[First published in 2011 on Classical Life, but still true.] Top 10 lists are big these days in the sophisticated world of the internet and its readership. Even the august New York Times (in January) got into the act recently
Review: Walton Symphonies Nos. 1-2, Kirill Karabits and the Bournemouth Symphony
How is it that the two symphonies of the British composer William Walton, from 1935 and 1960, have escaped my attention until now? Oh, certainly, the fault is mostly mine; I could have always listened to a recording of them.
Playlist: Scherzos
A playlist of orchestral scherzos that I like. It might also make a good concert program, though you’d probably need to lose one or two. https://youtu.be/edo3L7pTCug
Audio: Rossini: Overture to ‘Cenerentola’
Is it just me, or do you hardly ever hear Rossini overtures in concerts anymore? At any rate, here’s a good one, the Overture to “Cenerentola” (“Cinderella), performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra and conducted by Carlo Maria Giulini. The
Pacific Overtures, December
The December newsletter is out a day early … Pacific Overtures. December, 2017.
December vlog update
Here’s my colleague’s December update on Pacific Symphony concerts, bad sweater and all.
Listen to this: Sonata form
Sonata form is a rich and complex subject, often considered beyond the understanding of all except well schooled musicians. But some of the basics are pretty easy to understand and, more important, hear. First, there are three main sections in
Miscellany
(Curated classical music news and views from around the internet.) Take a hike with composer John Adams in the Sierras, the setting for his new opera on the Gold Rush, “Girls of the Golden West.”… The artistic director of the venerable
Pacific Symphony: December concerts
Here’s your quick, mobile-friendly guide to December concerts at Pacific Symphony, with links to buy tickets online. Estonian conductor Anu Tali, recently picked by The Washington Post as one of the top “Female conductors to watch,” makes her debut with
Carlos Kleiber conducts ‘The Huntsmen’s Chorus’
https://youtu.be/lq1JzXT1akM This has long been one of my favorite pieces of Kleiberiana — “The Huntsmen’s Chorus” from Weber’s “Der Freischutz.” It’ll make you feel good. You’re welcome.