Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid by Douglas R. Hofstadter (1979)

Hofstadter’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Gödel, Escher, Bach (called GEB for short), is “A metaphorical fugue on minds and machines in the spirit of Lewis Carroll”. It is concerned with the nature of “maps” or links between formal systems and how they apply to the works of mathematician/logician Kurt Gödel, artist M.C. Escher, and of course Bach. This book is dense and is one to revisit throughout the years. Yes, it is complex. However, there is something in it for everyone and the following guide is a list of resources for every reader while diving into GEB. Existing GEB enthusiasts may enjoy the self-referential nature of this article as it’s a guide to guides. All GEB fans old and new have something to learn from the following resources.

Did you know that legendary pianist Glenn Gould made a Solitary Trilogy: Three Sound Documentaries in 1966-1977? We’ve created a Trilogy of Podcasts for listeners in the spirit of Gould including his Solitary Trilogy, Living Music with Nadia Sirota, and the TAK Editions Podcast. The first is about what it means to withdraw, and the following two introduce the listener to innovative composers and musicians of today.

It is an eerie and shocking moment in time to revisit Meredith Monk’s apocalyptic The Games: a science fiction opera (1983). Excerpts of the opera are included on MEMORY GAME, a new album set to release on March 27, 2020, featuring arrangements of Meredith Monk’s music performed by the Bang on a Can All-Stars and Meredith Monk & Vocal Ensemble. However, excerpts of The Games do not stand alone; they are followed by three pieces alluding to dance, and Double Fiesta.

Lorenzo Wolff is a professional listener. After many years as a touring musician he’s settled down to lend his ears to everyone from Randy Newman to Ricky Martin at Restoration Sound, his recording studio based in Brooklyn, NY. At this moment when artists are contemplating future recording projects, Classical Post asks Wolff what to bring to your Recording Session! These tips apply to composers, performers, and recording engineers.

During this difficult moment, we are turning to live streams and recorded concerts to keep classical music in our lives. The following 5 listings provide listeners with chamber music, orchestral music, contemporary music, and a world-wide musical exchange to keep the music going.

The word “Caprice” has a double meaning. Pascal Le Boeuf’s Imp in Impulse: caprice for solo violinist Barbora Kolářová does too.

“I’m interested in sharing an ecstatic, focused experience of sound and time, & it’s intense, dense, and very physical reality – how it shapes us, moves us, recalibrates our bodies and minds,” says Olencki.

Internationally renowned pianist Robert Thies and flutist Damjan Krajacic recently released their third album together, Blue Landscapes III: Frontiers. With 15 improvisational tracks, the third album of their over-a-decade-long collaboration is inspired by Earth’s beauty and natural wonders. This collection of improvisations explores different compositional approaches, with all sounds on the album deriving from solely the piano and flute.

Pianist Robert Thies and flutist Damjan Krajacic recently released their third album together, Blue Landscapes III: Frontiers. This third album of their long collaboration was inspired by Earth’s beauty and natural wonders.

Baritone Will Liverman and pianist Jonathan King recently released their album, Whither Must I Wander with Odradek Records. With a fantastic collection of songs composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams, J. Frederick Keel, Herbert Howells, Aaron Copland, Steven Mark Kohn, Nikolai Medtner, and Robert Schumann surrounding the theme of travel, their recital disc tells the stories of their adventures and lifelong friendship.

Lisette Oropesa is a celebrated Cuban-American soprano taking the opera stage by storm. Graduating from Louisiana State University, the singer began her career at the Metropolitan Opera at the young age of 22. Since then, Oropesa has sung at the Met in over 100 performances. She has appeared in other famous concert halls and stages as well, performing some of opera’s most iconic roles.

The daughter of a talented pianist/painter, Susan Merdinger first heard strains of classical piano music before she was even born. Inheriting her Mother's artistic sensibilities and her Father's mathematical mind and enormous hands, playing the piano came very naturally, but it was her passion, hard work, and dedication to music that contributed to her prodigious ability.

As you might already know, the Musical Fund Society announced its 200th anniversary celebration in collaboration with four spectacular American composers this April 26th. Previously being held at the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia, the celebration will now take place at the Kimmel Center, also in Philadelphia. The Society is celebrating 200 years the best way they know how - with the creation of music!

On March 15, GatherNYC launches its Spring 2020 season in downtown Manhattan. Continuing its unique weekly concert experience, GatherNYC brings the musical community together for classical performances by some of New York’s most admired artists. The peaceful experience of exquisite music lasts for one hour, featuring some storytelling by winners of the Moth StorySLAM and — let’s not forget — fresh coffee and pastries.

Composer Robert Sirota’s piece Job Fragments for baritone, cello and piano premiered this past February. His works have been performed by a myriad of orchestras across the U.S. and Europe. Most recently, he has commissioned work for the Naumburg Foundation, yMusic, arrangements for Paul Simon and many more.

Question: can a concert ever contain too much Beethoven?

The incredibly talented yMusic released their fourth album, Ecstatic Science, with five new works and four major collaborators. This is truly a 40 minute experience that will have you feeling like you’re flying and seeing the tops of all the clouds!

Following a busy and exciting January and February schedule, the San Francisco Symphony is gearing up for another month of classical performances with some of the nation’s most esteemed artists. Prepare for another fabulous month of 2020 with the Symphony!

DC music lovers, rejoice! The Kennedy Center’s Fortas Chamber Music Concert Series launches this February 19, 2020 in the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater. This season’s chamber music series marks the 37th season at the Kennedy Center, after being established in 1981 by Marta Istomin, the Kennedy Center Artistic Director at the time.