Ravel is often regarded as one of France’s finest classical composers. Although he (and Debussy) rejected the label “impressionist,” his compositions during the early 20th century did define a shift in technique and approach, both for instrumental music and orchestral...
If you turn on ESPN and the commentators are waxing poetic about “athletes,” you can be pretty sure that they are not talking about musicians. But the definition of athlete, according to Merriam-Webster is “someone who is skilled in (activities) that...
The second Sunday after Epiphany reminds us of a wedding in Cana. A wedding—probably unremarkable in most ways—that revealed an unexpected side of Jesus. This wedding tells of the first of Jesus’ miracles. Although incarnation is the grounding of our connection with...
Long before there was a Bible in every home, and before words and printed text had irrevocably shaped human learning, there were pictures—art that told stories. In particular, the great cathedrals of Europe give us glorious examples of how stained glass windows were...
In these last days of Christmas, it is challenging to stay focused. The world has moved on. Folks are exhausted from the parties, the Valentine’s chocolates have appeared in the stores, and the Christmas decorations are dumped in the back corner of the clearance...
I’ve been called a Grinch. It’s true. I have an unusual pet peeve . . . Christmas carols in church before Christmas. The reason I have been called a Grinch is that when worship leaders make me sing Christmas carols in November and early December, I get grumpy....
