Anselm Kiefer’s monumental sculpture Seven Heavenly Palaces gave birth to Ludovico Einaudi’s latest album Nightbook in an almost physical way. In 2006, Einaudi performed among Kiefer’s mythically imposing towers and subsequently wrote music inspired by the awareness and feelings of transcendence aroused by sitting at the comparatively tiny grand piano.
Sometimes it’s hard to remember, but the larger part of classical music as we now know it was written for use and even entertainment, not for musing on the abstract and infinite.
In March, San Francisco Renaissance Voices presents its initial concert (titled “Songs of War and Peace”) in a series of three programs that present music inspired by war.
Right off the bat, tenor saxophonist Stephen Pollack describes the conundrum the New Century Saxophone Quartet (NCSQ) has faced ever since he cofounded the quartet a quarter century ago. “It’s real common when we tour for well over half the audience to have no idea what it means to be a saxophone quartet.
2010 isn't even two months old, and already it's shaping up to be a banner year for Claudio Monteverdi, thanks to the 400th anniversary of the composer's towering Vespro della Beata Vergine. But if you take your Monteverdi a little less monumental, the California Bach Society's next concert set may be just the ticket.
Young. Sexy. Flashy. In the world of classical music, these words pop up repeatedly when describing the three women who comprise the Eroica Trio. And indeed, this is one ensemble that has never been afraid to show off its glamorous side.
Lots of kids, lots of information, lots of great music, though not lots of money are the mainstays of the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra’s Family Concerts. The next concert series is coming up on Feb. 27 and 28. The good news is that you don’t have to come as a part of a family to still enjoy the fun.
