February is the shortest month of the year. That fact inspired #ClassicsaDay team (of which I’m a member) to make short classical pieces the theme for the month. The challenge is to select stand-alone works, not movements of larger pieces. Participants post links to short classical pieces in the social media channel of their choice, […]
Classical music
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Dotzauer Flute and Oboe Quartets Charm with Simplicity
Who was Friedrich Dotzauer (1783-1860) that we should be mindful of him? Cello students know him well — his 100+ exercises and caprices for solo cello are still in use. Dotzauer was a cellist, and he was also a prolific composer, with over 190 works. His catalog includes 9 cello concertos, 25 string quartets, and […]
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Garlands for Steven Stucky
Steven Stucky was both a successful composer and an influential teacher. His Second Concerto for Orchestra won the Pulitzer Prize. Stucky produced a large number of works and taught some of the most important composers of the next generation. It’s no surprise then, that this musical memorial to Stucky would feature an impressive lineup of […]
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Michael Daugherty Dreamachine Hits on All Cylinders
In my opinion, Michael Daugherty’s style hits the sweet spot. His music has real substance, working on multiple layers that yield fresh insights with every hearing. He’s also fully integrated the musical vernacular of pop culture. And he writes in a mostly tonal and strongly rhythmic language. These strengths enable his music to connect with […]
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Craig Morris Delivers an Exciting Program of Solo Philip Glass
Craig Morris presents a fascinating program of Philip Glass music. Although considered a minimalist, most of Glass’ recorded music is for ensembles (both large and small). Glass’ best-known works are appealing not only for their melodic permutations but also for their ever-shifting harmonic textures. So what happens when Glass limits himself to a single instrument? […]
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#ClassicsaDay #ClassicalShorts Week 2
February is the shortest month of the year. That fact inspired #ClassicsaDay team (of which I’m a member) to make short classical pieces the theme for the month. The challenge is to select stand-alone works, not movements of larger pieces. Participants post links to short classical pieces in the social media channel of their choice, […]
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Franz Schreker: On Eternal Life, et al. – sensual orchestral music
Franz Schreker is best remembered for his operas. But his melodic gifts and innovative harmonies extended to his orchestral work as well. This release presents a variety of Schreker’s concert works, spanning his creative life. “Ekkehard” Symphonic Overture, Op. 12 and Fantastic Overture, Op. 15 were written at the turn of the 20th Century. Schreker’s […]
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Hans Gál Cello Music Unabashedly Beautiful
The first part of Hans Gál’s story isn’t unusual. Like many talented Jewish musicians in Austria and Germany, his career was derailed by the rise of Nazism. was one of many talented German and Austrian musicians. Gál fled to England, settling in Edinburgh and becoming a respected teacher. Gál wrote throughout his life in a […]
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Canadian Panorama showcases contemporary talent
Canadian Panorama marks Canada’s 150th Anniversary with an outstanding variety of native classical music. It’s the first commercial recording of the Winds of the Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra. It’s a release of new music for wind ensemble. And it’s also a survey of living Canadian composers that are both diverse and inviting. Happily, Canadian Panorama succeeds […]