Monthly Archives: April 2013

10 Questions for Rufus Müller

Posted on April 15, 2013 by barczablog

Rufus Müller was acclaimed by The New York Times following a performance in Carnegie Hall as “…easily the best tenor I have heard in a live Messiah.”  The British/German tenor is celebrated as the Evangelist in Bach’s Passions,  and his … Continue reading →

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Eve Egoyan 5: reinventing the tone-row

Posted on April 15, 2013 by barczablog

Isn’t that life, in a way: trying to accommodate dissonance –Ann Southam In the realm of disco or heavy metal, we’re told to turn up the volume.  I saw something new, though, on the booklet for Eve Egoyan’s CD 5.  … Continue reading →

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Adès contra Parsifal

Posted on April 13, 2013 by barczablog

Ever notice that conversations can reinforce and honour contrary positions? When you sit down with someone over latkes, beers or (name your pleasure), the celebration and enactment of community & indeed, communion, makes the points where you diverge immaterial. You … Continue reading →

Posted in Books & Literature, Personal ruminations & essays | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

10 Questions for Stephen Costello

Posted on April 10, 2013 by barczablog

The fast-rising young tenor Stephen Costello has firmly established himself as one of the current generation’s most impressive artists.  He came to national attention in 2007 when, at age 26, he debuted at the Met’s season-opening night and was quickly … Continue reading →

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Topher and “The French Connection”

Posted on April 9, 2013 by barczablog

I couldn’t help understanding Topher Mokrzewski’s concert today at the Richard Bradshaw Auditorium (the intimate concert space in the upper lobby of the Four Seasons Centre) as a goodbye.  As is usual, the introduction told us a bit of the … Continue reading →

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Ten questions for Eve Egoyan

Posted on April 7, 2013 by barczablog

Eve Egoyan specializes in the performance of new works. Her intense focus, command of the instrument, insightful interpretations and unique programmes welcome audiences into unknown territory, bridging the gap between them and contemporary composers. “I am passionate about all the … Continue reading →

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Fatal infidelity

Posted on April 7, 2013 by barczablog

When people meet and become interested in one another, they decide they want to be near one another.  Their growing rapport leads to growing closeness. And they make promises, some in words, others of a more legal sort. Later people … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, domestic & wild, Personal ruminations & essays | Tagged | Leave a comment

Adès Conversations

Posted on April 7, 2013 by barczablog

I am thinking a lot about the nature of criticism.  On a recent trip I sat on the airplane reading a fascinating book that’s called Conversations with Tom Service.  How fascinating could such a book be? Ah but it’s a … Continue reading →

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10 Questions for Nina Lee Aquino

Posted on April 6, 2013 by barczablog

Nina Lee Aquino is in demand, as director, dramaturge and playwright.  She was a founding member of fu-Gen Asian Canadian Theatre, where she just finished directing their production of Lauren Yee’s Ching Chong Chinaman (review).  Aquino has recently been the … Continue reading →

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Coming of Age Stories

Posted on April 5, 2013 by barczablog

With the passage of time, people get older.  The battles that consumed them in their youth are set aside, as they seek stability and begin to contemplate their legacy.  In that gradual coming into focus, frivolity falls by the wayside … Continue reading →

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