Music & Culture

Classical Music Posts

"It sounds like a friend now instead of an enemy," John Prine says of his singing voice.

101 Songs You Turned To In 2020 To Help Navigate A Tumultuous Year

As 2020 came to a close, we asked artists and authors about the songs that helped them survive a strange and devastating year. We also posed that question to you, and compiled a playlist of 101 songs that you played over and over again this year. Some songs offered an escape. Some infused joy and despair. Continue Reading 101 Songs You Turned To In 2020 To Help Navigate A Tumultuous Year

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The dance of death, an ancient image that inspired Thomas Adès to compose his Totentanz. CREDIT: Wikimedia Commons

Music And Mayhem: A Diary Of Classical Albums For A Troubled 2020

While streams dominated this chaotic, sorrowful year, musicians continued to lay down official statements in the form of albums. And as the pandemic exploded, the economy cracked, the protests thundered and politics grew even more partisan, the arresting albums listed below became the soundtrack to my 2020 – the best in troubled times. In the order they were released are 12 albums that inspired hope, offered comfort and confrontation and provided much needed escape from a year like no other. Continue Reading Music And Mayhem: A Diary Of Classical Albums For A Troubled 2020

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A shot of jazz pianist Claude Bolling and friends, taken on a beach in Cannes, France in 1969. CREDIT: AFP via Getty Images

Pianist Claude Bolling, Creator Of Popular Jazz/Classical Suites, Has Died

Americans knew Bolling best for a recording project with noted French flutist Jean-Pierre Rampal which contained Bolling’s sparkling “Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano.” The album, which was released by CBS in 1975, remained on Billboard’s classical charts for an astonishing 530 consecutive weeks. Continue Reading Pianist Claude Bolling, Creator Of Popular Jazz/Classical Suites, Has Died

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Rachel Jameton, left, and Jane Finan, right

StoryCorps Northwest: Two Science Professors On The Importance Of Mentorship

Rachel Jameton struggled as a new teacher at Lewis Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho. Her colleague, Jane Finan, co-taught biology with her. The two talk about mentorship and how disappointing a teacher can be transformative for a student, in this episode of  StoryCorps Northwest, recorded virtually. Continue Reading StoryCorps Northwest: Two Science Professors On The Importance Of Mentorship

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Cello Plus Piano Equals Jan Vogler, Alessio Bax And Beethoven For A Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

For this Tiny Desk (home) concert, we pay a visit to the doctor’s office. Actually, the venue is called Rare Violins of New York and it’s something of a second home to cellist Jan Vogler, who pops in frequently to have the experts give his 1708 Stradivarius cello a thorough checkup. Continue Reading Cello Plus Piano Equals Jan Vogler, Alessio Bax And Beethoven For A Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

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