Upcoming Events
Extraordinary new traditions of Russian music making followed the accession of a new tsar in 1855 who was anxious to foster the talents of of native Russian composers. All musical genres were affected, but one of the most momentous developments was the composition for the first time of great masterpieces of Russian piano music in a spurt of inspiration that did not die out until the 1950s. The best-known composers involved were Rachmaninov, Scriabin, and Prokoviev.
For nearly three centuries after the first appearance of opera in Italy, the stories of serious operas were centered around deities, monarchs, and aristocrats who lived in the distant past. In the late 19th century, however, a trend took hold that permitted the production of serious operas set in contemporary times dealing with the harsh experiences of the underprivileged. One of the most successful results was the composition of Ruggiero Leoncavallo's I pagliacci (The Clowns), which depicts a grisly murder witnessed by an audience of villagers assembled to enjoy a clown show.
Past Events
For these talks, Dr. Freeman has chosen music as enchanting as spring – delightful Rossini tunes and operatic vignettes that have charmed audiences for more than two centuries. In person at House of Hope Presbyterian Church, 797 Summit Ave., Saint Paul. Wednesday mornings from 10 am to noon, April 2, 9, 16, 23.
Gather your favorite people for an afternoon of musical explorations! Led by the ever-popular duo of Maria Jette, soprano, and pianist-accordionist Dan Chouinard, both Francophiles, we’ll be transported to the City of Light to hear songs of many moods from France and Paris. We’ll also have tours of the amazing new Schmitt Music building in Bloomington, with “specialty shops” of a vast range of musical instruments. And there’ll be ample time for socializing with desserts, coffee and soft drinks.
