Hefti, Li’l Darlin’ Neal Hefti (1922-2008) was born and raised in Nebraska. He took up the trumpet and, while still in high school, began arranging for the Nat Towles band. Towles’ band was one of the territory bands that played a significant role in spreading … Read more
That’s pretty much my life right now: irises and essays. Writing, writing, writing. Gazing out at the explosions of spring. And a lot of packing and unpacking. Spring 2024 is a swirl of commitments–a whirlwind I got myself into. Everything seemed “doable” when it was … Read more
Mendelssohn, Hebrides Overture Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) traveled to England in 1829. His journey included a tour of the Scottish Highlands, and there, on the Hebrides islands, he was inspired to sketch out what would become his Hebrides Overture. Among the Hebrides, Fingal’s Cave lies on … Read more
Standing with a dozen others outside the main administration building, Cooke Hall, on the campus of Highlands Latin School, I watched as swaths of thick clouds chugged past, as if daring us earthlings to catch a glimpse of the eclipse. Before us, out on the … Read more
Brahms, Paganini Variations The theme of Paganini’s Caprice No. 24 has inspired numerous composers to craft a set of variations based on it. In this series, we have already featured the variations of Rachmaninov, Liszt, Lutoslavksi, and Fazil Say. But I don’t think we can … Read more
There’s going to be a party in Dallas this Saturday night—one of those festivities where a person’s life achievements are toasted and honored. It pains me not to be present, but no way exists for me to fly from an afternoon talk in Cincinnati to … Read more
Imogen Holst, A Hymne to Christ Imogen Holst (1907-1984) was the daughter of composer Gustav Holst. She received a composition scholarship at the Royal Conservatory of Music. She worked as a composer, writer, educator, performer, conductor, and arts administrator. Her writings include the definitive biography … Read more
Chesnokov, Tebe Poem Many readers of this site will recognize his anthem “Salvation Is Created” (Spaseniye Sodelal), featured way back in Friday Performance Pick 8 Pavel Grigorievich Chesnokov (1877-1944). We sang it in youth choir when I was growing up, although I did not grasp … Read more
Cuong, Concerto for Two Oboes I featured Re(new)al by Viet Cuong in Friday Performance Pick 450, and here were are a mere 10 weeks later with another work by the same composer. I would not usually have two works by the same composer in such … Read more
Opera in Germany has a tough time. Actually Germans seem to love opera. The productions are numerous and well attended. But despite their love of opera, Germans tolerate some of the most iconoclastic and even nihilistic productions. One of my German friends tells me that … Read more
