Monthly Archives: December, 2020

S5-17: The Turning of the Year

Published - December 26, 2020

  “We wait for the new year to appear to us like the hopeful sun bringing aspiring light to an eager world.”  – Munia Khan   On this New Year’s Eve, we look back at women in music throughout the ages.  From Medieval to Modern, here is music by women over the centuries:   The Turning of the Year Blanche of Castile:  Amours, u trop tart me sui pris Andrea Folan, soprano; Elizabeth Conversation “The Medieval Lady” Leonarda 340 Hildegard of Bingen:  Ave generosa Oxford Camerata: Jeremy Summerly, conductor “Heavenly Revelations” Naxos 550998 Francesca Caccini:  Dov’io credea Ingrid Matthews, violin; Byron Schenkman, harpsichord “Canzoni

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S5-16: Songs of Faith and Celebration

Published - December 19, 2020

  “People say that the soul, on hearing the song of creation, entered the body, but in reality the soul itself was the song.” ― Hafiz, 14th Century Sufi poet Music has long been a way to elevate an expression of faith.  In the midst of this holiday season, we will listen to songs of faith and celebration composed across the centuries, from the Middle Ages to the modern era.   Songs of Faith and Celebration   Hildegard of Bingen:  O viridissima virga, Ave Sequentia “Canticles of Ecstasy” Deutsche Harmonia Mundi 05472 77320 Judith Weir:  Psalm 148 Matthew Knight, trombone Choir

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S5-15: One, Two, Three, Four – Again!

Published - December 12, 2020

“Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.” ― Confucius We’re counting on women today!  Or at least, counting women.  From solo performances, to duo, trio, quartet – and perhaps a bit more!  Let’s celebrate the strength and talents of women performing together.   One, Two, Three, Four – Again! Leo Brouwer:  La Huida de los Amantes por el Valle de los Ecos Sharon Isbin, guitar “Affinity” Zoho 202005 Anders Eliasson:  Carosello Beth Levin, piano “Hammerklavier Live” Gramola 98011 Damien Luce:  Bacchus Atlantic Harp Duo “Ariadne Rediviva” Independent Label Leonard Bernstein:  Trio for Violin, Cello and Piano The

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S5-14: Patchwork Quilt, Part XXIV

Published - December 5, 2020

“I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.” ― Billy Joel Every so often, we present a program that has no special theme or thread to tie the music together.  I call these “Patchwork Quilt” episodes.  It’s the opportunity to share performances or works by women simply because they are worth hearing.  Like a patchwork quilt, the individual pieces may seem disparate and unmatched, but together they can touch us with their beauty and intrigue.   Patchwork Quilt, Part XXIV Judith

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