A Journey Through Madison's Classical Music Scene
Classically SpeakingDecember 2011
 |
12/27/11What Lingers in the Ear: Madison’s Year in Review, Classically SpeakingFrom the Pro Arte Quartet completing a century to Madison Opera beginning a new half-century, we had news … and some great performances |
 |
12/19/11Got Beethoven?New DVD traversals of the nine Beethoven symphonies and five piano concertos can be the cornerstone of a collection—yours or that of your music-loving friend |
 |
12/14/11Last Minute Stocking Stuffers for Classical Music LoversHere are some timely—and unusual—choices for the music lovers on your list |
 |
12/12/11Hallelujah! The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Delivers a True Christmas GiftEqual parts sensible and heartfelt, Andrew Sewell treats a packed Blackhawk Church to "Messiah" |
 |
12/03/11Madison Symphony’s “Christmas Spectacular”: Everyone’s Home for the HolidaysBetter than advertised, John DeMain continues his own traditions, and keeps it local |
Years before I contributed my first classical review to the Los Angeles Times in 1988, I started a class in music appreciation for adults that had one aim: to put a few cracks in the “ivory tower elitism” I found pervasive in the classical music world since my boyhood days. Whether as a critic, program annotator or band director, that goal has never changed. After all, Mozart and Beethoven and the gang wrote their music for people like you—not critics or professors!
