Category Archives: Essays

Another look at Roméo et Juliette as a departure point for reflections on criticism & dramaturgy

Posted on October 19, 2025 by barczablog

This has been a bit of a bewildering week, astonishing contrasts. I repeat my self-fulfilling mantra “I am a lucky guy,” grateful for what I’ve experienced. Wednesday was Opera Atelier’s Magic Flute, Thursday Tapestry Briefs Under Where, Friday was the … Continue reading →

Posted in Dance, theatre & musicals, Essays, Opera, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Appreciating Canadian Artists on Flag Day

Posted on February 14, 2025 by barczablog

The day after Valentine’s Day, February 15th 1965, the new Canadian flag replaced the old one. On both February 14th and 15th we see red, both days to show our love. Twenty-nine years ago, in 1996 Jean Chretien proclaimed “Flag … Continue reading →

Posted in Essays, Personal ruminations & essays, Popular music & culture | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

A Knave in the House of Cards

Posted on June 20, 2020 by barczablog

A meditation on dayjobs A long time ago I was an undergraduate, a university student fresh out of high school. At the time a summer job was indispensable to help me afford my life between September & May, living in … Continue reading →

Posted in Essays, Music and musicology, Opera, Personal ruminations & essays, University life | Leave a comment

Disturbance in the Force: a Natural Experiment with Audiences

Posted on June 13, 2020 by barczablog

With all the performers, musicians, artists social distancing at home, you might think that this is an opportunity, that they’d be busy singing, strumming, painting…. All that time to create, right? Yet it’s not what I hear on social media. … Continue reading →

Posted in Books & Literature, Cinema, video & DVDs, Essays, Music and musicology, Opera, Personal ruminations & essays, Psychology and perception, University life | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Musical Gentrification

Posted on May 25, 2020 by barczablog

I don’t know about you, but I’ve got lots of time to think, to ponder questions old & new. One of my oldest questions is the conundrum of popularity in music. It’s a complicated phenomenon, and I’m not saying I … Continue reading →

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

Wordless chorus

Posted on May 21, 2020 by barczablog

This subject seems apt right now. The voices in this music have no words, which is a perfect expression for a time when we don’t know what’s to come. Of course we never do, but it’s especially noticeable when we’re … Continue reading →

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

Douglas Chambers – Stonyground

Posted on May 5, 2020 by barczablog

I heard today that Douglas Chambers passed away this past weekend, and that the cause of his passing was COVID-19. I sometimes make big long preambles when I’m avoiding something. I can’t deny this time that I’m avoiding several big … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Architecture & Design, Books & Literature, Essays, Personal ruminations & essays, Reviews | Tagged , | 10 Comments

Talking to Stacey about fearing fear: Choose Joy

Posted on March 28, 2020 by barczablog

When you have a toothache you go to the dentist. When you’re feeling troubled in spirit where do you go? At times in my life I’ve gone to a psychotherapist or to a church for solace. Live theatre & concerts … Continue reading →

Posted in Essays, Food, Health and Nutrition, Interviews, Music and musicology, Personal ruminations & essays, Psychology and perception, Spirituality & Religion | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Lenten Casualties

Posted on March 20, 2020 by barczablog

It’s the most perfect Lenten season I have ever seen. For those of you who aren’t deeply into the Christian calendar, Lent is a 40 day period before holy week, corresponding to Jesus’s own meditations in preparation for his Crucifixion, … Continue reading →

Posted in Essays, Personal ruminations & essays, Spirituality & Religion | Leave a comment

Robert Wilson and Turandot

Posted on September 8, 2019 by barczablog

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, Dance, theatre & musicals, Essays, Music and musicology, Opera, Personal ruminations & essays | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment