Historical performance is on an upswing across the U.S., and standards have never been higher. But the future of the field is not so clear for the next generation. There’s some growth at the collegiate level but, alarmingly, more than a few losses. What’s the national picture?
The Ups (and Downs) of Collegiate Early Music Read More »
Byzantine chant treats the human voice as a fretless instrument. Its cultural roots place it at a unique intersection of ‘world music’ and historically informed performance.
I psaltikà téchni – Discovering Byzantine Chant Read More »
Cree composer Andrew Balfour reimagines history and the concept of respect and dialogue between nations of the so-called New and Old World. It’s charting a course for settler ensembles to collaborate with Indigenous artists.
Truth meets Reconciliation: Renaissance Music meets Indigenous Arts Read More »
Sometimes the musicians are so swamped by apparatus — starting with music stands, pedals for turning electronic pages on a tablet, microphones hanging over the performers, wires all over the place, and people wearing huge headphones sitting in front of yet more apparatus — that it can feel like a trio sonata on life support. ‘It makes me feel that I’m a third wheel in something much more important than my own enjoyment in the moment.’
Musings: Is a Live Audience the Third Wheel? Read More »
No one is born knowing how to sight-sing, but throughout history it’s been a necessary skill for good musicianship. ‘I find it extremely annoying to work with singers who can’t sight-read. It’s essential — right up there with being a good colleague and being easy to work with.’
Toil & Trouble: Sight-Reading for Success Read More »
