As we launch the new FanFaire, we revisit the question that has confronted opera and classical music lovers in recent decades: Is classical music dying, and opera along with it? But in keeping with FanFaire‘s celebratory spirit, we would ask instead: Is classical music alive and well? More than a decade has passed since FanFaire…

by Brenda Murphy       The Ensemble It’s hard to explain why the Interpreti Veneziani are so extraordinary, except to say that they’re a perfect marriage of virtuosic individual talent and intense ensemble cohesion. If the group had a conductor, it would not be so. As it is, anyone privileged to have heard them…

An Interview with Violinist Nicola Granillo by Brenda Murphy     In addition to being a member of the Venice-based string ensemble Interpreti Veneziani, Italian violinist Nicola Granillo performs modern repertoire as well as tango and “zingarate” (gypsy music). This interview — on music, life, and being a violinist — took place on July 31,…

by Brenda Murphy     Is there a best way to play the music of Vivaldi? Or baroque music in general? If so, what would that be?   Each of the well-known Italian ensembles specializing in the music of Vivaldi (such as i Musici Veneziani, Europa Galante, and I Solisti Veneti) has a signature performance…

A fresh point of view by Jan Dahlstedt Improvisation is indeed a high risk endeavour. Small wonder then that much of improvised music misses the mark, but when it does succeed it offers the listener a chance to participate in the joy of creation. As for classical music, the author claims that having abandoned improvisation,…