Archive for the ‘notable music’ Category
Good Friday – St. Matthew Passion by J. S. Bach
It is Good Friday as I write this, and I feel compelled to share a notable piece of music with you which is traditionally performed on Good Friday. This work, The St. Matthew Passion by J. S. Bach, is to me one of the greatest works of art ever created, and yet it is not art for art’s sake. It is religious art of the highest order. It is a sublime, religious work that has moved even the most militant atheists.
Unlike some works that are performed during Holy Week, this work does not combine the Passion Stories from the different gospels, but instead takes the story from the Gospel According to Matthew, hence the title “St. Matthew Passion.”
I don’t remember the first time that I heard the St. Matthew Passion, but I do remember that I immediately felt that it was one of the most beautiful musical works that I had ever heard. It is beautiful beyond words, and it has density. Read the rest of this entry »
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- First Listen: 'Cantique,' With The Music Of Arvo PartThe Estonian composer's evocative music has opened a window into a world of spiritual ideals and aspirations, and attracted many fans along the way. Hear Cantique, the new CD of Pärt's music, in its entirety. […]
- Turtle Island Quartet Re-Imagine Jimi Hendrix, With StringsThe group, led by violinist David Balakrishnan, has earned rave reviews for their jazzy take on traditional chamber music. Their latest album, Have You Ever Been ... ?, features interpretations of Jimi Hendrix compositions and continues to push the boundaries of classical fusion. […]
- Renee Fleming Sings 'Lucrezia Borgia'Acclaimed soprano Renee Fleming tackles the unforgiving title role, with Placido Domingo conducting, in a Washington National Opera production of Donizetti's steamy historical drama. […]
- Photo: Lucia MicarelliA Blog Supreme is on vacation. Until we return, we are periodically leaving you with some shots from The NPR Jazz Photography Pool on Flickr. Here, Scott Bump writes about capturing a great violinist on film at the Newport Jazz Festival. […]
- Nir Felder: Introducing The Next Big Jazz GuitaristThe Brooklyn youngster has already played with John Scofield, Joe Lovano and Jason Moran. With a debut album slated for early 2011, Felder recently stopped by WBGO's The Checkout to give host Josh Jackson a taste of what's to come. […]
- Photo: Anthony BraxtonA Blog Supreme is on vacation. Until we return, we are periodically leaving you with some shots from The NPR Jazz Photography Pool on Flickr. Here, Tom Wiebe writes about capturing the great composer on film last winter. […]