Category Archives: Essays

Thank you, Rob Ford

Posted on January 14, 2012 by barczablog

I learned about gratitude in Martin Seligman’s book Authentic Happiness.  Dr. Seligman is a key figure in a new kind of psychology, called “Positive Psychology”, positive because it’s oriented not on disorders and dysfunctions, but on happiness.  I am not … Continue reading →

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The Descent of Psycho

Posted on January 11, 2012 by barczablog

I don’t know very much about Charles Darwin, but have always been fascinated by the profound reverberations set off in my head by the title The Descent of Man.  I am not a naturalist.  I understood that Darwin meant “descent” … Continue reading →

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Ministers of Music

Posted on December 31, 2011 by barczablog

December 30th is a day of reflection in my family.  My father passed away on this date long ago, forever casting a shadow over this festive season.  It doesn’t mean one can’t celebrate.  If one occasionally eats & drinks oneself … Continue reading →

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Wyers subjectivities

Posted on December 10, 2011 by barczablog

I posted a piece about painter Brian Wyers November 29th, and knew I’d have more to say.  This is a continuation. I am again fascinated by a Wyers painting that’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen.  Perhaps painters or art-critics would … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Architecture & Design, Essays | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Brian Wyers

Posted on November 29, 2011 by barczablog

I’m going a bit outside my usual comfort zone with this one.  I’m a composer & keyboardist, a scholar in opera, theatre, film-music, literature.  In grade six they already knew I couldn’t paint or draw. Thank God for computers, because … Continue reading →

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John & Michael: Together Again

Posted on November 23, 2011 by barczablog

[Sentimentality advisory] One of my favourite movies is the 1988 Terry Gilliam film The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (or ABM for short).  It features wonderful work from Eric Idle, an uncredited appearance by Robin Williams (“Ray de Tutto” which makes … Continue reading →

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Satyagraha and Wall Street

Posted on November 18, 2011 by barczablog

Of all the operas being presented in the Metropolitan Opera’s High Definition series of broadcasts, Philip Glass’s opera Satyagraha is the first to seem genuinely relevant. As I type this, I am listening to the latest news concerning the various … Continue reading →

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Remembering

Posted on November 3, 2011 by barczablog

As I prepare for the Remembrance Day Service in my church (this coming weekend btw) I can’t help thinking of some of the fascinating contradictions associated with the day: contradictions that are inevitable given the depth of emotion stirred by … Continue reading →

Posted in Essays, Personal ruminations & essays, Spirituality & Religion | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Another Don Giovanni

Posted on October 22, 2011 by barczablog

Opera Atelier are about to open a new production of Don Giovanni. And why not?  When last seen in these parts, The Don was ambushed by a feminist reading from the Canadian Opera Company almost exactly three years ago, a … Continue reading →

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The Tree of Life

Posted on October 19, 2011 by barczablog

At one point during class this week,we started to discuss The Tree of Life.  I asked if anyone else had seen it.  Yes, one person said, and they were not impressed. I recall last week reading a comment online from … Continue reading →

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