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 […]
A Meowsical Interlude
Have you ever seen medieval paintings of cats? Some highly entertaining examples are making the rounds on social media. As comical as they might be, they underscore a truth: for centuries, cats’ lives have been deeply interwoven with our own. And naturally, they’ve appeared in our music! In honor of the quirky holiday called National […]
All About That Jazz
It was new and different. Catchy yet soulful. A uniquely American contribution to the world of music. It was jazz. During the roaring twenties―also called the Jazz Age―American society was shifting, and the musical landscape followed right along. How much do you know about jazz? Here are a few interesting facts about this very special genre. […]
Still Famous After All These Years
Did you “beware the Ides of March” this year? Well, if you’re reading this, you certainly have better luck avoiding disaster than Julius Caesar, the Roman dictator who was stabbed to death by a group of nobles on March 7, making the date infamous. With such a dramatic end to a notable rule, it’s natural […]