From Advent to Epiphany
Classical editor ROBERT HUGILL rounds up the best in Classical Christmas albums for 2016.
Departments
‘I WONDER AS I WANDER’
STORIES BEHIND THE SONGS: JOHN JACOB NILES's own account of writing 'I Wonder As I Wander,' plus an online discussion of the meaning of 'on'ry' in the first verse.
Baby, It’s Hot in Here!
A vintage pick from 2009: The HOT CLUB OF SAN FRANCISCO in various configurations performing unique and often witty transformations of Yule classics.
‘Deck The Hall’
It's really titled 'DECK THE HALL' (singular) and dates to 16th century Wales. Behold the story behind the song and versions by NAT KING COLE, THE ROCHES, JAMES TAYLOR and MITCH MILLER
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.
Seeking a Meaningful Acquaintance with Schubert
Classical contributor JOSEPH NEWSOME proclaims vocalist Philippe Sly and guitarist John Charles Britton's SCHUBERT SESSIONS: LEIDER WITH GUITAR, 2016's best lieder recording.
Saturn’s Rings in Daylight, On the Night Side
A spectacular view of Saturn's rings as photographed from the planet's nightside by the Cassini spacecraft on the Cassini Solstice Mission.
TO AUTUMN
Celebrating the beauty and complexity of Autumn with a little help from our friend JOHN KEATS...
The String and The Source
On Néo, KAORU WATANABE celebrates 'going upward, connecting to the divine...the unity that binds us to something greater.' It's the master Taiko multi-instrumentalist/composer's finest hour.
Protecting All Creatures Great & Small
Imagine a politician that believes animals are citizens too, my friends, and are entitled to the rights and protections we enjoy as humans. Enter NJ State Senator Raymond J. Lesniak.