Author Archives: barczablog

Les sons et les parfums…

Posted on September 15, 2019

Janina Fialkowska has made a delightful new recording of French piano music titled “Les sons et les parfums…” You might know that phrase from Baudelaire’s Fleurs du mal, in a wonderfully evocative poem “Harmonie du soir”, where music is as fundamental … Continue reading →

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Cinematic rockstars

Posted on September 12, 2019

I wish I could somehow reclaim my innocence.  Sometimes sophistication & experience get in the way. No you can’t believe everything you read, especially when you overthink (….guilty). When will I learn? I came to Rocketman this past weekend more … Continue reading →

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Robert Wilson and Turandot

Posted on September 8, 2019

I’ve been reading a bit about Robert Wilson in anticipation of the new Canadian Opera Company Turandot that is to launch the 2019-2020 season at the Four Seasons Centre, a co-production with Teatro Real & Lithuanian National Opera. Online pictures … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Architecture & Design, Essays, Music and musicology, Opera, Personal ruminations & essays, Theatre & musicals | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Authentic Encounters

Posted on September 7, 2019

Tonight I witnessed the first of the three performances of Encounters at the “Edge of the Woods” being presented at Hart House Theatre, a Storyweaving project in association with Hart House’s 100th Anniversary.  This is a worthy vehicle to commemorate … Continue reading →

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Birds of a Kind

Posted on September 1, 2019

I’ve just seen Birds of a Kind, a recent play by Wajdi Mouawad that received its English language premiere this month at the Stratford Festival’s studio theatre space. I was drawn to it by Ken Gass’s strong recommendation, and recalling my … Continue reading →

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Toronto Symphony’s new Berlioz CD

Posted on August 23, 2019

Did they know when they programmed the Toronto Symphony Concert for September 2018 featuring Berlioz works conducted by Sir Andrew Davis that it was going to make a good recording? Here I am now thrilled to be able to listen … Continue reading →

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Macho mystery: Till Havs

Posted on August 21, 2019

I’ve been listening to a song since childhood even though I still don’t really know what it means. Imagine if the most impressive song you had ever heard was in a foreign language. So please picture the most impressive song … Continue reading →

Posted in Cinema, video & DVDs, Music and musicology, Personal ruminations & essays | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment