Born Again Bat Mitzvah

First, let me begin by saying, this blog has little to nothing to do with the critical writings of Anthony Tomassini or the mediocre vocals of Nicole Tori. Rather, it is merely a catchy title, created to potentially lure you into reading my rants. Perhaps, in the future, a parallel will be drawn, but currently it's just a name. Now onto the blog entry.....

Today is my Born Again Bat Mitzvah! Amen! Mazaltov! Praise God! No, I'm not creating a new Judeo-Christian denomination or joining Jews for Jesus. Rather, I'm referring to my faith in music. This is not a calling to read the Torah, but rather a desire to listen, in reverence, to classical music I would not otherwise hear at the opera house or theatre. Don't go getting your panties in a bunch, "She's making music her religion?!?. Idle worship! Blasphemy!" Relax!

For the next 365 days (gosh, now this sounds like The Daily Bible) I plan on listening to at least one classical piece a day. Clearly, this is not my foray into the listening or study of classical music (thank you conservatory training and a $35,000 student loan later...uh hum), but it is the first time in many years that I feel a strong need to simply listen and not do.

Thanks in part to the NYPhil, whose season began with a lovely work by Hindemith, helping to remind me why I began doing what I do, I will now begin my Amy Adams-esque rendition of "Tori & Tomassini".

Today, for no particular reason other than that their surnames begin with "A" I will listen to Thomas Ades' (b. 1971) Piano Quintet and Isaac Albeniz's "Asturias" for classical guitar. Both pieces are first time "listens" for me. Hope you enjoy as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEfFbuT3I6A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLOdqOhnf4Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYmBSBZL1-w&feature=related