Category: Reviews and Musings

Interlude: The Power of Great Art

Playwright, lyricist, theatre critic and all-round Renaissance guy David Cote asked his many followers the other day to identify "a work of art that had an actual, direct, political consequence . . . [a] work of art that led to political change." Perhaps such a work exists, but the power of great art, in my … Continue reading Interlude: The Power of Great Art →

Lists for the New Year

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 →

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 →

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 →