Earlier in the week, a Listeners’ Club reader sent me a fascinating and rare slice of American violin history. Below is music critic Russell McLauchlin’s profile of a 35-year-old Joseph Gingold which appeared in the Detroit Jewish News on December 8, 1940. Gingold had just left Toscanini’s NBC Symphony in New York to become concertmaster of the Detroit Symphony. Within a few years, he would go on to hold the same title with the Cleveland Orchestra …
British choral conductor, organist and composer Sir David Willcocks passed away yesterday. He was 95. Between 1957 and 1974, Willcocks directed the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge. His numerous recordings with that ensemble showcase its distinct sound, which relies on the lightness and purity of boy sopranos. Between 1974 and 1984, Willcocks served as administrative director of the Royal College of Music in London. As a young man, he was awarded the …
Last month I invited you to Join The Listeners’ Club and explore some of my favorite music. Now, in Part 2, we’ll examine these pieces more closely. Here are some of my thoughts about what makes this music so great. Enjoy the discussion and then go back and listen again. Use the comment thread below to tell me what you hear. What inspires you? What are your favorite parts and why? …
Welcome to The Listeners’ Club! This month I’m excited to launch the first installment of what will become a regular feature of this blog. My goal is to help you develop a fun, meaningful, life long relationship with some great music that you might not otherwise get to know. We’ll explore music that people of all ages will enjoy. Along the way I’ll share some of my thoughts on what makes this music …