Category Archives: Pitman Reviews
A Lotta Scarlatti
Domenico Scarlatti was one of three major Baroque composers all born in 1685 (Handel and Bach being the others). Scarlatti and Handel became friends after an amicable competition was held in Rome when both were 23. Later, Scarlatti left Rome for Lisbon to educate the princess in keyboard performance. Apart from a brief return to …
Pitman Review: The Marriage of Figaro
Russia is not the first place many people think of as a source for Mozart operas. While not unheard of, Mozart is more associated with western Europe. This may be changing, thanks to a dynamic and driven conductor named Teodor Currentzis, founder of an orchestra and chorus named Musicaeterna. Currentzis has embarked on a remarkable …
American Anthem
Adagio for Strings is one of the best-known works by Samuel Barber. It’s arguably one of the most famous pieces of American classical music ever. It’s less-well known as its original use: the slow movement to his string quartet. A recent CD by the Ying Quartet makes the Barber quartet the launch point for a …
