Music & Culture

Classical Music Posts

Composer Osvaldo Golijov (second from right) and three of his colleagues on Falling Out of Time: vocalists Wu Tong, Nora Fischer and Biella da Costa. CREDIT: David O'Connor/Courtesy of the artists

What Is The Sound Of Grief? Composer Osvaldo Golijov Puts It To Music

Osvaldo Golijov is a MacArthur “genius” composer who’s written for Yo-Yo Ma, Kronos Quartet and soprano Dawn Upshaw. But in 2012, he was accused of plagiarism, and he disappeared from the scene. Only now, nearly a decade later, is Golijov reemerging — with a work that could not have a more timely subject: it’s a meditation on grieving and loss. Continue Reading What Is The Sound Of Grief? Composer Osvaldo Golijov Puts It To Music

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Music journalist Betto Arcos gathers his favorite reports from prolific career in Music Stories from the Cosmic Barrio. Erik Esparza/Courtesy of the author

Betto Arcos Shares The Power Of Community In ‘Music Stories From The Cosmic Barrio’

For over a decade, arts journalist Betto Arcos has been a familiar voice to public radio listeners, bringing them the sounds of the world — be it from a samba school in Rio or an amphitheater in Colombia, profiling artists who play unusual instruments or create cross-cultural mashups. More than 140 of those reports are collected in his new book, Music Stories from the Cosmic Barrio. Continue Reading Betto Arcos Shares The Power Of Community In ‘Music Stories From The Cosmic Barrio’

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Baritone Will Liverman's upcoming album is devoted to Black composers past and present. CREDIT: Cedille records

NPR’s Classical Music Editor Previews 2 Albums You’ll Want To Hear

In 2021, I’m looking forward to, fingers crossed, live music. I really miss the roar of a symphony orchestra in concert or a soaring soprano on the opera stage. But artists are still making albums, even in lockdown, like British composer Max Richter. His upcoming album is a follow-up to last year’s Voices. This new one is Voices, Part 2 which will be released in April. Continue Reading NPR’s Classical Music Editor Previews 2 Albums You’ll Want To Hear

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Melodic Harp, Choral Vocals, Beautiful Views Highlight Active Child’s Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

From a stunning room overlooking the San Gabriel Mountains in Pasadena, Calif., we hear the ethereal sounds of Active Child. “I chose this space, as this is where I’ve written nearly every piece of music for my active child project. my music and this house / this view are completely intertwined.” Continue Reading Melodic Harp, Choral Vocals, Beautiful Views Highlight Active Child’s Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

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