Under normal circumstances, I surely would have worked Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco into my playlist this afternoon. To my mind, Castelnuovo-Tedesco’s Violin Concerto No. 2, subtitled “The Prophets,” is perfect for Passover. Written for Jascha Heifetz in 1931, its three movements are named for the Old Testament prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Elijah. It is for Elijah that an extra cup of wine is poured at the Passover Seder. I’m doing my part to set a place for the “The Prophets.” You can enjoy it here by following the ink. Chag Sameach!
Category: Daily Dispatch
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Koželuch’s Moses Oratorio Passover
Holy Moses!
Leopold Koželuch was a very capable composer, who probably would have secured a more prominent standing in the musical milieu of his day, if not for a markedly irascible personality. In particular, he delighted in trash-talking both Haydn and Mozart, which didn’t sit well in certain influential circles.
There’s no questioning his talent, however. Just in time for Passover, here’s Koželuch’s ambitious oratorio “Moisè in Egitto.”
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Virtual Seders Passover in the Desert Chag Sameach
Why is this night different from all other nights? On this night, I suspect, many Seders will be conducted via Zoom. We’re all wandering in the desert this year, my friends. Next year in Jerusalem! Chag Sameach.
Before you start the latkes, here’s a Passover mash-up:
Moses recommends: keep apart
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COVID-19 Survival Guide Wash Hands Dot Distance
COVID-19 survival playbook:
Wash hands.
Don’t touch face.
Maintain 6-foot distance.
Modify value with dot.
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The Once and Future King Still Relevant
Haven’t read this since high school, but I think it’s time for another look. From this excerpt, I suspect it still very much holds up:
“The best thing for being sad,” replied Merlyn, beginning to puff and blow, “is to learn something. That’s the only thing that never fails. You may grow old and trembling in your anatomies, you may lie awake at night listening to the disorder of your veins, you may miss your only love, you may see the world about you devastated by evil lunatics, or know your honour trampled in the sewers of baser minds. There is only one thing for it then — to learn. Learn why the world wags and what wags it. That is the only thing which the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, never be tortured by, never fear or distrust, and never dream of regretting. Learning is the only thing for you. Look what a lot of things there are to learn.”
– T.H. White, “The Once and Future King”
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