Jun 26th, 2009 · The story of Handel's vibrant, 1738 opera is a bit of a head-scratcher — yet the composer tells it through some of his finest music, ranging from infectious tunes to profound lyricism. This production from Lausanne features a full cast of brilliant solo performers.
Dec 12th, 2008 · Silje Nes is a Norwegian musician who mixes the delicate sounds of the acoustic guitar with the bright, charming ambiance of electronica. Her soft, thin voice blends nicely with the whimsical instrumentation. Her new record, Ames Room, has a child-like brilliance that could pass as an upbeat, dreamy collection of lullabies.
Jun 19th, 2008 · "Pinky Toe" nicely exemplifies A Weather's hushed brilliance. The band's recent Cove is chock full of understated gems like this one — muted vignettes that glow with the half-whispered, intertwined vocals of singer/guitarist Aaron Gerber and drummer/vocalist Sarah Winchester.
Aug 17th, 2007 · Shout Out Louds' "Tonight I Have to Leave It" opens like an homage to The Cure's "In Between Days," with rolling toms and acoustic-guitar strums alternating between two chords. That singer Adam Olenius sounds like The Cure's Robert Smith is no slam against his band's own, unfussy brilliance.
Mar 21st, 2007 · Pity Yankees' third baseman Alex Rodriguez. Like the late basketball great Wilt Chamberlain, A-Rod has extraordinary talent and MVP status. But he is not loved by the fans.
Jan 3rd, 2007 · 2006 was a lackluster year for American sports teams. But two individual athletes -- Roger Federer in tennis and Tiger Woods in golf -- showed uncommon brilliance. They stand above all as masters of sport.
Oct 14th, 2006 · Spring is glorious and summer is lush, but gardens hold a special brilliance in the fall. The Mary Livingston Ripley garden in Washington, D.C., remains lively with blossoms in mid-October. Adrian Higgins, garden editor of The Washington Post, leads a sun-dappled tour.
Mar 28th, 2006 · Every time Andrew Hill takes a seat behind a piano, the jazz world takes note. "Time Lines" speaks to his brilliance at teetering between the worlds of the blues and the abstract. And it's one of the funkiest compositions in Hill's massive repertoire.