Sting released an accoustic version of his 1980s solo hit Russians in light of the war in Ukraine. It is, I think, a decided improvement on the original. https://youtu.be/r5qhS9Ic96A This new version, stripped of the lyric about President Reagan, is a bit more one-sided, but the message of universality remains the same. Perhaps this is … Continue reading A Musical Conversation in a Time of War
Tag: The Conversation
Bach: Conversations Across Art
The Cello Suites are constantly inspiring cellists and composers, but have also made their mark across the arts. Here are two notable examples: J.S. Bach, Cello Suite No. 1: Prelude (from Weir's Master and Commander) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6Ji-KDLG8Y J.S. Bach, Cello Suite No. 5: Sarabande (from Bergman's Cries and Whispers) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuK9ibesyo4 In fact, Bach's Cello Suites have … Continue reading Bach: Conversations Across Art
Bach and Bartok: A Conversation
In the 1940s, Bela Bartok heard the great violinist Yehudi Menuhin play Bach's solo sonata for violin in C major at a concert in Asheville, North Carolina. Inspired, Bartok composed his own sonata for solo violin, dedicating it to Menuhin. Reflecting what was all to common a trend, Menuhin found the composition too difficult to … Continue reading Bach and Bartok: A Conversation
Interlude: Handel’s Enduring Influence
Handel's lasting influence remains in the operatic world. His operas which were rarely performed a generation or two ago, have found renewed life in the 21st century. Why? Not for the first time here, the music makes its own case. Consider this album from one of the most exciting singers in the opera world today: … Continue reading Interlude: Handel’s Enduring Influence
Interlude: Handel’s Secular World
J.S. Bach's Lutheran faith animated his music. Handel, by comparison, apparently liked a good time and was less concerned about religion. Indeed, Handel's most famous tune is arguable from his "Water Music", which was written for King George I's concert on the Thames. George Friderich Handel, Water Music Suite No. 1, XII: Alla Hornpipe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRrxJDKGcDQ … Continue reading Interlude: Handel’s Secular World
A Gertus History of Music 