Category Archives: Essays

Inside Job

Posted on October 11, 2011 by barczablog

I may sound a bit like Noam Chomsky with this one. Here it is in the simplest terms from Democrat Alan Grayson. WHY is this not being reported in the media?  i suppose the same reasons Grayson speaks of, such … Continue reading →

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Reinhardt’s first and last film

Posted on September 25, 2011 by barczablog

The 1935 Warner Brothers A Midsummernight’s Dream (AMSD) directed by Max Reinhardt, is one of my favourite films.  This week I will once again get the pleasure of including it in my film music course. If wishes were horses beggars … Continue reading →

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Louÿs the poet

Posted on September 10, 2011 by barczablog

I am following up yesterday’s post on Aphrodite and Mary Garden because of something I found via Google books.  I made an assertion yesterday off the top of my head; upon further reflection i realized i had no idea, but … Continue reading →

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Fleeting fame

Posted on September 9, 2011 by barczablog

I held a piece of history in my hands. And then after keeping it a few days overdue, I returned it to the library. I am speaking of a score for an opera signed by its composer.  The opera?  Aphrodite, … Continue reading →

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The roots of sustainability

Posted on September 2, 2011 by barczablog

This is a continuation of my previous post, inspired by Hurricane Irene and Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony.  I’d lamented the loss of innocence that’s implied by the notion of global warming: that we can’t very well think of Nature as our … Continue reading →

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A dark and stormy night

Posted on August 28, 2011 by barczablog

Every now and then I notice that a beloved piece of music has fallen out of my personal  top ten.  It may be because I’ve listened too often, or because some other piece has grabbed my affections.  But something very … Continue reading →

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Hurry September

Posted on August 10, 2011 by barczablog

In the middle of a driving rainstorm, my doorbell rang this morning.  The mailman, bless his heart, was dropping off a bundle just as the heavens opened to drench the guy,  and my mail. Among the wet items was –oh … Continue reading →

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The comedy of competence: several species of drag

Posted on July 29, 2011 by barczablog

Amy Winehouse reminds me of Judy Garland.  They both had big powerful voices, larger than life really.  They were both known for excessive use of make-up and drugs.  Given that Garland and her daughter Liza Minelli have a huge following … Continue reading →

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Lion Taymor

Posted on May 11, 2011 by barczablog

I knew I was going to use a punny headline of some sort, this was perhaps the least offensive among my options.  I saw The Lion King tonight, admittedly years after its opening, and awhile after its first appearance in … Continue reading →

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Fortresses and tears

Posted on April 18, 2011 by barczablog

Today in church we sang “A Mighty Fortress is our God,” a hymn that has powerful associations for me. I am going to speak of three incarnations of that tune. FIRST?  The original version is Luther’s great hymn of the … Continue reading →

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