http://classicalear.com The quintessential online guide to opera and classical music Thu, 02 Aug 2007 01:18:54 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en July 27th - five days ago - was the birthday of two very important musicians: Enrique Granados and Ernst von Dohnanyi.  Forgive me for not writing this article five days ago, but as they say, "the best laid plans of mice and men go oft awry." Enrique Granados (1867 - 1916) was ... http://classicalear.com/2007/08/01/the-birthday-of-enrique-granados-and-ernst-von-dohnanyi/ Mahler is undoubtedly one of my favorite composers.  Fueled by my interest in his work, I researched his life and his music, and wrote the following biography.  Understanding the life and personality of a musician almost always allows you to better enjoy his music.  After writing the following, my love ... http://classicalear.com/2007/07/31/gustav-mahler-the-end-of-romanticism/ Last Thursday, I went to the ballet, Romeo and Juliet, and didn't like it.  I don't normally go to the ballet, but I threw caution to the wind that night.  When I came home, I tried to figure out what I didn't like about it, and broke it down into its ... http://classicalear.com/2007/07/12/my-own-personal-leap-of-faith-across-the-perilous-chasm-of-musical-ignorance/ Avery Fisher Hall, NYC   ---   June 20, 2007 Last night's Strauss-Mahler program at Avery Fisher Hall featured the accomplished diva Deborah Voigt, and the New York Philharmonic, conducted by Lorin Maazel.  In the first half of the evening, we heard 4 short operatic pieces by Richard Strauss, followed by an even ... http://classicalear.com/2007/07/08/superb-performances-of-both-strauss-and-mahler-but-strauss-wins-the-crowd/ Most newcomers to opera tend to step into the theater with little enthusiasm and low expectations.  This is no surprise, what with all the nasty opera-related rumors these days!  So, before I begin this article, I'd like to dispel some of those rumors.  Madama Butterfly is not just for girls, ... http://classicalear.com/2007/06/19/what-newcomers-should-know-before-going-to-the-opera/