During quarantine, the staff at the IAHI have been busy both in and out of the “office” and have been staying sane with some much needed music. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite jams that keep us focused, calm or put us in a dancing mood!
Today’s list is brought to you by Emily Leiserson, a graduate research assistant at the IAHI and PhD student in the IUPUI American Studies Program.
*Warning: Some of these songs contain strong language and may require adult supervision*
“I’m doing my best to keep up with the incredible musical pieces and videos that artists and arts organizations have posted online during quarantine.”
- Yo Yo Ma playing Dvořák’s “Going Home” – started this trend with #songsofcomfort
- Jeffrey Kahane playing Schumann Fantasie in C major – it feels like such an incredible privilege to watch (and listen to) this artist at home
- ‘Nessun Dorma’ (Let no one sleep) – love this Italian tenor singing Nessun Dorma on his balcony during quarantine in Italy
- Anne-Sophie Mutter and friends playing Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 10 (Harp) – listen to the heartfelt message at the end
- American Public Media New Classical Tracks with LA Chamber Orchestra Concertmaster Margaret Batjer – this is a nice segment of comfort and hope
- Martha Graham Dance Company – amazing! You need to watch and not just listen to this socially distanced piece
- NY Phil Plays On – check out the hours of content on this new portal for free digital music; it already has the complete Mahler Symphony No. 5
- Boston Symphony Orchestra – weekly playlists
- LA Phil, At Home with Gustavo – episodes curated by Gustavo Dudamel
- I Will Survive, Coronavirus version – To end on a lighter note, teachers going online MUST watch this. “As long as I know how to Zoom, I know I’ll stay alive!”
We hope you enjoyed this list and stay tuned for more staff music picks!