Celebrating Ireland’s Musical Masters
It should be no surprise that the rich history and beautiful landscapes of the Emerald Isle have produced great composers. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, let’s take a moment to recognize a few of these remarkable individuals and their work. Considered one of Ireland’s most celebrated musical figures, Turlough O’Carolan (1670-1738) led an interesting […]
Love is in the Air
Did Cupid’s arrow touch your heart this Valentine’s Day? It has certainly made an appearance in musical works over the centuries. After all, the themes of love, passion, and desire are eternally inspiring. Here are several works where we can find the spirit of Cupid’s arrow. “The Marriage of Figaro” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is […]
In Appreciation of Winter Storms
Musical inspiration can come from anywhere, including the weather. Transported by the heat of summer, the crispness of autumn, or the chill of winter, composers help us experience the world through their senses, distilled into music. This month, let’s look at several compositions that were inspired by our coldest season. Well, you can’t get more […]
Handel’s “Messiah”: A Divine Rush Job
You’ve probably heard of George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah,” that epic choral masterpiece that goes into heavy rotation every December. But did you know it was basically a musical sprint? Handel composed Messiah with remarkable speed, completing the entire work in just 24 days. Whew! Here are a few more fun facts you might not know […]
Bad Boys of Classical Music
Back in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, rock stars had reputations as real “bad boys” ― trashing hotel rooms, getting drunk, and indulging in sordid affairs. For a while, it seemed the entertainment industry was getting more out of hand every day. But those performers were hardly trailblazers when it came to acting out. Here’s the scoop […]
Where Classical Meets Cool
Let’s face it, jazz is the definition of cool. And vocal jazz, with its charismatic performers who seem to effortlessly blend classical harmonies with the improvisational spirit of jazz, might just be the epitome of coolness. The genre bridges the gap between structured and free-flowing styles, creating a sound that is both familiar and fresh. […]
Spooky Symphonies
Are you ready for Halloween’s ghouls, ghosts, and goblins? This time of year presents a perfect opportunity to explore the dark and mysterious side of classical music. So, turn off the lights, light a few candles, and let’s dive into some spine-tingling compositions. One of the most iconic pieces of Halloween music is Modest Mussorgsky’s […]
The Sea Calls
Did you know that Americans have a rich history of providing a musical accompaniment to the sea? Back in 1798, two musicians boarded the USS Ganges — a fifer and a drummer — and that was just the start. The fife-drummer duo was used throughout the Revolutionary War. Having musicians on ships grew in popularity, and within […]
And Now for Something a Little Different
Anything can be an instrument, right? As kids, we bang on pots and pans, imagining ourselves as rock-star drummers. We tap our toes, snap our fingers and experiment with the objects around us. But it’s a safe guess that few of us ever thought to harness the musical qualities of an old-fashioned typewriter. That’s okay, […]
Summer Fun for Everyone
Summer is officially here! And though the 2023-24 Howard County Concert Odyssey season has concluded, that doesn’t mean your enjoyment of live music has to end for the season. The summer months bring an assortment of free concerts to our area for you and your family to enjoy as you await the beginning of the […]