Although it’s been a while, I’ve written a handful of posts with a classical music theme. This one is on a combination of music and food, both with an Italian accent. Many of the earliest classical concerts I attended between the mid 80s and early 90s, including the first one in 1985, were led byContinue reading “Viva Italia: Dinner and a Concert”
Category Archives: Music
Bernstein and Sousa for the Fourth
Due to the holiday, there won’t be a Wednesday food post this week. I’ll return with one Thursday or Friday. I’ll probably forego a cheesesteak, as it appears I’ll be eating more than usual next week when a friend will be visiting from out of town for the purpose of eating them.
The Brahms Symphonies
In light of having to take a brief respite from posting on what I eat, it seemed like a good time to return to my periodic series on symphony recordings. Brahms has been one of my two or three favorite composers for nearly as long as I’ve been listening to classical music, so I’m pastContinue reading “The Brahms Symphonies”
Beethoven’s Symphonies: Which Recordings?
My regular readers know I like to branch out from food and post on other areas of interest to me with some regularity. But it’s been a while since I’ve written on one of my favorite side-topics – classical music. In keeping with the theme of my last couple such posts, in which I recommendedContinue reading “Beethoven’s Symphonies: Which Recordings?”
Top Ten TV Theme Songs
Given the themes of most of my previous entertainment posts, it shouldn’t surprise you that all of the slows on this list are from last century. At least a couple of them have been remade more recently. In those cases, I’m using the song or arrangement of it from the original series. 10. Bonanza 9. BarneyContinue reading “Top Ten TV Theme Songs”
The Orchestral Music of Sibelius and Shostakovich
Most of my favorite composers plied their trade entirely or primarily during the 19th century. Two exceptions are Sibelius and Shostakovich. Shostakovich was the only one in the club to be born during the 20th century, while Sibelius straddled the 19th and 20th centuries, with much of his output coming during the 20th. As IContinue reading “The Orchestral Music of Sibelius and Shostakovich”
20 Greatest Beatles Songs
I’ve written a handful of posts on classical music since starting this blog. But for years before crossing over into that genre, I listened to popular music, and The Beatles were far and away my favorite group. While a few of their songs have been clear favorites for a long time, I’ve never really thoughtContinue reading “20 Greatest Beatles Songs”
Mahler and Bruckner Starter Recordings
Beethoven, Mozart and Bach have had the strongest support for GOAT among composers for a fairly long time – I’m a Beethoven man. But there are others whose music is hugely popular among classical music lovers. Among them, Gustav Mahler and Anton Bruckner have come to hold a special place for legions of fans, especiallyContinue reading “Mahler and Bruckner Starter Recordings”
Tchaikovsky Didn’t Invade Ukraine
Whatever one feels were the geopolitical causes of Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine, I’m not going out on a limb when I say that the Russian military’s actions in recent days and weeks have been nothing short of evil. The suffering we’re seeing on TV and online on a daily basis is absolutely heartbreaking.Continue reading “Tchaikovsky Didn’t Invade Ukraine”
Wilhelm Furtwängler: Titan of the Podium
It was on this date – November 30 – that my favorite orchestra conductor, Wilhelm Furtwängler, died in 1954. I’ve been meaning to post on him for some time and the anniversary of his passing makes this the perfect opportunity. The Hungarian maestro, Arthur Nikisch, was the leading conductor in Germany during the late 19thContinue reading “Wilhelm Furtwängler: Titan of the Podium”
BZ Maestro Eats 