Music

Malawi is a nation in southeast Africa that consistently ranks as one of the world's five poorest. The HIV/AIDS pandemic darkens this countryside of mango, bluegum and acacia trees. You see the impact of the virus everywhere, from the thousands of orphaned children, to the untended fields of corn withering under the equatorial sun.
Spain has a lengthy reputation for luring artists and musicians to its magical land. In a matter of minutes, classical host Julie Amacher found herself cast under its spell as she listened to "Violonchelo Espanol" by cellist Yuli Turovsky and his group, I Musici de Montreal.
The Bakken Trio is one of the oldest chamber music ensembles in the Twin Cities. The members of the group all have other jobs in music, but playing in the trio gives them an opportunity to stretch out.
This German import features horn sonatas spanning three centuries, starting at the end of the 18th with Beethoven. MPR's classical host Julie Amacher finds the music simple-sounding, yet complex, beautiful, and challenging.
How did Aaron Copland come to write music to accompany the balletic adventures of cowboys, desperadoes, and pioneer homesteaders? Open Air host Bill Morelock throws a lasso around the memory of this influential American composer.
Conductor Marin Alsop and the London Philharmonic Orchestra continue their crtically acclaimed Brahms series on the Naxos label, and MPR classical host Julie Amacher says this one should be on your holiday shopping list.
The pipe organ may be the king of instruments, but it's largely overlooked in the world of classical music. But 28 year old Paul Jacobs is creating new interest in the pipe organ with his exhuberant performances and marathon recitals.
Violinist Rachel Barton Pine's new CD is filled with music that taps into the connection between classical music and traditional fiddle tunes that flourished in Scotland. MPR's classical host Julie Amacher tunes in.
While many of us hit our 30s, still unsure who we'll be when we grow up, there are a few lucky individuals who are called early and go toward a seemingly prescribed destiny. Australian singer-songwriter Ben Lee is, without a doubt, one of those lucky few.