Those of you who know the blog know to expect some cryptic code deciphering and mixed metaphors so I’ll try to keep this direct.

I had already expected a modern-day setting of Kublai Khan by Antonio Salieri and was relieved I’d have a bit more complicated Interpretation to deal with rather than garden-variety 18th-century orientalism. However, I was surprised to be met with a construction site upon arrival. The experience of arriving at one of Viennas premiere jewel box theaters only to be redirected to…

I was excited to learn about Nate Holder’s book, Why Is My Piano Black and White? The Ultimate Fun Facts Guide published this year and the entire Why Books series. It’s a fun book to poke around in and there is a lot of information at hand. Nevertheless it left me with questions – some about the book itself, and some that pointed to issues in music education generally. 

The book is structured much like an encyclopedia with entry pages for styles, periods or major composers, with smaller lists of short…