducted by Esa-Pekka … Continue reading
At first blush, Please Don’t Tell (or “PDT” as it is often called) takes the nouveau speakeasy concept of Milk & Honey — nondescript entrance leading to bar with limited seating manned by a mixologist — up a notch or two. Despite those similarities, a visit to the two venues feels completely different: where Milk … Continue reading
All is Yar 