Music & Culture
Classical Music Posts
‘Tis The Season Of Firsts: Holiday Opera Premieres Through The Centuries
The holiday season has always been popular for introducing new works, including many perennial favorites. In Italy, the day after Christmas became especially meaningful to composers and impresarios. Continue Reading ‘Tis The Season Of Firsts: Holiday Opera Premieres Through The Centuries
‘Tis The Season Of Firsts: Concert Premieres Over The Holiday Season
The holiday season inspires all kinds of thoughts, often having to do with reflection, celebration and renewal. For musicians and concert presenters, this time of year has long served as a period for introducing new works, whether specifically related to the season or not. Classical music offers a wealth of examples. Continue Reading ‘Tis The Season Of Firsts: Concert Premieres Over The Holiday Season
BOOK REVIEW: Who Is Florence Price? Young Musicians Tell The Story Of A Girl And Her Music
If you find yourself asking, “Who is Florence Price?” you’re not alone. Which is why that’s the title of a lively new book for and by young readers. Continue Reading BOOK REVIEW: Who Is Florence Price? Young Musicians Tell The Story Of A Girl And Her Music
Reeder’s Movie Reviews: Being the Ricardos
Let’s start with the paradoxes. The latest film from Oscar- and Emmy-winning writer-director Aaron Sorkin boasts several. Its two protagonists don’t look all that much like the historical characters they portray (although Nicole Kidman with red hair comes pretty close). The female lead, a comedy legend, has very few funny lines in the story. And, although the movie has the basic structure of a play, it provides a decidedly cinematic experience. Continue Reading Reeder’s Movie Reviews: Being the Ricardos
Reeder’s Movie Reviews: West Side Story
Steven Spielberg’s latest picture arrives in theatres with not only the weight of history and expectation, but also the bittersweet memories of his father and the work’s lyricist. Arnold Spielberg, the film’s dedicatee, died in August, 2020, and Stephen Sondheim passed away last month. Continue Reading Reeder’s Movie Reviews: West Side Story
These NYC Kids Have Written The History Of An Overlooked Black Female Composer
For decades, it was almost impossible to hear a piece of music written by Florence Price. Price was a Black, female composer who died in 1953. But a group of New York City middle school students had the opportunity to quite literally write Florence Price’s history. Their book, titled Who Is Florence Price?, is now out and available in stores. Continue Reading These NYC Kids Have Written The History Of An Overlooked Black Female Composer
