Category Archives: Music

Music in London

Posted on July 21, 2015 by Persiflage

London is a wonderful city, an I can certainly imagine moving there if I suddenly happen to become a Russian oligarch. One thing that is absolutely fantastic is the classical music scene, which is surely the best in the world. … Continue reading →

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iTunes top Ten

Posted on October 6, 2014 by Persiflage

tl;dr: lots of Bach, if you’re not into that sort of thing, at least check out Mel Brooks. And if you’re not into that *either*, well then I don’t know what’s wrong with you. Following Jordan, here is a list … Continue reading →

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Tricky Fingers

Posted on September 18, 2014 by Persiflage

How is one supposed to play this exactly? One can neither can play a 14th in the right hand (my hands are not that big) nor play legato parallel 10ths in the left; hence some sort of arpeggiation is required. … Continue reading →

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The Decline of Western Civilization

Posted on April 11, 2014 by Persiflage

I am often inclined on Saturdays to spend a few hours at the Brothers K cafe. I bring my laptop and some scratch paper, sip away on a cortado, and listen to music on my headphones as I work; it … Continue reading →

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Bad Headlines, and Schoenberg Redux

Posted on June 11, 2013 by Persiflage

A bad headline can go a good way towards making an otherwise interesting article seem condescending or off point. Slate seems particularly inept (or adept, depending on the intention) in choosing titles, a characteristic which must be particularly irritating for … Continue reading →

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Swans

Posted on May 30, 2013 by Persiflage

Since I first saw it, I’ve always been very impressed by Maya Plisetskaya’s dying swan. But Charles Riley gives her a run for her money in his own original performance with Yo Yo Ma. Compare and constrast!

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Bush, the Messiah (and Emma Kirkby)

Posted on May 22, 2013 by Persiflage

The title of this post is, in part, a public service message to use the Oxford comma. However, there is a thread (in my mind) linking the three titular subjects. The connection between George Bush and the Messiah is not … Continue reading →

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Straight from the top to the bottom

Posted on March 4, 2013 by Persiflage

Possibly the worst programme on radio is NPR’s “from the top.” Ostensibly the show is about showcasing young performers in classical music. Yet, in reality, it is all about the incredibly annoying host, Christopher O’Riley, for whom condescension has become … Continue reading →

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5 x 5

Posted on December 21, 2012 by Persiflage

Perhaps my favourite non-classical album is Time Out by the Dave Brubeck quartet. The most well known piece from that album is “Take Five”, and not undeservedly so. Its distinctive time signature is instantly recognizable, and the saxaphone hook sounds … Continue reading →

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András Schiff Plays Bach

Posted on November 8, 2012 by Persiflage

The first Bach CD I ever bought was András Schiff’s recording of the Well Tempered Clavier. My memory is a little hazy, but I think I paid almost $100 (AUS) for the 4-CD set (I ordered it through Allans Music … Continue reading →

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