china-devolution2

China’s Cultural Devolution

China’s Cultural Revolution (1966-76) was a turbulent decade that took no prisoners in sweeping away the ‘Four Olds’ – old customs, old habits, old ideas and old culture. As far as artistic matters were concerned, the dictat meant that western … Read More →

8.573255

Podcast: Spanish soul

In this week’s podcast, Raymond Bisha introduces a disc of Spanish guitar music that goes to the heart of that nation’s musical culture, presenting four works by the prolific Madrid-born composer Federico Moreno Torroba. This new release is the first … Read More →

boston-pops

The Boston Pops (and one Mom)

The Boston Tea Party, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Red Sox – all are well known internationally. It’s likely, however, that for many outside the United States, talk of the Boston Six will raise a puzzled look. They were … Read More →

NBD0045

Podcast: Saint-Saëns and the King of Instruments

This month’s new Naxos High Definition Audio Disc features the recently-restored Cavaillé-Coll organ which is now housed in the Lyon Auditorium. It’s played here by Vincent Warnier in an all-Saint-Saëns programme. Dating back to 1878, this huge instrument was relocated, … Read More →

manuscript2

Paper chase

The Day after Christmas Day, Boxing Day, St Stephen’s Day, the Day of the Wren. Wherever you are, and whatever event you may yourself celebrate on 26 December each year, I personally always try to spare a thought for the … Read More →