For the month of September, the Classics a Day team chose a controversial theme. There is a small subset of symphonic works within the classical repertoire that appear misnamed. Most composers choose their titles carefully. But when the title runs counter to expectations, disagreements arise. What does the title “symphony” mean? Can a composition be […]
Vincent Persichetti
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#ClassicsaDay #ClassicalDistancing Week 2
Normally the Classics a Day theme for May involved May Day (#SovietaDay). Having a theme centered around social distancing/self-quarantine seemed more appropriate. The challenge for May is post works for unusual solo instruments or works about solitude. Here are my selections for the second week of #ClassicalDistancing 05/11/20 Eric Homour – Devil’s Branch According to […]
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Persichetti Harpsichord Sonatas – Appealingly Modern
If you only know the harpsichord as an 18th-century instrument, Persichetti’s sonatas can be a little disorienting. The harmonies, the counterpoint, and the melodies are all mid-20th century. It sounds nothing like Bach. And yet Persichetti managed to write music that’s thoroughly idiomatic to the instrument. And Christopher D. Lewis, a specialist in modern harpsichord […]