A valuable new book (and accompanying website) on protest songs gives insightful political context to music that can seem detached from its original meaning and culture. ‘A protest song, like protest itself, is intent upon political change—of ideas, attitudes, or actions.’
Subversion and Protest in Song Read More »
Fortepianist Sezi Seskir and cellist Keiran Campbell’s fine new recording of Beethoven’s two cello sonatas captures the composer’s many facets: nuanced, exciting, humorous, and often blazing with joy. Highly recommended.
Beethoven’s Cello Sonatas on Period Instruments, Just Right Read More »
Looking for ancient voices from his native Ecuador, Felipe Ledesma Núñez turned to ceramics and the sounds of his ancestors. He sees a problem in the humanities, ‘that we are privileging the written word. And those kinds of systems are ill-suited: They cannot carry sound.’
Hear the Ancestors Sing Read More »
Raphaël Pichon and his award-winning Pygmalion ensemble move from strength to strength. Their latest is a period-instrument Brahms ‘A German Requiem’ that’s among the best sung and most rewarding versions available.
Brahms Requiem on Period Instruments, Evoking Schütz Read More »
On the hills outside Florence sits the convent of San Matteo in Arcetri, where nuns once supported themselves by spinning wool and making wine. But the heart of their lives was musical prayer. A bit of detective work connected two 16th c. nuns with a musical manuscript and, now, a glorious new recording.
Musica Secreta’s Record of Love Read More »
