Sonic Perspectives

Concert Review: Chicago Opera Theater dramatic performance of Astor Piazzolla’s Maria De Buenos Aires

May 2, 2013

There is dark history in Latin America with “cleansings” and “disappearances” that took place to remove political opposition. Argentina unfortunately experienced this in the 20th century. In Argentina, there was also the exploitation of women. So it makes perfect sense that Astor Piazzolla would use the rich, exoticism of the tango as the foundation for [...]

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Album Review: Testament – Dark Roots of Earth

October 2, 2012

As a long time Testament fan, I’m happy the band returned this year with something new to offer to fans. Over the years, the band has endured many changes, but regardless of the path, props goes to Chuck Billy for keeping the band going through all the years. With the recent release of Dark Roots [...]

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“Symphony of Life’s” Sunny Adventure with Classical Music, Jazz and Prog-Rock

February 22, 2012

What do you get when you combine classical music, jazz, and progressive rock? The dynamic duo of Two Circles Music Co., a collaboration between Detroit Symphony Orchestra principal violist Alexander Mishnaevski and Toronto keyboard whiz Stuart Zaltz. Their debut album, The Symphony of Life, fuses diverse musical styles to describe a man’s journey through life. [...]

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Blu-Ray Review: The Phantom of the Opera’s 25 Year Celebration

February 14, 2012

Since today is Valentine’s Day, I thought it would be appropriate to write a post about one of the most romantic musicals of all time, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. In celebration of the show’s 25th anniversary, Cameron Mackintosh produced a unique staging in London’s Royal Albert Hall. Universal Pictures has released [...]

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Sting Shows How Musicians Should Leverage The iPad

December 6, 2011

Music and technology have always been connected. All it takes is an artistic vision to unlock the possibilities. iPads and Tablets are the rage these days and with good reason and leave it to Sting to help pave the way for other musicians. Recently Sting launched a new iPad app, STING 25. The idea for [...]

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Video Game Review – Rocksmith: Finally a Gaming Experience for Guitarists

November 28, 2011

In the past, I’ve been critical towards music videos game like Guitar Hero and Rock Band. Rocksmith is a new video game by Ubisoft that finally offers a gaming experience for guitarists on either PS3 or Xbox360. I rarely get an opportunity to write about video games here, but I do love playing video games, [...]

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Album Review: Dream Theater’s A DRAMATIC TURN OF EVENTS

October 18, 2011

There’s been quite a lot of drama over the past year for progressive metal band Dream Theater. In September 2010, drummer Mike Portnoy, one of the founding members, shocked everyone when he announced he would be leaving the band. He had served as spokesperson, co-producer for many of their albums (along with guitarist John Petrucci), [...]

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Concert Review: Dream Theater and Trivium At The Rosemont Theater

October 4, 2011

Over the weekend, Viola and I attended the Dream Theater and Trivium concert at the Rosemont Theater in Rosemont, IL. We’ve provided a few Dream Theater concert reviews in the past, so this won’t be as in-depth of a review. But with recent developments in the band, we think offering a few comments is appropriate. [...]

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Sphinx Virtuosi Returns to Harris Theater With Catalyst Quartet

September 20, 2011

The internationally heralded Sphinx Virtuosi (formerly known as the Sphinx Chamber Orchestra), joined by the Catalyst Quartet, will return to the Harris Theater for Music and Dance on Sunday, October 2, 2011 at 3:00 pm. Presented in collaboration with the Music Institute of Chicago, this very special program will feature solo performances by eighteen year-old Music Institute of Chicago alumnus Gabriel Cabezas, [...]

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Concert Review: Fulcrum Point Commemorates 9/11 with Multicultural Concert for Peace

September 14, 2011

Contrapuntist and I were fortunate enough to attend Fulcrum Point‘s “9/11: 10 Years & Beyond Annual Concert for Peace” at the Harris Theater on September 11. The concert commemorated 9/11 with a program featuring classical pieces and music from the great religions and cultures of the world. Guest artists included the New Classic Singers, Lee [...]