‘The kinds of roles written for my voice type, as an operatic bass,’ writes Michael Galvin in a personal essay, ‘have never fit the roles that have excited me as a stage performer. It’s why I’ve been so drawn to early music — the farther back one goes in history, the more the lines blur between what is prescribed and what is possible.’
Canto: Baroque Opera and Drag, a Natural Match Read More »
Seven Times Salt’s latest recording revisits music of Shakespeare’s time. Some of the tunes are linked to specific plays — ‘Hamlet’ is a particular fascination — while others are suggestive of a theme or a familiar plotline, from ‘Romeo and Juliet’ to ‘The Merchant of Venice.’ All of it is beautifully delivered, often in charming arrangements. And the sonic engineering makes for a vivid listening experience.
Shakespeare’s Music, Where the Lying is Easy Read More »
Biblical oratorios by Handel and Bach are cornerstones of a vast repertoire filled with forgotten treasures. New York’s Academy of Sacred Drama is reviving these often-gorgeous obscurities, one show at a time. Led by violinist Jeremy Rhizor, their latest discovery is ‘Santa Maria Maddalena de’ Pazzi,’ with performances this week. ‘The oratorios exist as literary narratives as well as stories of Biblical histories and lessons.’
You can now watch EMA’s extraordinary 2023 Emerging Artists Showcase, with three headliners. To introduce their performance, a member of The Fooles here offers insights into new postures and techniques required of this 17th-c. repertoire. And period-instrument ensembles everywhere should take note of their brilliant tuning regimen, where tuning fickle instruments isn’t a disruption but an engaging part of the show.
Showcasing The Fooles from EMA’s Boston Summit Read More »
Once dismissed as “fringe events,” musical salons hosted by women in the 18th c. are rightly seen as an invaluable source. Rebecca Cypess’ engaging new book makes connections “that might otherwise go unnoticed.”
Enlightened Women and their Salons Read More »
