Many of us misconstrue the meaning of an artwork, a poem, or a song. We interpret its significance through the filter of our own experiences, our unique translation of life. The artist or author’s intentions may be completely missed, yet we still enjoy their inspirational works. Adagietto is a piece that I’ve learned to hear differently than […]
Adagietto by Mahler Read More »
According to ancient beliefs, swans spend most of their lives in silence gracing the world simply with their elegance and beauty. There comes a time when they sing their first beautiful song; it is the final moment before their death to convey their departure is near. Camille Saint-Saëns chose the cello to vocalize the swan’s aria and the piano (originally two
The Swan by Saint-Saëns Read More »
For those of you who would never have thought that classical music could be wildly entertaining, I hope to prove you wrong. I grew up watching Victor Borge recite hilarious jokes at his piano. At nine years old and forced to practice the violin several hours a day, I would watch PBS specials of Borge’s comedic acts to learn that
Hands Off! by Victor Borge Read More »
Oftentimes, I gaze at the sky and watch birds glide effortlessly in and out of white wispy clouds. Their wings spread widely, they seem to go wherever the breeze directs them. I wonder- when they soar over purple mountains, shimmery waters, and fields of gold, do they realize that their existence is a gift to freely view the majesties of the world? Do
Romance: Andante by Korngold Read More »
At Burnt Ranch, there lived a tomboyish Cowgirl who wanted to find true love. Desiring the affections of the Head Wrangler, the beefy lad who was a hot commodity among the ladies at the ranch, she tried riding a bucking bronco at a rodeo hoping to win his heart. Instead, she got miserably thrown off the horse and had been made
Saturday Night Waltz and Hoe-down by Copland Read More »
There once was a man who devoted years on a work project, and on the night of his presentation, he received horrendous feedback from colleagues and his native country exclaiming that his work would rather be enjoyed in hell. It is no surprise that he headed straight to suffering chronic depression that lasted for more than three years. He put off work because the
Adagio by Rachmaninov Read More »
Last Thanksgiving, the Peanuts gang aired on television, as it does every holiday season. So, I performed my duty as every American citizen ought to do- I watched the Charlie Brown Special for the umpteenth time. Who doesn’t love Peanuts? Dynamic characters, a silly canine, and utmost adoration for Beethoven are plentiful reasons to tune in each
Adagio Cantabile by Beethoven Read More »
Ladies, have you ever been wooed or serenaded by someone? I do not mean going on dinner and movie dates or to karaoke bars. I’m talking about sharing a moment with one who recites a poem to describe that flowers cannot compare to your beauty, or performs a lyrical melody that mimics sounds of nature’s songbirds and streams. The spirit
On Wings of Song by Mendelssohn Read More »
I’d like to start my first post by sharing my love and affinity for Johannes Brahms. I am not quite sure why I like him so much. I took a class for a semester about his life and music during my graduate studies at USC. To this day, I remember that he was very conscious
Intermezzo by Brahms Read More »