Morten Lauridsen’s O Magnum Mysterium Sung By the Robert Shaw Chamber Singers, by Peter Dysart

Of all the great choral works of Christmas, the many compositions of “O Magnum Mysterium” including those by Poulenc and Victoria stand apart in their power and beauty. But Morten Lauridsen’s more recent composition of “O Magnum Mysterium” has an inner emotional strength and beauty that I’ve seldom experienced in sacred music. This is a …

The Three Greatest Recordings of Handel’s Messiah, By Don Lundell

My favorite is this one – Robert Shaw, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Great tempos, terrific soloists. http://www.amazon.com/Handel-Complete-Oratorio-George-Frideric/dp/B000003CT7 And I’d also mention this one, for a big chorus version – Otto Klemperer, Philharmonia Orchestra of London. This version played in our house at Christmas, growing up in Chicago. http://www.amazon.com/Messiah-George-Frideric-Handel/dp/B000002S20 And finally for a good version with period …

The Other F Word – A Movie About Aging Punk Rockers and What Fatherhood Means to Them, By Holly Homan

On Thanksgiving Eve I ventured out to Seattle’s University District to Landmark Theater’s Varsity Theater to view The Other F Word. The movie is a documentary about punk rockers (mostly from California) and what it’s like for the ultimate rebels to be fathers. The movie begins with Art Alexakis (Everclear), Fat Mike (NOFX), Jim Lindberg …