On my desk- Messiah

by | Nov 30, 2007 | A view from the podium

One of the many scores on my desk this week is Handel’s Messiah, which I suppose is no surprise to anyone given the time of year. Actually, it has been a few years since I last conducted Messiah. The last time I did it was one of those rather rare occasions when one...

NQHO Sampler

by | Nov 29, 2007 | A view from the podium

I’ve written here before about the unique sonic qualities of the New Queen’s Hall Orchestra. The NQHO have updated their website, and have now created a podcast highlighting the the timbres of the individual instruments as used in the band, complete with...

Back to Oxford

by | Nov 27, 2007 | A view from the podium, Haydn

I’ve come across an interesting blog that is new to me, Michael Monroe’s MMmusings. A recent post called “Saving the Best for First,” caught my attention because it alluded to a post of mine about Haydn’s Symphony no. 92, the “Oxford.” Thanks to Michael...

Schvitzing

by | Nov 26, 2007 | A view from the podium, Performing Life

How could it take me so long to stumble upon this gem in the New York Times- “A Little More Sweat, Maestro.” ?   Who is the sweatiest conductor? Answer below! (Photo assembly from the New York Times) It has long been postulated that the aerobic benefits of...

Codas and transitions

by | Nov 24, 2007 | A view from the podium

Just a reminder to our friends in South Wales and the Marches that tonight is the HSO concert with Suzanne playing the Mendelssohn. Also on the program is Mozart’s Symphony No. 34 and Schubert’s Fourth Symphony, one sunny one tragic, one C major, one C minor. This...