Tom Huizenga

Distinctive Voices: Three Must-Hear Violin Albums

Tom Huizenga — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:03:00 +0000

The violin, though centuries old, remains a popular yet remarkably unwieldy instrument. Just squeezing the contraption between your chin and shoulder, then raising your bow arm to the proper height, is enough to induce a pinched nerve. Yet every day countless numbers of people try to make the instrument sing.

Three of the most distinctive violinists have released new albums. Viktoria Mullova continues her exploration of music by J.S.

'Becoming Traviata': A Look At Opera From Behind The Curtain

Tom Huizenga — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 12:03:00 +0000

It's easy to think of opera as little more than an affected flock of singers warbling onstage in lacy brocade with pancake makeup, chandeliers and champagne.

But you won't see any of that in Philippe Béziat's artful new documentary Becoming Traviata, now making the rounds of U.S. film festivals and art houses.

Leonard Bernstein's 'Rite of Spring' Thrill Ride

Tom Huizenga — Sat, 25 May 2013 10:03:00 +0000

If you think all the twitchy rhythms and random shards of melody flashing through Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring sound complicated, consider the poor musicians who have to learn it.

The Cocktail Party Guide To Igor Stravinsky

Tom Huizenga — Fri, 24 May 2013 18:41:00 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46dLl6b-Jx8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jF1OQkHybEQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3Z4RPvCTJk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=av--HQFxh_U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaHcT70RcsA

Imani Winds: Tiny Desk Concert

Tom Huizenga — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:56:00 +0000

When Igor Stravinsky began composing The Rite of Spring, his ballet for vast symphonic forces, he could hear the music in his head but couldn't quite figure out how to write it down.

Henri Dutilleux, Leading French Composer, Dies At 97

Tom Huizenga — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:50:00 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyYJOi3X898

Gods And Monsters: 5 Unforgettable Wagner Moments

Tom Huizenga — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:06:00 +0000

How much do you know about Richard Wagner? Probably two unfavorable facts: He wrote very long, grandiose operas and was Hitler's favorite composer. As true as they are, those simple examples barely hint at the complexity of this endlessly creative and confounding artist.

Two centuries after Wagner's birth (he was born in Leipzig May 22, 1813), the man and his music continue to beguile and bewilder fans, detractors and critics.

Moms In Opera: Women On The Edge

Tom Huizenga — Thu, 09 May 2013 17:20:00 +0000

We love mothers for all the Hallmark reasons: for their compassion and patience, not to mention giving birth. But some moms aren't exactly greeting card friendly — and none less so than those who live in the opera house.

This is opera, after all, so we expect the outrageous. But operatic moms seem to be disproportionately portrayed as murderers, harpies or generally women on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Your Normas, Medeas, Butterflies, Queens of the Night and Clytemnestras.

But dads are found in all kinds of touching musical moments.

Music We Love Now: Three Must-Hear Piano Albums

Tom Huizenga — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:44:00 +0000

The young Austrian pianist Ingolf Wunder shines in Mozart, Jorge Federico Osorio reintroduces an intoxicating Mexican concerto and Elisveta Blumina reveals the gentle side of Ukrainian composer Valentin Silvestrov.

The Conductor Who Gained Power By Giving It Up

Tom Huizenga — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 19:09:00 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opolY2qTzpc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z9uChJl4iM