Tag Archives: Ludwig van Beethoven

Beethoven 250: ethnic music

Posted on December 2, 2020 by barczablog

This blog expands on something I proposed November 20th when I talked about Beethoven’s multiple incarnations. Everyone has dimensions or facets to their personality. I hope that’s not a radical idea. There are things we proudly show off, other things … Continue reading →

Posted in Books & Literature, Cinema, video & DVDs, Music and musicology, Personal ruminations & essays | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Beethoven 250: which incarnation?

Posted on November 20, 2020 by barczablog

I hope it isn’t a radical idea to suggest that each of us is really several people, depending on context. The people around me, the places I visit, even the time of day might influence how I act. I’m more … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Architecture & Design, Cinema, video & DVDs, Music and musicology, Popular music & culture | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Beethoven 250: interpreting Sonata #9

Posted on November 14, 2020 by barczablog

There are at least two ways to understand music. We listen. Perhaps you hear a performance on some device such as your smartphone, your TV or a computer, or even in a live setting such as a concert or a … Continue reading →

Posted in Books & Literature, Dance, theatre & musicals, Music and musicology, Opera, Personal ruminations & essays, Popular music & culture, Sports | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Beethoven 250: his double life

Posted on November 4, 2020 by barczablog

Composer Ludwig van Beethoven was born in 1770, almost 250 years ago. The Heiligenstadt Testament was addressed to the composer’s two brothers, Carl & Johann, as a last will and testament. Written in October 1802 as the composer approached his … Continue reading →

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Beethoven’s 250th

Posted on November 2, 2020 by barczablog

Ludwig van Beethoven was born in December of 1770. I suppose the only people who might care about the precise date would be those of us who want to throw Ludwig a party. In my day one was taught that … Continue reading →

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A Beethoven discovery, aided by my dog

Posted on July 22, 2020 by barczablog

I’m framing this analysis around Sam my dog. She’s a 13+ year old rescue, and in my opinion amazingly well-behaved. Sometimes she’ll occupy the ottoman beside the piano, allowing her to read along with me if she so desires (no … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, domestic & wild, Books & Literature, Music and musicology, Opera, Personal ruminations & essays | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Stewart Goodyear – Beethoven piano concerti

Posted on June 27, 2020 by barczablog

It’s 2020, a year I’m tempted to call “World, Interrupted,” recalling the 1999 film set in a psychiatric hospital. At times our virtual online lives resemble the simulation of real living as though we’ve been wrapped in strait-jackets, locked up … Continue reading →

Posted in Music and musicology, Personal ruminations & essays, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

James Rhodes & the Beethoven Revolution

Posted on March 6, 2020 by barczablog

Koerner Hall was jammed full tonight. Apparently everyone wants to hear James Rhodes play Beethoven. I’m late to the party, having no idea who this guy is, just intrigued by the interest I sense all around me, an electricity.  The … Continue reading →

Posted in Music and musicology, Personal ruminations & essays, Popular music & culture, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

The miraculous simplicity of Hearing Beethoven

Posted on August 14, 2019 by barczablog

I’m very grateful for the serendipity that led to Robin Wallace’s book even if the fate governing its creation is cruel indeed. A shy and short-sighted musicologist named Robin married a nurse named Barbara. She was losing her hearing.  I … Continue reading →

Posted in Books & Literature, Music and musicology, Personal ruminations & essays, Psychology and perception, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

New Orford celebrate their first decade

Posted on July 13, 2019 by barczablog

Two for two. It’s the second night of the 2019 Toronto Summer Music Festival and again it felt like a special event, this time in celebration of the tenth anniversary of the New Orford String quartet.  There’s a natural connection … Continue reading →

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