Author Archives: barczablog

Singalong Messiah

Posted on December 18, 2017 by barczablog

I took advantage of the free fares on the TTC (celebrating the extension on Line 1) to ride downtown to Massey Hall for my first Tafelmusik Singalong Messiah in 20 years or more. And it’s the last one for awhile … Continue reading →

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

Makeover or decay, vocally and otherwise

Posted on December 16, 2017 by barczablog

I’m preparing to sing something and I am afraid it — that I– will sound terrible. Ah this blog, it’s a big public diary, my therapy. These gut level perceptions in the moment without too much reflection, are assembled after … Continue reading →

Posted in Music and musicology, Personal ruminations & essays | Leave a comment

Questions for Juan Chioran: Nine In Concert

Posted on December 13, 2017 by barczablog

Juan Chioran was born and raised in Alberti, Argentina. His parents immigrated from Italy after WWII and raised him and his brother in this small town two hours west of Buenos Aires. In 1975, at age 12 he moved with … Continue reading →

Posted in Personal ruminations & essays | 2 Comments

Questions for George Frideric Handel

Posted on December 10, 2017 by barczablog

I feel blessed to have had a chance to interview a hero and one of the most popular of all composers. “Popularity”? Let’s set aside the 21st century understanding with the weekend “box-office champion”.  When a work of art survives … Continue reading →

Posted in Interviews, Music and musicology | 6 Comments

Best of Tchaikovsky

Posted on December 7, 2017 by barczablog

Tonight we heard one of the three Toronto Symphony orchestra concerts titled “Best of Tchaikovsky” at Roy Thomson Hall.  While I’m not sure if I’d agree with the title (I can think of pieces I would prefer), if they’re playing … Continue reading →

Posted in Music and musicology, Reviews | 2 Comments

TIFT Candide

Posted on December 3, 2017 by barczablog

While 2017 was a year to celebrate Canada’s 150th, we’re now coming up on the 100th birthday of Leonard Bernstein.  Whether you pronounce it Bern–steen or Bern-stine, the composer, pianist & conductor was born in 1918, which means that it … Continue reading →

Posted in Dance, theatre & musicals, Music and musicology, Opera, Reviews | 3 Comments

Four Weddings, a Funeral and a Coronation

Posted on December 1, 2017 by barczablog

That headline is the fanciful title for Tafelmusik’s latest concert.  While it may remind you of a certain British film, it’s a fair description of the evening’s program: one of such remarkable variety, as to constitute a veritable smorgasbord of … Continue reading →

Posted in Music and musicology, Reviews | Leave a comment

Tafelmusik Complete Beethoven Symphonies

Posted on November 29, 2017 by barczablog

Tafelmusik have released their recording of the nine Beethoven Symphonies. Before I start going into detail, getting philosophical, getting all mushy about Beethoven, let me say that if you’re looking for a gift for the music-lover in your life, this … Continue reading →

Posted in Music and musicology, Reviews | 2 Comments

Venus ascending

Posted on November 29, 2017 by barczablog

I keep hearing about Venus lately. There’s the novel by Sacher-Masoch, namely Venus in Furs. Yes that’s the Sacher-Masoch whose name has been immortalized in the word masochism, a reminder that sometimes fame isn’t always desirable.  You write a novel … Continue reading →

Posted in Cinema, video & DVDs, Reviews | Leave a comment

Runnicles’ Mahler 6

Posted on November 26, 2017 by barczablog

Tonight’s Toronto Symphony concert led by guest conductor Donald Runnicles was an affirmation of the value of live music. There are things you do in person that you simply can’t capture on video let alone on CDs.  Tonight we heard Mahler’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Music and musicology, Reviews | Leave a comment