Silvestre Revueltas (1899-1940) was one of the most remarkable Mexican composers of the 20th century. His music combines modernist, folkloric and primitivist elements and is notable for its vitality and vibrancy. His most famous work is “Sensemayá,” inspired by a
A Philip Glass playlist
St.Clair and Pacific Symphony bound for Carnegie Hall in salute to Philip Glass
By TIMOTHY MANGAN Carl St.Clair and Pacific Symphony are about to make a big trip, in case you hadn’t heard — a trip to Carnegie Hall. Conductor and orchestra have been invited to perform at the venerable venue on Saturday,
El Sistema alum joins Pacific Symphony
By ERICA SHARP After finishing runner-up at her previous audition, Kaylet Torrez, the newest member of Pacific Symphony, knew she had to win the next one. It had become her dream ever since her move to Los Angeles. With renewed
Books on classical music: Some essentials (2)
Having a few books of music criticism — the right ones, at least — is an essential part of any serious classical music lover’s library. Good music criticism teaches us how to listen to and think about music. A great
Orchestration by Ravel
I’ve always loved the way this piece — the “Habanera” from “Rhapsodie espagnole” — is orchestrated, the whole thing, but particularly the aromatic chord change from minor to major starting at the one minute mark in this recording and repeated
Mussorgsky: ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’ sans Ravel
A good way to prepare for this week’s performances by Carl St.Clair and Pacific Symphony of Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition” in Ravel’s incomparable orchestration is to hear the piece in its original version, for solo piano. Here’s Alice Sara
Neglected symphony: Wilhelm Peterson-Berger Symphony No. 5
I hadn’t even heard of this composer before a conductor friend suggested I listen to this piece, the Symphony No. 5 by Wilhelm Peterson-Berger (1867-1942). Peterson-Berger was a Swedish composer and music critic who was an anti-modernist. The Symphony No.
Mussorgsky: ‘Night on Bald Mountain,’ original version
Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky was born on this date (Old Style) in 1839. Here’s the seldom-heard original version of his “Night on Bald Mountain.” The work is most familiar in a rather radical arrangement made by Rimsky-Korsakov. In many ways,
Books on classical music: Some essentials (1)
A little knowledge will help you enjoy classical music more than none. A lot of knowledge will help even more. Here are a few books that I think every classical music lover should have on their shelves for easy reference.