My Name Is Handel

is a fabulous CD for kids that I recently reviewed for Bachtrack. And you know, my friends, it's a lot more than just a CD.

It has a little something for everyone: an incredible sing-along, an easy-to-play score, an exquisitely illustrated booklet and, most importantly, an enchanting, fairy tale-like narrative - a real one-actor show. In short, look for my review in the Kids section on http://www.bachtrack.com/ and make no mistake about it: getting that CD will be anything but a waste of money, and listening to it with your children will be a lot of fun!

Truly, this has been the month of many things, but along with everything else, it has definitely been the Month of Handel.

P.S. Oh, and did you know that Handel may have been a royal spy? And did you also know that... I'll stop before I give it all away. Get that CD and learn more secrets of Handel's life on your own.
Cheers!

The Moments of God

Some days are so nothing out of the common way, that we do not even notice them pass by. We have all had plenty of those, haven’t we?

Yet, once in a blue moon, among those nothing-out-of-the-common-way days, there are brief moments of such divine perfection around you that you feel as if you have been suddenly thrown out into a different, more harmonious dimension. Those are the moments that stay in your memory forever, because those are the Moments of God.

And for some reason even the music you happen to play in your car could not be a better fit. As Troy and I were driving up this street last night, through the gallery of snowflakes, we had Tchaikovsky’s Waltz of Snowflakes on. It was pure perfection.

And of course, we could not pass it by. We parked, got out of the car, strolled up the street and embraced our very own Moment of God, the moment of perfect light, meaningful silence and utmost beauty.

And then it started raining and the rain washed away some of the perfection. Everything still looked the same, but the Moment was gone and we were back to our good old city by the light of the moon.

In the spirit of winter holidays, I wish all my readers to have more of those Moments filled with inner balance, peace and beauty.

Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas to you all!
Cheers!

Peabody: Liberated!

Well, my friends, this past Saturday Troy did the BEST he had ever done in his music class. He really gave it his 100%, just like he does at home, except that he was super focused and at the same time more…. what’s the word I am looking for here….artistically relaxed. He was singing and dancing and acting out like an actor. Not only did he sing all his tonal patterns loudly and clearly, for which he was immediately singled out and praised by his teacher, Mr. Eric, with “Good singing, Troy! He is really singing!”, and even earned approving smiles of his classmates’ parents, but also Troy sang every song that Mr. Eric sang, together with him and almost as loud.

During the “red sticks exercise” (the sticks being normally used as drumsticks) to a catchy Mexican song, Troy pretended to play the violin, one of the sticks being his violin and the other his bow. Not only did he “play”, but also he danced around much in sync with the music, coming up and bending over to Mr. Eric, as if to play the violin just for him and then walking around, playing for everyone else. It was wonderful to see Troy so liberated and so happy to be able to express himself musically!

Happy Bachtrack Anniversary!

Happy (even though slightly belated) 1-year-Bachtrack Anniversary to me!
On December 4th, exactly one year ago, my mom and I took Troy to the Meyerhoff for an incredible Vienna Boys Choir Concert. My review of this event served as "a written exam" to get me on the team and happened to be my first published review on Bachtrack.

Ahhh... I can't believe it's been one year. And what a year too!
I am so grateful for the opportunity to grow both as a reviewer and a music lover, to learn from other critics and music fans, to get the hang of the whole new way of thinking (we, critics, like to think ouside the box, you know) and the whole new way of self-expression.
However, my favorite part of being a Bachtrack reviewer (besides working for wonderful people and getting free tickes to incredible musical events) is the teaching component of it.
True, on the one hand, I learn all the time so I can be a better reviewer, but on the other hand, through my reviews, I have an opportunity to share my knowledge and way of thinking with others. That, my friends, is wonderful and very exciting.
So here is to many years with Bachtrack (mind you, I am toasting it with coffee) and to Music that makes us always eager to learn, make new miraculous discoveries and share them with the rest of the world.
Cheers!

The Month of Handel

I think it is safe to assume that this month is going to be the month of many things. However, here on this blog there are reasons to assume that it's going to be the month of Handel.
Actually, what month isn't for this blogger? If you religiously read your Mandolin Vision, you know that one way or another, every single one is.
I am not sure yet how much I am allowed to say about this blog's Handelian future, but here is something about its Handelian present.
Go to http://www.bachtrack.com/ to find my review of Handel's Messiah at the Meyerhoff right on Bachtrack's front page and click on it to read the full version. Even though the review pretty much speaks for itself, one word for you all. That trumpeter was incredible! I mean, really - Handel, sarcastic and cynical as he was, would not wish for a better one.
Cheers!