“Picasso: Genius and Beast—Can They Coexist?” Introduction Pablo Picasso was one of the most influential and prolific artists of the 20th century. He was a genius, a revolutionary, and a master of many mediums. But he was also a beast. His personal life was often tumultuous, and he was known for his tempestuous relationships with…
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by Gabe Ponce de Leon The first time I walked through its doors, back in 2005, the Maze was just a family home. Its main claim to fame, at that point, was having been featured in the Snoop Dog video “Beautiful.” But I was completely blown away by the setup: The idiosyncratic design of the…
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The closing chorus, of Johann Sebastian Bach’s St. Matthew Passion is one of the most powerful and moving moments in all of Western classical music. Composed in 1727, the Slotkoor brings the piece to a close with a sense of profound sadness and grief, as the choir repeats the words “Wir setzen uns mit Tränen…
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Johann Sebastian Bach’s Matthäus Passion is considered one of the most significant and profound pieces of Western classical music. Composed in 1727, the piece tells the story of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, as described in the Gospel of Matthew. With its elaborate choral and instrumental movements, the Matthäus Passion remains a testament to Bach’s…
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Algorithms are everywhere. This video explains the simple concept behind them — and how they help us complete complicated tasks. When you bake a cake or when you tie your shoes, did you know you are using an algorithm? Algorithms aren’t just complex sets of instructions for computers. Anytime you follow a replicable step-by-step process…
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Bachatango is a dance style that combines elements of bachata and tango. It originated in the Dominican Republic and has gained popularity in many countries around the world. In bachatango, dancers typically use a close embrace and move in a circular or figure-eight pattern around the dance floor. The dance incorporates the sensual and rhythmic…
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“Deborah’s Theme” is a hauntingly beautiful instrumental piece composed by the Italian composer Ennio Morricone for the 1984 film “Once Upon a Time in America,” directed by Sergio Leone. The film is an epic crime drama spanning several decades, and “Deborah’s Theme” serves as the main theme for the character of Deborah, a love interest…
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Sam Green’s short film essay explores John Cage and the 1983 piece he wrote for Kronos entitled Thirty Pieces for String Quartet. Sam Green’s documentary titled “The Love Song of R. Buckminster Fuller,” features a live performance by the Kronos Quartet and includes archival recordings from century-old wax cylinders. The documentary is a tribute to…
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“Pieces from Africa” is an album by the Kronos Quartet, a renowned string quartet known for their innovative and eclectic approach to contemporary classical music. The album was released in 1992 and features compositions by various African composers. The album includes 14 tracks, each one showcasing a different African style or musical tradition. Some of…
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