After waking up this morning to a snow-covered world, the first winter weather advisory we’ve had in a month or two (it’s been an unseasonably warm winter here in Michigan), and temperatures in the low 20s, I decided to wipe the sleep from my eyes, brave the elements, and high-tail it to Panera, my favorite … [Read more…]
This morning, as I sit here at Panera (not in my usual seat, mind you, which throws me all off), sipping my Light Roast coffee with cinnamon, and long after I’ve scarfed down my sesame seed bagel with chive and onion cream cheese, I’m listening to the eighth CD in the 10-CD box set by … [Read more…]
And so begins my exploration of a new composer: Arcangelo Corelli (1653-1713), who was – as I’ve learned from reading his bio on Wikipedia – a big deal back in the day. Arcangelo Corelli (17 February 1653 – 8 January 1713) was an Italian composer and violinist of the Baroque era. His music was key … [Read more…]
Today brings to an end my time exploring the works of Thomas Tallis. Thanks to the good folks at Brilliant Classics, I’ve learned quite a bit about this ancient composer. The main thing I learned is that I’m not a fan of the very late Mr. Tallis. Oh, I appreciate his place in music history … [Read more…]
Today’s selection from the Brilliant Classics box set of music by Thomas Tallis is mostly instrumental. The CD is called, appropriately, “The Instrumental Music and Songs I.” I think this CD may be of great interest to me since what often makes Tallis so aurally tiring is the sameness of sounds from the choir. Like, … [Read more…]
Today’s CD (“The Lamentations and Contrafacta”) is an interesting blend of vocal music that’s varied enough not to sound too similar. Plus, the lyrics are as spiritually nourishing and as liturgical as anything I’ve ever heard. The female vocalists are especially on display in today’s recording. Terrifically moving and uplifting. I’m going to violate my … [Read more…]
We woke up to snow on our cars this morning, which – under normal circumstances – wouldn’t have been a surprise. But the winter we’ve been having, with temperatures in the 50s and upper 60s, it was a shock. But, the troopers that we are, we just brushed off our car and hightailed it to … [Read more…]
Today’s CD is another fascinating, but aurally tiring delight. Titled, “Music For a Reformed Church,” CD 6 of the Thomas Tallis box set by Brilliant Classics is another slice of history that I believe everyone should hear at least once in their lives. Once again, the liner notes (this time written by John Morehen in … [Read more…]
My mood today mirrors the overcast skies here in West Michigan. And Thomas Tallis isn’t helping matters much. I’ve discovered that a little Tallis goes a very long way. However, by Day 5 CD 5, I’ve experienced a lot of Tallis. The cumulative result of a lot of Tallis is that it all sounds the … [Read more…]
This morning, whilst I munch on my sesame see bagel with chive and onion cream cheese, and drink my Light Roast coffee with cinnamon and honey in it, I find myself listening to “Music for the Divine Office I,” which is CD 4 of the 10-CD box set from Brilliant Classics. Despite the impeccable performances … [Read more…]