‘Twas a Happy, Hokey, Hopeful Capitol Fourth

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSkQVtNcxhc Since July 4, 1980, the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) has aired a live concert in Washington, DC: "The Capitol Fourth, America’s National Independence Day Party." The program is broadcast from the Capitol's West Lawn. You can watch this year's event above. I kinda stumbled onto it, but I stayed through to the end. The … Continue reading ‘Twas a Happy, Hokey, Hopeful Capitol Fourth →

Lizzo and the Magic Flute: Why This Story Matters…

Photo from the Library of Congress If you’re one of the handful of pop culture luddites like me who were unfamiliar with Lizzo, I offer a brief introduction. She’s a 34-year-old internationally renowned singer, songwriter, rapper, Grammy winner, and oh-by-the-way, classically trained flutist. She might also be called, and I don’t think she’d mind, a … Continue reading Lizzo and the Magic Flute: Why This Story Matters… →

Here Are Two Tickets To A Concert; The Date Is…

It all seemed so simple. For our weekly Zoom get-together with friends, one woman suggested a discussion of a rather quirky event: an organ recital of a work by American composer John Cage. But is it 2 hours with an intermission? No. Perhaps, since John Cage was known for his innovations, it would take place over a day or two? Nope.

How I Found My Inner Harpist On My Smartphone

Ah, the image: I am seated at a magnificent golden harp, my flowing blonde tresses resting on my shoulders, my tall, slender body leaning slightly forward, long fingers playing glissando after glissando. I am just warming up, but I am already enraptured.

Oh, the reality: It’s true that I’m thin and have long fingers. The rest of the description is more problematic.

Beyond Music to Ritual: The Impact of Four Songs on America’s Psyche

When Colin Kaepernick, the former NFL football quarterback, took a knee (knelt) during The Star-Spangled Banner at the start of the games, he created quite the uproar. I have written that I felt his using his visibility to call attention to the injustices against African-Americans and other minorities was in the best tradition of nonviolent protest. He paid a heavy price for his actions: though he reached a settlement with the National Football League and is now a free agent, to date no team has been willing to sign him.

Anna Celenza, Professor of Music at Georgetown University, discusses Kaepernick’s protest in her introduction to a One Day University lecture titled: “Four Musical Masterpieces That Changed America.” I found her talk, which I watched on video, so enlightening that I’d like to provide you with some highlights. I’ve also added a bit of research from other sources.

Music to “Stretch Our Ears”: Beethoven, Beatles, Blues…

I can’t carry a tune, and no one would ever accuse me of having perfect pitch. But I love music—so many different kinds of music, preferably live. At some point in my life, I’m determined to see Bruce Springsteen in concert—even though I hate crowds.

But one type of music really transports me: the fully realized magnificence of a fine symphony orchestra. Fortunately, there is such an orchestra that performs fairly close to my home, and my husband and I have had a series subscription with friends for the past few years.

Thursday night was the season finale—and it was a whopper, appropriately titled the “Blockbuster All-Orchestral Season Finale.” For those of you who don’t love classical music, imagine attending a concert given by your very favorite band, and I think you’ll get the mood...