The Latest
By Paul E. Robinson on December 16, 2014
Here we have two complete cycles of the 15 Shostakovich string quartets. How to choose between them? Actually, anyone seriously interested in this music needs have both of them.
The Beethoven Quartet cycle is practically self-recommending. The original members of the quartet worked together for the first time in 1923 as the Moscow Conservatory Quartet and regularly thereafter into the 1970s. As the Beethoven Quartet this great Soviet ensemble worked closely with Shostakovich for most of his life and gave the premieres of most of his quartets. The details of the relationship between Shostakovich and the Beethoven Quartet are well told by producer Jacob Harnoy in his liner notes. He quotes first violinist Dimitry Tsyganov on the subject of how they went about preparing the composer’s new quartets...
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By Michael Vincent on December 16, 2014
Musical Toronto’s weekly Critic’s Picks are a fully curated list of some of the best concerts happening now through the end of the week. Of course this is not to say we are the provocateurs of taste, but simply seek to provide a good weekly summary. For a look at the full breadth of what’s available in and around Toronto, check out the comprehensive concert listings from our friends at Wholenote Magazine...
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By Michael Vincent on December 15, 2014
J. S. O'Leary?
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By Colin Eatock on December 15, 2014
The King’s Singers aren’t just an ensemble – they’re an institution. Founded at King’s College Cambridge in 1968, the vocal sextet now contains none of its original members. However, with about 150 recordings to their credit and countless tours around the globe, they’ve built a strong brand-name and a devoted fan-base.
Evidently, more than a few of those fans live in Toronto: Koerner Hall was filled to capacity on Sunday afternoon for a Christmas program by the ensemble. It was also evident from the enthusiastic applause in the hall that their fans weren’t disappointed. I wish I shared their unbridled enthusiasm – but I came away with a somewhat different impression...
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By Michael Vincent on December 15, 2014
At any given time during the holiday season, hundreds of choirs will amass in churches and various concert halls across the world, to perform Handel’s Messiah . With the exception of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, no other choral work has been so fixed into western musical culture. In fact for many, the tradition of going to a performance of the Messiah is as dear as beautifying the Christmas tree in the family living room.
But why?
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By Michael Vincent on December 14, 2014
SCHMOPERA | #UncleJohn: the Toronto Story
Jenna Douglas was at the Toronto premiere of Against the Grain Theatre’s production of #UncleJohn this week, and had plenty to say about it. Check it out!
WHO'S WHO | The Chamber Music Society of Mississauga
The Chamber Music Society of Mississauga joined our WHO'S WHO family this week, and we couldn’t happier to welcome them to the fold.
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By Jenna Douglas on December 13, 2014
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By Member on December 12, 2014
Since 1997 The Chamber Music Society of Mississauga (CMSM) has created, produced, performed and recorded professional cultural programs for audiences of all ages. Each season CMSM presents a "Saturday Evening Great Hall Concert Series", an “Out and About” the community free performances in public spaces and as funding permits, curriculum based performances of “Tales and Tunes for Toonies” for young families and elementary school audiences.
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By Michael Vincent on December 12, 2014
In a press release announced this morning, Tafelmusik have confirmed l’Orchestre symphonique de Montréal conductor Kent Nagano will be coming to Toronto to direct the Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and Chamber Choir in Toronto at Koerner Hall, on Thursday January 22, for a four-day engagement. This occasion will mark the first time Nagano comes to Toronto to perform with Tafelmusik.
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By Michael Vincent on December 11, 2014
(via) In the spirit of Advent, we give you Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, translated to latin, and composed using a Gregorian chant melody. (The fun things you can do with music degrees!). Though you probably won't hear this sung at a church anytime soon, this is very well done!
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