Let the Gourd Times Roll
The wonderful world of gourds: it provides us with spooky jack-o-lanterns, home décor reminiscent of the harvest season, and a host of culinary delights (pumpkin pie, anyone?). But there’s so much more to the humble gourd, including a worldwide musical tradition. Are you familiar with any of these gourd-geous instruments? First up: the water gourd, […]
Steel, for Real
Take a moment to imagine the vibrant sound of the steel drums … does it put you in mind of a tropical vacation? We may think of the steel drums, or steelpans, as festive―and they are!―but their origin is quite a bit more serious. During the early 20th century, British colonial authorities had banned the […]
A Different Way to Experience Music
What do you experience when you listen to great music? Hearing a beautiful or powerful melody snags our emotions. When those bass drums are thumping, we can also feel the notes. Seeing the flash of instruments or the expression on a singer’s face adds to our experience. It’s a feast for the senses! But what if […]
Donna Bareis Amico Elected Board President
The Howard County Concert Odyssey is pleased to announce that Donna Bareis Amico has been elected President of the Odyssey’s Board of Directors. A member of the Board since April 2022, she succeeds Nancy Carol Mason, who served as Board President for many years, and who will continue serving on the Board as a Director. […]
Appreciating the Bagpipes
Though you may not be a fan of the bagpipes, there’s no denying that they’re a fascinating―perhaps even quirky?―musical instrument. In honor of Bagpipe Appreciation Day on July 27, let’s take a few minutes for some fun and surprising facts about an instrument with a complex reputation. Most Americans think of bagpipes as a Scottish […]
When Classical Gets Confrontational
Do you listen to classical music to relax? For its pleasant, soothing melodies? Well, brace yourself, because this month we’re looking at a few works that caused quite a ruckus in their day. The Rite of Spring In 1913, Igor Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring” premiered in Paris, with the renowned Ballets Russe performing to […]
Getting to Know the Amazing Piano
The piano has been such a centerpiece of modern music we forget that, in some ways, it’s a relative newcomer. What could be considered the modern piano was invented in about 1700 but wasn’t widely used for another hundred years. Today, of course, we can hardly imagine a popular band without a piano or keyboard. […]
The Magic of Tango
The tango: It’s passionate, energetic, and uniquely Argentinian. In anticipation of next month’s QuinTango concert, let’s take a closer look at the music, the dance, and this talented group. Did you know that the tango reflects Argentina’s cultural diversity? Though based largely on African dances, it has also been influenced by the flamenco, waltz, polka, and […]
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 […]