A Classic Animated Christmas

From the vaults, classics indeed: 1939's 'Peace on Earth,' the only cartoon ever nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize; from 1913, Ladislas Starevitch's pioneering and amazing stop-motion animated 'The Insects' Revenge' (plus a pr...
by David McGee
 

 
 

Fifty Shades Stokes Interest in Early Music–But for How Long?

In we attempt to answer the penetrating question: Will the current revival of interest in early music via Fifty Shades of Grey: The Classical Album retain its tumescence even after the trilogy’s commercial fortunes have gone ...
by David McGee
 

 

 

The Mythic Weight Of Phil Spector’s Christmas Gift

In 1963, PHIL SPECTOR thought his CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR YOU album would be a career-defining event. Then a not-so-funny-thing happened to him on his way to musical world dominance. BILLY ALTMAN fills us in.
by David McGee
 

 
 

October Knowledge

In an exclusive seasonal essay, CHRISTOPHER HILL poetically, evocatively reflects on the passage from summer to fall to the cusp of winter, and the ghosts and dreams in the air along the way.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Mavs Make Christmas Merry

Ho-ho-ho, who wouldn't go...to hear MAVERICKS rock some new and some familiar Yule tunes? Count us in!
by David McGee
 

 
 

American Tales

Two very American tales in JULES's spotlight: GITTEL'S JOURNEY: AN ELLIS ISLAND STORY, and HANDS UP, an affirmation of self-worth, an energizing, empowering celebration of family and community
by David McGee
 

 

 

‘Please Enjoy This Album. Or Don’t! Whatever.’

Does classical music drive loiterers out of public places? Studies say so, and violinist GIL SHAHAM is counting on his music to further the burgeoning trend on MUSIC TO DRIVE LOITERERS AWAY. He hopes everyone enjoys the album. ...
by David McGee
 

 
 

Ghost Forest

RON HUNTER, founder/editor of Nature Writing.com, recently found a much different scene than he had anticipated when he encountered 'a self-healing natural cycle in the red fir-lodgepole pine forests of the Sierra Nevada.'
by David McGee
 

 

 

Exploring Celestial Harmony

On 'Spheres,' his new album, violin great DANIEL HOPE explores Music of the Spheres, the junction between philosophy, mathematics and music. Blame Pythagoras.
by David McGee
 

 
 

The Key Man Claus(e)

On his all-instrumental Yuletide offering, KEYS TO CHRISTMAS, pianist-producer JEFF COLLINS offers seasonal delights with a twist, and engaging thoughtful moments as well.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Long Time Gone: Neptune’s ‘Lost’ Moon Is Found Again

Naiad, NEPTUNE's 'lost' moon has been spotted for the first time in more than 20 years. Also: the sounds of Neptune, where the wind blows at 700 MPH, as recorded by Voyager 1 before it left the solar system.
by David McGee
 

 
 

‘Constantly Moving Between the Centuries…’

As they did on 2013's Mediterraneo, CHRISTINA PLUHAR & L'ARPGIATTA take a different approach, this time on the 17th century music of England's greatest composer, HENRY PURCELL
by David McGee