Category Archives: Music and musicology

Mozart & Mahler @ TSO

Posted on June 24, 2018 by barczablog

The final week of Peter Oundjian’s tenure leading the Toronto Symphony is here, so tantalizing because there’s a genuine rapport between the players & their leader. The future conductors who lead the ensemble, whether as guests or residents, may never … Continue reading →

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Ermanno Mauro: “Great Tenor Arias”

Posted on June 21, 2018 by barczablog

Sometimes recordings can open a window on the past. I’ve got a “new” CD, actually an old one that’s only new to me. Forgive me if I choose to write about something that’s not easily available but the CD immediately … Continue reading →

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Vaughan Williams recording: a joyful valedictory for Oundjian

Posted on June 19, 2018 by barczablog

The last month of Peter Oundjian’s tenure with the Toronto Symphony is unfolding as a celebration.  We’re partway through a series of concerts, with three more programs to come in the next fortnight. In addition Chandos have released a TSO … Continue reading →

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Oundjian and TSO: the long goodbye

Posted on June 14, 2018 by barczablog

It was the first in a series of concerts for the month-long celebration of Peter Oundjian’s achievement with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, as he finishes his fourteen year tenure as music director.  In his introduction Oundjian explained some of the rationale … Continue reading →

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The Little Match Girl Passion

Posted on June 8, 2018 by barczablog

Tonight was the second & concluding performance for Soundstreams presentation of David Lang’s The Little Match Girl Passion, paired on the program with the world premiere of James Rolfe’s song cycle I Think We Are Angels at Crow’s Theatre. I … Continue reading →

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Circle of Sound – Charm of Finches

Posted on June 6, 2018 by barczablog

    Charm of Finches, Canada’s Premiere Flute Quintet. Charm of Finches’ musicians are mavericks in the classical genre – all young, vibrant and electrifying musicians – and the force behind brilliant new arrangements and compositions with a reputation for … Continue reading →

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Opera: Passion, Power, and Politics

Posted on June 1, 2018 by barczablog

There it all is, everything a boy or girl could want in one headline. Now in fact that’s the title of a big beautiful book that I’ve been reading.  And what good is a book if it doesn’t push your … Continue reading →

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Orfeo and the power of music

Posted on May 28, 2018 by barczablog

David Fallis’s tenure as the Artistic Director of the Toronto Consort ended with today’s final concert performance of Monteverdi’s Orfeo, one of the most elaborate presentations I’ve ever seen from this group. Don’t get me wrong. We were still in … Continue reading →

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Laird’s new Leonard Bernstein biography

Posted on May 27, 2018 by barczablog

2018 is the centennial of Leonard Bernstein’s birth, as I’ve mentioned in reviewing recent commemorative performances of Candide by TIFT, TOT and the TSO.  Anniversaries usually trigger a flood of books as well.  I’ve just read one of them cover … Continue reading →

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Ensemble Showcase 2018

Posted on May 26, 2018 by barczablog

An Evening With the Ensemble Studio is a special opportunity. It’s interesting to get a closer look at the members of the Canadian Opera Company’s Ensemble Studio. For most of the year they’re confined to small roles in the mainstage … Continue reading →

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