Classic Gift Ideas from Our Music Director Bobbie Barajas
'Tis the season for gift giving - and, to make your lives easier, we thought we'd share some gift ideas and wish lists from our station insiders here at the Community Idea Stations.
We hope you've been enjoying the gift ideas we've shared so far for the lucky recipients on your list. So far, we've shared ideas for the gardener(s) in your life here and here, as well as ideas for your beloved fan(s) of world music here.
Of course, no holiday gift list from the Community Idea Stations would be complete without selections from our Music Director Bobbie Barajas. There's Beethoven for those who share Bobbie's fascination with Ludwig van, as well as some other selections for the holidays and beyond.
Here's Bobbie's list - with her comments *
1. The Ninth: Beethoven and the World of 1824
Richmond Symphony Associate Conductor Erin Freeman recommended this book to me and I still haven't picked it up.
From amazon: Beethoven's Ninth Symphony - a symbol of freedom and joy - was so unorthodox that it amazed and confused listeners at its unveiling—yet it became a standard for subsequent generations of creative artists, and its composer came to embody the Romantic cult of genius. In this unconventional, provocative book, Beethoven’s masterwork becomes a prism through which we may view the politics, aesthetics, and overall climate of the era. Part biography, part history, part memoir, The Ninth brilliantly explores the intricacies of Beethoven’s last symphony—how it brought forth the power of the individual while celebrating the collective spirit of humanity.
2. Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic: The Inaugural Concert (2009)
I watched this concert on PBS and Dudamel's electricity reached out to me through the screen. I've only watched this concert once but would love to see it again ... and often.
From amazon: The program defines everything that is fresh and exciting about [Dudamel and the LA Philharmonic's] collaboration: John Adams world-premiere composition, City Noir that steps back into the dark past of Los Angeles, and the all-embracing First Symphony by Mahler, the composer who launched Dudamel's dazzling international career.
3. Colors of Christmas
I like to add a new Christmas CD to my collection every year. This one with the Bach Choir, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and John Rutter sounds fantastic!
From amazon: Major new collection of Christmas music, featuring arrangements of carols and original compositions - all performed and conducted by John Rutter & ensemble!
Features all the beloved holiday classics that we love to hear on Christmas as well as some hidden gems that the entire family will cherish.
4. Beethoven: Complete Symphonies
Yes, I have the Beethoven Symphonies but this is a new release with Riccardo Chailly and the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig!
From amazon: This complete cycle of Beethoven's nine Symphonies is a landmark event for Decca, for Maestro Chailly, and for the Gewandhaus Orchestra, where he has been Kapellmeister since 2005. The cycle showcases the finesse and musicality of the legendary Gewandhaus Orchestra - from the Haydnesque elegance of the first two symphonies, to the grandeur and drama of the choral Ninth Symphony
5. Classical Baby 3-Pack - Music, Art and Dance
OK, technically not for me but for the little one in my life. A great way to share the love of classical music among generations.
From amazon: Classical Baby is a three DVD set in which each DVD focuses on a single classic art form: dance, visual art and music. Each animated program is brimming with catchy melodies, brilliant colors, and fun animated animal characters that appeal to babies and toddlers as well as famous musical pieces, revered artwork and varied dance styles that encourage adults to share their love of the arts with a special child.
6. Nicholas and Alexandra
I saw this film years ago and loved it. This year's 'Faberge Revealed' exhibit at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has me thinking about the Romanov's again.
Plot summary from iMDb: The tragic story of Nicholas II, the last Czar of Russia, set against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution. It is an inside look into the private lives of Nicholas and his wife Alexandra, their daughters, and the painful secret which bound the Imperial Couple to the mystical Rasputin, and the eventual execution of the entire family.
7. New Year's Day from Vienna
What I REALLY want is an all expense paid trip to Vienna with primo tickets to the annual New Year's Day concert, BUT, since I'm not likely to get that, a DVD of last year's concert would be nice.
From amazon: Seen by millions on TV worldwide, the Vienna Philharmonic's New Year's Concert from Vienna is the best-known classical event in the world.
The 2011 concert [was] conducted by Austrian-born Franz Welser-Möst - newly installed as the music director of the Vienna State Opera and Music Director of the Clevelend Symphony Orchestra. The New Year's Concert features a charming program of Strauss favorites "On the Beautiful Blue Danube," "Radetsky March" and six concert premieres for the night.
* Click on the images above to purchase the item(s) on amazon.com. If you use our link to purchase the albums (or even to start your shopping journey on amazon for *any* item) the station receives a small financial benefit. Your cost is the same.
Happy Holidays Everyone!
Follow Bobbie Barajas on social media - get the latest information about classical music programs, connect with local artists, find out about local concerts, and chat with other classical music lovers:
- Facebook: Bobbie Barajas - WCVE Public Radio
- Twitter: @wcvebbarajas
If you want more gift ideas, try:
- Gifts for the Garden Lover in Your Life, Part I
- Out of the box gift ideas from our own Master Gardener Richard Nunnally
- Top Gifts for World Music Fans
- Go Local for the Holidays! Charlottesville Shopping Ideas
- Puzzled for Presents? Here's George Maida's Gift Giving Smorgasbord
- Gift Ideas for Someone Who Has Everything
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