Category Archives: Classical Music

Mahler’s glimpse of the eternal

Forty years ago, a mere lad of 25, I was already a veteran classical music and jazz fanatic. I bought LPs, attended classical concerts with the Miami Philharmonic, recitals by some pretty great pianists, operas, and heard great jazz at … Continue reading

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I’m old-fashioned

The Miami City Ballet Company performed a Jerome Robbins ballet in the days when they were dancing live, before the Covid mess. I love Robbins, but this one was one of the most rewarding and sweet pieces of his I … Continue reading

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Our insane times…

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December 16, 1770

Today we celebrate Ludwig van Beethoven’s semiquincentennial. Born 250 years ago, on December 16, 1770, the namesake of this blog, the “mighty thunderer,” was quite possibly the greatest musical genius that ever lived. He changed the course of Western music. … Continue reading

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Beethoven 250 | A sampler of his great works

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December 16, 1770

The man that was born on this date in the year of our Lord 1770, the namesake of this blog, Ludwig van Beethoven, the “mighty thunderer,” quite possibly the greatest musical genius that ever lived, changed the course of Western … Continue reading

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Is classical music racist?

About a month ago I was sent an article entitled “It’s Time To Let Classical Music Die” on New MusicUSA. In essence, the article posits that classical music, due to its establishment in “white” and mostly “male” enclaves is inherently … Continue reading

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July 16, 1989

“Karajan ist tot.” Thirty years ago today, one of the musicians largely responsible my love of classical music — symphonic music and opera, in particular — died. Herbert von Karajan is the greatest conductor of the twentieth century, unmatched in … Continue reading

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The Furtwängler Conumdrum

The very talented young conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic  Orchestra, Gustavo Dudamel, is in a bit of hot water. His silence on the topic of the popular uprising against the socialist government of Nicolas Maduro in his home country … Continue reading

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Van Cliburn dead at age 78

The very first classical music record I purchased, probably in 1972 or 1973, was “Chopin’s Greatest Hits,” played by Van Cliburn. I purchased it as much for mine, as for my mother the piano teacher’s, enjoyment. That little gem, containing … Continue reading

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