Philadelphia Singers perform Randall Thompson's 'Requiem'

A great requiem has its day

A difficult, neglected masterpiece by American composer Randall Thompson is brought to life in a magnificent performance. From the swirling, anguished tones of the opening "Lamentations," the music is utterly hypnotic, especially so when rendered with the focused passion of this wonderful band of choristers.

Jan 27, 2014 · Articles · 3 minute read

Orchestra 2001's Martin Luther King concert

New music for an old struggle

Orchestra 2001 observes our youngest national holiday with a new music program packed with unspoken statements.

Tom Purdom

Jan 25, 2014 · Articles · 4 minute read

When Vic Morrow meets Vaughan Williams

How Do I Love Thee?

The sounds of a composer's youth are still there, but transformed, as he tries again.

Kile Smith

Jan 21, 2014 · Articles · 5 minute read

Jupiter and Jasper quartets at the Perelman

The family that plays together….

Why do writers’ families seem so dysfunctional and musicians’ families seem so harmonious?

Tom Purdom

Jan 20, 2014 · Articles · 3 minute read

David Kim and Juliette Kang at the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society

Romancing the violin

Strengthened by the clarity, coordination, and virtuosity of their playing, Kim and Kang's mature sense of emotionality and musical dialogue made for an enriching evening of music from the violin repertoire.

Victor L. Schermer

Jan 17, 2014 · Articles · 4 minute read

The secret behind Beethoven’s Ninth

What Beethoven dreamed in his inner ear

From Berlin to Beijing, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony has become a universal symbol of hope. It’s also recognized as the ideal fusion of music and poetry. How on Earth did a composer who was deaf and dying manage such an awesome achievement?

Clarence Faulcon

Jan 07, 2014 · Articles · 4 minute read

Piffaro's annual Christmas concert

A Renaissance-American Holiday Fete

Piffaro’s annual holiday program once again presents a Renaissance fete that reflects our American mashup of Christian holy day, pagan winter solstice, and end-of-the-year bash.

Tom Purdom

Jan 02, 2014 · Articles · 3 minute read

Composer intent

The sound of the music

I accepted a commission to rework one of my pieces because I relished the challenge of changing it, to see if it would still work. Composers love creating problems to solve.

Kile Smith

Jan 02, 2014 · Articles · 4 minute read

Verdi’s twin passions (Part 1)

Verdi’s central character: himself

Verdi’s music stirred patriotic fervor among Italians and also plumbed the emotional price that society exacts from those who love deeply. Both stemmed directly from his own personal experiences.

Steve Cohen

Dec 28, 2013 · Articles · 6 minute read

Bach Festival’s Cantata series

Bach with a dash of Bacchus

The Bach Festival Cantata Series provided another reminder of why Bach’s music cheers us: because no matter what the subject, we can feel his sheer delight in his own creativity.

Tom Purdom

Dec 24, 2013 · Articles · 3 minute read