Etudes, written to develop a musician's technical abilities, have existed basically since there were instruments to be learned (including the singing voice). But this one is definitely out there!
Der Geist hilft
For the last 5 years, every time I've been hired to sing this piece, the concert has been cancelled. I finally broke that streak this past weekend! So glad to have finally performed it!
Seven Times Salt
Today's post is a shoutout to Seven Times Salt's incredible "Courtiers and Costermongers" CD! If listening to that can keep a toddler calm through a stomach virus and an ER visit, then we definitely all need it (or one of their other fabulous recordings) in our lives!
Concerto in E major
In a move that surprised us (but probably shouldn't have), my toddler requested and then sat completely spellbound by the entire first movement of this fantastic performance!
Al resplandor d'una estrella
One of my favorite finds from my Tramontana days was Guerrero's Canciones y villanescas espirituales, including this one - probably my favorite from the whole set!
Das Gläut zu Speyer
How about something awesome and silly for a beautiful spring Monday? Here's a piece by Ludwig Senfl that mimics the ringing of the bells in Speyer!
Composer borrowing
Is imitation really "stealing" or is it "homage"? This video explores the theme of composers borrowing, stealing, copying, or rewriting pieces and then publishing them anew.
Indigenous Music
Check out this wonderful story of the early music world intersecting with cultural understanding and research!
St. Anne
Another hymn tune that finds its way into classical composition is St. Anne (known to many as "O God, our help in ages past"). Bach, Handel, Buxtehude, Vaughan Williams, and others all found inspiration in William Croft's tune.
Victimae paschali laudes
Last week's video about "Christ lag in Todesbanden" mentioned that the source of that hymn tune was this beautiful medieval sequence for Easter!