Musical Mischief / May 2025

What I listened to this month

In the wonderful month of May, I spent hours among the flowers at the botanical gardens. The gigs were light this month, so I took it as an opportunity to decompress and refocus my wants and desires. Just kidding, I panicked about not having enough going on. But to cope, I did listen to some glorious music. I suggest pairing this playlist with the mindset of a freelance artist, whatever that might mean to you.

Bach’s B minor Mass

The Netherlands Bach Society knows what it is doing, as its name suggests. I know this isn’t radical, but sometimes you need some out-of-control choral polyphony, as the old adage says. The solos, duets, and choral movements in this piece are absolutely divine, so I cannot pick a favorite. It is nearly a perfect composition. This pairs perfectly with a mental health walk right after you receive an audition rejection. It’s also great with morning coffee.

Michel Lambert

This month is heavy on the baroque music, but I find it often clears my mind and provides me with a much-needed reset. This piece is a French Baroque favorite, and after just one listen, I’m sure you’ll understand. There is a delicacy to French airs that are deeply sublime and uplifting. I was listening to this album as I walked through the bluebells in the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. A moment I will not forget.

Korngold

This song cycle is so stunning that I almost programmed it for my graduate recital before the program took a different direction. Korngold was a Jewish composer who fled Austria in the 1930s. In America, he became one of the most influential composers in Hollywood, earning him an Academy Award for Best Original Score. If you listen to his music, you can hear the influence of this prolific composer on John Williams. Ok, enough of the music history lesson. This music also pairs perfectly with a breezy walk in the park. It’s as if my listening was influenced by the lusty month of May (say hi in the comments if you get that reference.)