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COFFEE BREAK | A Genius Scrolling Score to Steve Reich's Clapping Music

By Michael Vincent on December 10, 2014

Today we dive into the fascinating minimalist score to Steve Reich's 1972 Clapping Music. The premiss is simple: a one-bar rhythm that shifts one eighth note at eight bar intervals. Watch the video to see the score in action - from a musicians point of view. We tried performing it at the MT office, but sounded more like a bunch of frat boys watching a hockey game. Your mileage may vary.

BREAKING NEWS: Orchestra London Silenced

By Michael Vincent on December 9, 2014

According to AM 980, Orchestra London has confirmed that the seventy-seven year-old orchestra will cease operations effective Tuesday, 16 December 2014. The planed closure is due to a massive budget shortfall, to the tune of nearly half a million dollars...

CRITIC’S PICKS | 10 Things You Absolutely Must Do This Week

By Michael Vincent on December 9, 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.

CD REVIEWS | The Wonder of Christmas: Elora Festival Singers & Unclouded Day: Conspirare Christmas 2013

By Paul E. Robinson on December 8, 2014

It’s that time of year again when we are inundated with those all too familiar Christmas songs that we once loved and now loathe. It is simply too much to have canned Christmas music coming at us everywhere we go. How about some peace and quiet? And wasn’t that the original message of Christmas i.e. Peace on Earth?

WEEKEND ROUNDUP | Fifteen Posts You May Have Missed This Week

By Michael Vincent on December 7, 2014

THE MORNING AFTER | William Tell Brings a Riveting Spectacle to Roy Thomson Hall (Review)

By Lev Bratishenko on December 7, 2014

How do you bring a 188-member orchestra and chorus, their equipment and a dozen soloists from Italy to North America? You buy a ship, crew it, and like the Ark, stock two of every musician. Half will be eaten on the journey. Though historical precedents suggest it may be unsustainable, such extravagance was worth it. To the families of the eaten: we salute you. William Tell was a triumph.

COFFEE BREAK | Cool Video of Organist Vincent Boucher Playing the Beckerath Organ

By Michael Vincent on December 5, 2014

Just released from ATMA Classique is a cool video from organist Vincent Boucher’s recording session at St Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal. The video has some really trippy shots of the Beckerath organ.

Q&A | 30 Questions for James Ehnes

By Michael Vincent on December 4, 2014

Grammy Award Winner James Ehnes is one of Canada's most beloved violinists. He has performed in over 30 countries on five continents, and appears regularly with some of the most celebrated orchestras and conductors. He has an incredibly large discography of over 35 recordings featuring music ranging from J.S. Bach to John Adams.

THE SCOOP | Toronto Integral House Founder James Stewart Dies at Age 73

By Michael Vincent on December 4, 2014

THE CLASSICAL TRAVELER | Great Music (and Poutine) Deep in the Heart of Texas

By Paul E. Robinson on December 4, 2014