Classical Music - my/maSCENA

This week in Montreal: April 22 – 28

By La Scena Musicale Team on 23 April 2013 Baroque and Early, Choral, This Week in Montreal

Dramatic Madrigals of Claudio Monteverdi by Viva VoceIn collaboration with Pallade Musica, ensemble Viva Voce presents a program of Claudio Monteverdi’s dramatic madrigals on Saturday, April 27. Shannon Mercer will be the guest soloist. The concert takes place at McGill University’s Redpath Hall, starting at 7:30 pm. www.vivavoce-montreal.com- Daniel TurpLes Boréades and les Idées Heureuses – Concert of Four CountriesUnder the artistic direction of Nathalie Michaud, two baroque ensembles unite to present a panoramic repertoire composed 400 years ago. Speaker Georges Leroux will highlight the musical diversity of four countries: Italy, France, England and Germany. Bourgie Hall, April 28, 3…

Video of the Day – Simon Rattle Talks About the Karajan Academy

By Paul E. Robinson on 23 April 2013 Orchestral, Video of the day

One of Herbert von Karajan’s lesser-known achievements was the creation of a training orchestra associated with the Berlin Philharmonic. Over time it has become enormously successful, with alumni going on to take positions in major orchestras all over the world.In this video the current music director of the Berlin Philharmonic, Simon Rattle, talks about how this orchestra was created and how it functions. Clearly, it has become an important part of the life of the Berlin Philharmonic itself.Paul E. Robinson

Video of the Day – Colin Davis (1927-2013) Remembered

By Paul E. Robinson on 17 April 2013 Orchestral, Video of the day

Colin Davis began his musical career as an angry and arrogant young man but lived long enough to become a beloved and venerated figure. He died this past weekend at the age of 85 after a long and distinguished career.His “big break” came in 1959 when he filled in for an ailing Otto Klemperer in a concert performance of Mozart’s Don Giovanni with the Philharmonia Orchestra. It was a huge success. Davis went on to become one of the finest Mozart conductors of his generation, combining grace and elegance with crisp rhythms and expressive intensity. But he had a wide…

This week in Montreal: April 15 – 21

By La Scena Musicale Team on 15 April 2013 Classical, Opera, This Week in Montreal

Opera de Montreal’s Atelier Lyric Performs a Menotti Double BillFor its annual production, the Atelier Lyric at the Opera de Montreal presents two one-act operas by Gian Carlo Menotti: The Old Maid and the Thief and Amahl and the Night Visitors. Musical direction is provided by Robin Wheeler and staging by Martine Beaulne. This production is in collaboration with the Canadian National Theatre School. Four performances are planned and will take place at the Monument National, April 13, 16, 18 and 20 at 7:30 pm. www.operademontreal.com – Daniel TurpChants Libres: Oper’Actuel 2013 – Works in Progress, 4th editionDirected by Pauline Vaillancourt,…

Video of the Day – James Sommerville: Hornist, Athlete and Conductor

By Paul E. Robinson on 9 April 2013 Orchestral, Video of the day

Talk about busy! How does one person manage to hold down the position of principal horn of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and yet find time to be conductor and music director of the Hamilton Philharmonic? He is also a faculty member at the New England Conservatory. James Sommerville is not only talented but thrives on making the most of his time. And did I mention that he takes physical fitness very seriously too? Ever considered competing in a triathlon? This is an Olympic sport that is actually three sports combined: running, swimming and cycling – at the highest level. This is what James…

This week in Montréal: April 8 – 14

By La Scena Musicale Team on 8 April 2013 Chamber Music, Choral, Orchestral, This Week in Montreal, Violin

Virtuosos at the Chapelle Bon-PasteurOn April 8, Jonathan Crow and Andrew Wan, first violins at the OSM and TSO, recount the 20th- and 21st-century history of the violin duo. On April 12, the Ensemble Transmission invite percussionist François Rivalland for an evening of Aperghis, in which three young upcoming musicians will participate. www.ville.montreal.qc.ca/chapellebonpasteur – Renée BanvilleOpera de Montreal’s Atelier Lyric Performs a Menotti Double BillFor its annual production, the Atelier Lyric at the Opera de Montreal presents two one-act operas by Gian Carlo Menotti: The Old Maid and the Thief and Amahl and the Night Visitors. Musical direction is provided…

Video of the Day – Billy Mayerl: a Light Music Master

By Paul E. Robinson on 1 April 2013 Contemporary, Piano, Video of the day

Billy Mayerl (1902-1959) was an English pianist and composer, well-known for his contributions in the field of light music. His specialty may have been “light music” but he was a master. He appeared as piano soloist in the first UK performance of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue in 1925. He wrote some memorable songs including “Marigold” which he plays in this video. He was also tremendously inventive at the keyboard, as you will also see in this video.Paul E. Robinson

Video of the Day – Karajan, Eschenbach and Frantz Play Mozart

By Paul E. Robinson on 26 March 2013 Classical, Piano, Video of the day

Herbert von Karajan was one of the most renowned conductors of his generation, but he started his career as a pianist and returned to the keyboard from time to time in later years. He was especially fond of playing harpsichord in performances of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos. With two younger colleagues – Christoph Eschenbach and Justus Frantz – he also made a specialty of Mozart’s Concerto for Three Pianos and Orchestra. In this performance recorded in 1971 Eschenbach took the first part, Frantz the second and Karajan the third. At the time both Eschenbach and Frantz had major careers as soloists…

Maestro Peter Bay/ASO: Heroic, Soaring Sibelius Second!

By Paul E. Robinson on 22 March 2013 Concert Reviews, Contemporary, Orchestral

by Paul E. RobinsonMaestro Peter Bay (photo by Marita)Beethoven: Leonore No. 2 OvertureGinastera: Harp Concerto Op. 25Sibelius: Symphony No. 2Yolanda Kondonassis, harpAustin Symphony/Peter BayAustin, TexasLong CenterMarch 8, 2013It’s not often that one hears a harp soloist with a symphony orchestra. There are good reasons for that; most importantly, it is not a fair fight. The harp by nature can produce only a modest amount of sound, and is easily drowned out by even the smallest orchestra. The sound a harp makes is produced by the fingerpicking of strings and even a player with strong fingers can do only so much.…

Video of the Day – Bychkov Conducts Shostakovich

By Paul E. Robinson on 18 March 2013 Contemporary, Orchestral, Video of the day

This is some of the most terrifying music ever written; the scherzo from the Symphony No. 8 by Shostakovich. Here is a performance that is exemplary in every respect, not least of all, as a master class in conducting. Semyon Bychkov not only understands this music like few others but he knows how to get an orchestra to play it magnificently. The tempo is fast and the character of the music is intense and savage. Yet Bychkov is intense but incredibly controlled in his demeanor and gestures. Much of the time he is using little more than his right wrist…

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