Musings

"So I wrote it in one morning, I think, really in a rush, as a little encore so the two musicians could play something together. "

Classical musicians don’t do “jam” for a reason, if by that you mean sitting down and improvising.

Merriam-Webster: "Cabaret: a restaurant serving liquor and providing entertainment"

Newburyport lacks a town song. As a coastal seaport, its nautical heritage suggests a watery musical motto might be in order.

Mozart's quintet for violin, bamboo flute, erhu, accordion, and glockenspiel?

NCMF would not exist without the hard work the board does all year round. Please welcome Christopher Kalisch.

Like the big, messy, and complicated country it springs from, American music has a big, messy, and complicated history.

What a way to start the year: the largest audience we’ve ever had for a spring concert - not including the bat that strafed the audience.

We have it on record that Beethoven's favorite meal was macaroni and cheese.

What’s all the fuss about? Don’t take my word for it: here is a live performance you can see.

I call every member of my family until somebody picks up and entertains me, and when they get bored, I call the next person.

German has great words, and for angsty terms, it is unsurpassed. Let’s take a look at one of my favorite German words: Weltschmerz.

People have such interesting lives – they’ve lived all over, done this, done that; everyone has a story. 

A degree in music, even from a school like Juilliard, leaves the recent graduate staring into the abyss.

Mark your calendar with the Roebling Piano Trio at the NCMF spring recital on Saturday, March 8th at St Paul’s.

Before we look ahead, let’s look back at this year with my personal favorite moments. And please write me if you have anything to add.

Never, in 24 years, have we sold out St. Paul’s. For those who can’t make it, here is one of my favorite Vivaldi concertos.

Baroque composer Nicola Canzano will have a world premiere featured as a most special encore on the upcoming Winter Baroque concert.

This week’s post features a chat about being a music student in Vienna with Beth Clary and Alessandra Yang

The Winter Baroque program this year contains familiar classics and beloved "chestnuts" - musical comfort food

Quick, hum a melody! What is the first tune that comes to mind?

If you think I am going to weigh in on who serves the best lobster roll in Newburyport then you've got another thing coming.

We need beauty in our lives, now more than ever. Here are three gifts.

 While I’ve never birthed a baby, I have had a kidney stone. I thought I was dying. And you know what they didn’t have in 1720? Anesthesia!

Why exactly did they wear wigs in the 17th Century? (Maybe better not to ask.) Set aside Sunday, December 22nd for our annual winter baroque concert.