Quite frankly, nobody can even come near Shakespeare in his mastery of language. He is to English what Bach was to counterpoint, Tchaikovsky to melody, or Mozart to form and balance.

Anyone who sings in a choir knows the name John Rutter. He might be considered one of those “crossover composers” – writing music that is hard to place as purely “classical” or “popular”. Naturally, this has made him disliked by many elitist musicians who seek reasons to turn their noses up at composers who are actually successful during their lifetimes. But once you get over that bit of nonsense, you’ll find that he is a master composer with impeccable technique (solid & interesting vocal writing) who knows how to please his performers and audiences with honest, unpretentious music.

“Blow, blow, thou winter wind” is a song found in Shakespeare’s “As you Like It“. I am particularly fond of this text, and find comfort in it when I’m having a bad day. Rutter’s setting is perfect. It flows like a popular song, has a sweeping melody (with a couple fantastic 9-8 suspensions!) and some harmonic twists that give it a bite – like a winter wind: not so unkind as man’s ingratitude.

FLEDERMAUSMANN!

(The word “Batman” doesn’t really work in German.)

There’s a famous opera by Johann Strauss II called “Die Fledermaus” (“The Bat”). One of these days, I hope somebody writes “Batman: The Opera”. I’m not holding my breath, though. At least we have a fun overture from Strauss to tide us over.

Earth Day – there is so much to say! But I will hold my tongue; this is not a science blog. Please consider ways you can help take care of our planet and counter the negative impact humans are having on our world. Nature has been a constant inspiration to artists and musicians since humanity’s earliest years – and needs to be a source of inspiration for many millennia more!

Thanks to composer George Fenton and his marvelous work scoring the BBC documentary, Planet Earth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Dc74Oao9kQ