Viva Virtuoso Presents ‘Sax on the Beach’ with Chazzy Green
Musicians like Charles "Chazzy" Green are the reason this unique YouTube show was created. In this new episode of Viva Virtuoso, great mid-century music takes center stage, as always. But…
Great Jazz Pianists: How Count Basie Went from Jersey to Jazz Legend
Referred to by some as one of the greatest musical celebrities of his time, Basie remains top among the great jazz pianists of all time. In the era of greats…
Viva Virtuoso Ep. 4 “Drama Queen” Premieres March 23rd
And we’re back, folks!
After a three-month winter break, Viva Virtuoso is back this Spring, with dramatic soprano Shayne Dalva joining us.
Nicolo Paganini, by Richard James Lane (died 1872), published 1831. See source website for additional information. This set of images was gathered by User:Dcoetzee from the National Portrait Gallery.
The Devil’s Violinist and His One String
Nineteenth century composer and violinist Niccolò Paganini remains one of the most influential composers and musicians in history. Paganini was more ‘fondly’ known as the ‘Devil’s violinist’, for both his uniquely brilliant skills and his appearance. (more…)
Anita O'Day at Newport Jazz Festival 1958. Still from Jazz on a Summer's Day by Bert Stern.
‘Maybe I Can Sing’: Remembering the Voice of Anita O’Day
When we hear mention of the great female vocals of jazz, most will tend to think of Ella Fitzgerald and the great Lady Bird herself. Less frequently, we think of Lena Horne and Sarah Vaughn. The true aficionado will have their own favorite great lady of jazz come to mind. One of our favorites is the oft forgotten Anita O’Day. (more…)
What in the world is Philip Glass up to?
While we like nothing better than looking back on the musical marvels of yesteryear, we also frequently wonder why so many contemporary composers and musicians get so little attention in the online world. To remedy that, at least in part, we’ll be sharing what some of our contemporaries are up to here on the blog and in a weekly digest that we’re launching in a couple of weeks. (more…)
From Pearl City to the City of Angels: A Casual Colloquy with Cellist Tao Ni
From China’s Anhui Province to Los Angeles, California, by way of Indiana, Ohio and Alberta, Tao Ni has meticulously molded himself into one of the most talented cellists of our time. Now at home with the L.A. Phil, Tao is a virtuoso in his own right and as versatile as such young talents tend to come.