MUSIC IN THE TIMES OF CRISIS

During Covid Aspect presented “Music in the Times of Crisis”, a video series narrated by accomplished musicologists and art historians.

IGOR STRAVINSKY - THE SOLDIER’S TALE

Episode 5 of MUSIC IN THE TIMES OF CRISIS, presented by Michael Parloff

Artistic Director of Parlance Chamber Concerts Michael Parloff explores Stravinsky’s “The Soldier’s Tale”, composed at the time of the Spanish Flu in 1918.

MYRA HESS - DESPITE THE WAR…

Episode 4 of MUSIC IN THE TIMES OF CRISIS, presented by Patrick Bade

One of Aspect’s longtime collaborators, Patrick Bade, explores the lunchtime concerts presented by Myra Hess during WW2 in London. It was music that could not be stopped…

WILLIAM BYRD - MASS FOR FIVE VOICES

Episode 3 of MUSIC IN THE TIMES OF CRISIS, presented by Stephen Johnson

Longtime collaborator Stephen Johnson returns to explore a piece first published in 1594, written by William Byrd.

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN - PIANO SONATA NO. 26 “LES ADIEUX”

Episode 2 of MUSIC IN THE TIMES OF CRISIS, presented by Stephen Johnson

Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 26 in E♭ Major, Op. 81a, is known as Les Adieux (The Farewells), but Beethoven actually preferred the name Das Lebewohl (Fare Thee Well). Discover this and more with our longtime collaborator Stephen Johnson.

GIUSEPPE VERDI - “VA, PENSIERO” FROM NABUCCO

Episode 1 of MUSIC IN THE TIMES OF CRISIS, presented by Stephen Johnson

Longtime collaborator Stephen Johnson explores the significance and relevance of Verdi’s “Va, pensiero” from his opera Nabucco.

NB The painting in our banner is The Tower of Babel (c. 1563) by Pieter Bruegel the Elder (~1525-1569)

INTRODUCTION

Aspect presents MUSIC IN THE TIMES OF CRISIS, a video series narrated by accomplished musicologists and art historians

Illustrated talks presented by Stephen Johnson and Patrick Bade.

Exploring compositions by Verdi, Copland, Schütz, Shostakovich, Chopin, and Beethoven, as well as the musical contributions of Dame Myra Hess.

NB The painting in our banner is Improvisation #19 (1911) by Wassily Kandinsky (1866-1944)