Author Archives: barczablog

Gloriana

Posted on November 25, 2013 by barczablog

It’s such a privilege to see a rare work.  Whatever else I might say about the Voicebox/Opera in Concert presentation of Benjamin Britten’s Gloriana on the occasion of the composer’s centennial, I’m thankful for this encounter with the score. This … Continue reading →

Posted in Opera, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Needles and Opium

Posted on November 23, 2013 by barczablog

I’ve just come from one of the most absorbing 105 minutes I’ve ever passed in a theatre, thanks to Robert Lepage.  I take it on faith (from the program, and from the time on my phone when I came out), … Continue reading →

Posted in Dance, theatre & musicals, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

JFK: Choose your conspiracy

Posted on November 22, 2013 by barczablog

November 22nd?  It’s Saint Cecilia’s Day, the patron saint of music.  It’s Benjamin Britten’s birthday, which this year means his centennial. Okay, those are all in the fine print.  Written on my psyche since childhood?  November 22nd 1963.  Every other … Continue reading →

Posted in Cinema, video & DVDs, Politics, Popular music & culture, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Beatriz Boizán: Pasión

Posted on November 19, 2013 by barczablog

Sometimes artists show two or more sides.  The different roles played in a concert hall or in a recording studio bring out different aspects of a creative personality, at least as masks if not as divergent personalities. That’s how I’m … Continue reading →

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

Esprit /Evergreen: O Gamelan

Posted on November 18, 2013 by barczablog

“O Gamelan” is both José Evangelista’s composition & a handy name for tonight’s program by Esprit Orchestra, suggesting a genuine reverence for the Balinese ensemble of that name.  Many of the works on the program employed some or all of … Continue reading →

Posted in Music and musicology, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Christian Jeffries: The Truth About Xmas

Posted on November 16, 2013 by barczablog

I’ve never fully swallowed the Norman Rockwell images showing big happy families at Christmas, which leaves me much more comfortable coming at Christmas via angst than angels. No wonder I feel as though I’m on the same page with Christian … Continue reading →

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Civil Rites

Posted on November 12, 2013 by barczablog

It’s quite a bargain, this deal we’ve struck.  Any social contract is a trade-off, giving something to get something.  Nobody ever thinks about it, this amazing exchange, because it’s almost totally invisible, unless someone shines light on it, as they … Continue reading →

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Tcherniakov’s Serendipitous Trovatore

Posted on November 11, 2013 by barczablog

Having seen a small local production of Verdi’s Il trovatore in Richmond Hill Saturday night, the tunes & situations were very fresh in my head tonight for a broadcast of a 2012 production of the very same opera with big … Continue reading →

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Opera York: True to Verdi

Posted on November 10, 2013 by barczablog

It’s exciting when you get a chance to test an offbeat theory, and even more exciting when you prove it. Giuseppe Verdi’s Il trovatore was at one time –perhaps at the end of the 19th century—the most popular opera in … Continue reading →

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Songs in the key of F Mayor

Posted on November 7, 2013 by barczablog

Meaning is where you find it. Toronto’s mayor is bigger than ever.  He was always large, but now he’s becoming an international icon.  If he wanted it, I’m sure a reality TV show could follow His Worship and his brother … Continue reading →

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