Holst's The Planets

 Article :  Majesty in Motion: Gustav Holst’s The Planets

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this expose on The Planets, a symphonic work with which I was only just familiar.  I first heard the theme of Jupiter sung by world famous child soprano Charlotte Church in the song, "I Vow to Thee, my Country" and later found the tune used for the hymn, "O God Beyond All Praising" in the Trinity Hymnal.   The tune is magnificent and enjoyably singable.  

 

Great Resource of Thoughtful Articles

http://www.theimaginativeconservative.org/category/culture

These articles explore musical culture with great whim and expertise.  I will feature my favorites at different times on this blog.  

Bernstein: Composition In Not Enough Time

/http://www.classicfm.com/discover/music/inspiring-composer-quotes/johann-sebastian-bach/

Taylor Swift: Begin Again (Piano/Cello)ThePianoGuys

These guys take simple tunes, and fly with it.  Amazing. Remember how Mozart did the same thing with the tune we know of as "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star?"



Taylor Swift -- Begin Again (Piano/Cello Cover) ThePianoGuys

Art Philosophy & Criticism ( and a New Album)

I loved reading Gregory Wilbur's thoughts on the arts.  While non-Christians may find Biblical teaching irrelevant, aesthetics are still an obvious and worthy study.


CREDO
I believe that beauty is an attribute of God and is therefore a theological issue.
I believe that beauty and excellence are objective and that the Bible provides the standard for what is beautiful and excellent.
I believe...  Read more.

Oh yes! Dvorak's Largo with Hymn Lyrics

It was meant to be: sweet words for this sweet classical melody.  So many hymns are thus set, and how amazing they are!



Dvorak's Largo -  Goin' Home
This has been added to dear daughter's lullaby playlist!  
And by this I discovered Sissel... how lovely she sings!

A little Medtner

In honor of my good friend, fellow USF student, and extraordinary pianist, Jeff Chodill, I wanted to post my favorite number from his graduate concert in Spring 2011 at USF, consisting entirely of Nikolay Medtner.