The composition of songs is one of the most expressive and sublime tasks a composer can undertake. Many times the word “song” is used in the most generic sense to mean any piece of music. When I am writing about “songs” here, I am referring to “art songs”, usually a setting of a literary poem... Continue Reading →
For Christmastime
I have a sad sort of confession to make. I really am not fond of most Christmas music. In years past, when I played in large music ensembles, the rehearsals of music for Christmas started several weeks before the scheduled concert. My ears got their fill of yuletide melodies long before December ever came around.... Continue Reading →
Made In The USA
The fourth of July is Independence Day in America, bringing with it fireworks bursting in air, hamburgers sizzling on the grill and a celebration of the hard-earned freedoms that this country enjoys. I plan to offer a series of posts celebrating orchestra music composed by American composers for the entire month of July. Hopefully, I... Continue Reading →