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Weekend vote (almost-Halloween edition): What do you find most scary?

October 23, 2020, 9:18 PM · The week before Halloween seems like a good time for a spoooky, silly vote. So here it goes: which of the following scenarios do you find most scary? Which give you a nice sense of foreboding and dread?

I realize that this might all sound rather negative and overly-dramatic. But it can't be denied: some violin- or music-related situations tend to get the adrenaline flowing. So in the spirit of laughing a little at our fears, I ask you,
in my spookiest voice, what do you find most "scary" in your fiddle life, and why? Please pick the answer that best describes it, and if it's something else, please describe it in the comments. Also tell us about your "deepest fears" - let's get this on the table, sort it out, then eat a bunch of candy! (Or not, lol!) Happy almost-Halloween!

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For the Record, Op. 136: Calidore String Quartet; Sirius Quartet

Laurie Niles

October 22, 2020, 4:12 PM · Welcome to "For the Record," Violinist.com's weekly roundup of new releases of recordings by violinists, violists, cellists and other classical musicians. We hope it helps you keep track of your favorite artists, as well as find some new ones to add to your listening!

Babel
Calidore String Quartet
Jeffrey Myers, violin
Ryan Meehan, violin
Jeremy Berry, viola
Estelle Choi, cello

The desire to explore the innate human drive for communication is the focus of Babel. For this recording the Calidore String Quartet gathered music that imitates language; its rhythms, cadences and intentions. It also explores what happens when music substitutes for language, when it fills the void of forbidden speech or even how it carries on when language has been exhausted. The album includes the world premiere recording of "Three Essays" by Caroline Shaw alongside Robert Schumann’s String Quartet No. 3 and String Quartet No. 9 by Dmitri Shostakovich. "We hope this album will connect us with our audiences at a time when we are prevented from performing in-person concerts," violinist Ryan Meehan said. "We are sending this recording out into the world as our own message of connection, in the language of music that conveys more than words ever can." BELOW: String Quartet No. 9 in E-Flat Major, Op. 117: V. Allegro

The Calidore String Quartet also will premiere a performance of Schumann's String Quartet No. 3 in A major, Op. 41, second movement, on Friday. Click here to view. Keep reading...

When the Violin

Laurie Niles

October 21, 2020, 1:28 PM · Here's a performance to savor, something to give you a few moments of peace and beauty: violinist Vijay Gupta plays "When the Violin," written by his wife, Reena Esmail.

I was absolutely mesmerized when I heard this piece for the first time back in July, when Vijay performed it on Gilharmonic on Violinist.com, our show with Gil Shaham. And in fact, Gil loved the piece so much that he included it in his recital last week on Idagio's Global Concert Hall. (You can still watch that recital through tomorrow, click here to buy a ticket).

Vijay posted this performance on Youtube today -- it was filmed by Louis Ng last month at a beautiful church in Pasadena called All Saints - a lovely setting. Keep reading...

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LA Philharmonic Cancels Remainder of 2020/21 Season, As Does NY Philharmonic

Laurie Niles

October 20, 2020, 10:06 PM · Tuesday brought more difficult news, with the Los Angeles Philharmonic officially cancelling the remainder of its 2020/21 season through June, due to COVID-19. This came after the New York Philharmonic had made the same announcement one week ago. Thus two of the largest classical music institutions in the United States have seen their elaborate seasons, involving scores of concerts, cancelled through spring, due to COVID-19. The situation reflects the devastating reality that hundreds of artistic institutions across the United States are facing: the prospect of an entire season of lost plans.

As for the LA Phil and New York Philharmonic, both orchestras announced plans for scaled-down, virtual performances and educational offerings, to keep the music going and stay connected during this unprecedented time.

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