Category: Ethnic traditions

The Legendary Dulce Pontes Fado Fantastic

With more than 30 years, Dulce Pontes (Montijo, Portugal) is, without a doubt, an essential voice for lovers of Portuguese fado and music in general. Pianist, composer and performer, her successful ‘Canção do Mar’, published worldwide in 1993 and one of the public’s favorite songs, established Dulce Pontes […]

MUSICAL NOTES: Pablo de Sarasate

MICHAEL WALSH MUSIC CORRESPONDENT Most with an ear for Spanish music will be familiar with Pablo de Sarasate’s gipsy airs (Zigeunerweisen): Otherwise, his Carmen Fantasy. It is music that stops you from whatever you are doing; the catchiness and spontaneity of these melodies bring a pause to any […]

REFLECTIONS ON LIFE BEFORE CLASSICAL MUSIC

MICHAEL WALSH MUSIC CORRESPONDENT Of humble background I can’t imagine what introduced me to good music.  Certainly, there was little to be cheerful about in post-war Britain. In our humble home, with its primitive radio that broadcast only four programmes’ we kids were told to be very quiet […]

I DON’T LIKE THE SOUND OF THAT

MICHAEL WALSH MUSIC CORRESPONDENT. I often wonder if the staff of advertising agencies are on illegal substances. ‘If it isn’t classical, it isn’t music’ is my approach to music. My favourite station is Venice Classical Radio (VCR) simply because the station provides 100 per cent classical music. There […]

THE PLUCK OF THE IRISH

It is a bit early to be celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day but such is the Irish presence on the world stage it seems every day is an occasion for Irish celebration. Despite being one of the world’s smallest nations the Irish presence punches well above its weight. Ireland […]