Author Archives: barczablog

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 →

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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 →

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Angela Hewitt’s Keyboard Workout

Posted on November 19, 2017 by barczablog

That was quite a workout tonight, watching Angela Hewitt leading the orchestra while playing four different concerti on one concert programme with the Toronto Symphony at Roy Thomson Hall. She had a very busy evening, playing note-perfect as far as … Continue reading →

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Blade Runner 2049 and the first film

Posted on November 18, 2017 by barczablog

I have a good memory. The first Blade Runner (1982 ) was not a big success, at least not at first.  I remember the review in the Toronto Star by Ron Base. He didn’t like it.  At one point (perhaps … Continue reading →

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Haus Musik: lavender love letter

Posted on November 17, 2017 by barczablog

I am always inclined to appreciate artists who choose the ambitious path. Tonight’s Haus Musik in The Great Hall directed by Jennifer Nichols aimed to make some challenging connections. This multi-disciplinary work (live music, a DJ, video, painting, poetry in … Continue reading →

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Tremendous Triptyque

Posted on November 16, 2017 by barczablog

We’re in the twilight of Matthew Jocelyn’s time at Canadian Stage, a near- decade of unprecedented multi-disciplinarity.  We’ve had dance, we’ve had opera, and yes, theatre that combines disciplines.  We’ve had several offerings from Crystal Pite, from Robert Lepage, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Dance, theatre & musicals | 2 Comments