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 […]
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 […]