Tagged: Classical

 Irving Berlin is one of those who could easily have written a couple of songs, then retired to fame and great wealth. But like most highly creative people, his life was one of ceaseless creation, to the very end. Among his more than 900 songs are three which might be described as his Holiday Big Three: “God Bless America,” “White Christmas,” and “Easter Parade."

I don't know what it says about me, but when a new book was sent to TPR called "Rest in Pieces," I was deemed the person to review it.

I have been in love with spooky stuff since I was about four and my horror movie collection is huge, but I think of myself as a fairly regular fellow. If you are lucky enough to read, retain and enjoy disturbing and arcane facts, this book is for you.

There are a handful of operas that define the genre; their time period irrelevant and their themes go to the very heart of the human condition.

We live with these creations daily without our knowing it and they are the very musical air we breath. They exist in the opera house, on the the concert stage (without scenery), in the recital hall (as excerpts, arranged for piano), in the elevator, on the radio, in the lightest cartoons and the darkest dramas - and yes, in the shower.