Two quick hits for New Years’ Eve. First, a playlist. Nothing too fancy about this one—just those songs I want to hear tonight. Something old, with a bit of swing and nostalgia. Only one of these songs will feature on this blog properly. But who said music can’t be simple and fun? https://open.spotify.com/playlist/189hm5EStw2kNVYEkuHGQ7 Finally, because … Continue reading Lists for the New Year
Month: December 2021
Interlude: A bit of fun
Several weeks ago, I linked to a great album from the Icelandic pianist Vikingur Olafsson, which contrasts the music of Rameau with Debussy. That Conversation is well-known, since Debussy composed a work entitled Hommage a Rameau. It is an ironic Conversation, since Debussy, more than any other composer, was responsible for undermining Rameau's theory of … Continue reading Interlude: A bit of fun
Baroque Music IX: Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683-1764)
Of that generation of composers who were born in the decade between 1675 and 1685, there is a good argument to be made that Jean-Philippe Rameau had the greatest influence. Not Bach. Not Handel. Not Vivaldi. In fact, the term “baroque” was derived from a pejorative comment made about Rameau’s Hippolyte et Aricie: Jean-Baptiste Rousseau … Continue reading Baroque Music IX: Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683-1764)
Christmas and the Baroque Oratorio
As I said, I love Christmas music. And while I love all forms of Christmas music (see yesterday's playlist), it is no coincidence that my favorite form of music--Baroque oratorio--features prominently in the genre. The first half of the 1700s were awash in Christmas music, likely ignited by Corelli's Christmas Concerto. Vivaldi followed suit with … Continue reading Christmas and the Baroque Oratorio
A Gertus History of Christmas Music
I love Christmas music; for me, it is the best thing about the holiday season. Unsurprisingly, composers love Christmas music too and have been churning out carols, oratorios, motets, quartets, and nearly every other form of music to celebrate the birth of Jesus. In that spirit, I have compiled a playlist, starting (as this blog … Continue reading A Gertus History of Christmas Music
A Gertus History of Music 