Rhapsody in Blue

Rhapsody in Blue was raw, American music. American music came of age in an instant with that composition that premiered in 1924. Here is how George Gershwin, who was only 25 when he composed the piece, described its creation:

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The controversial final concert

Johannes Brahms had a prickly personality. Glenn Gould was an eccentric. Leonard Bernstein was dashing sophisticate. Each was a musical genius. These three strong personalities clashed on April 6th, 1962 in a final concert at Carnegie Hall.

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The politics of thought control

Feelings are more important than actions. This simple sentence explains one key difference between liberals and conservatives. Put another way, the way you think is more important than the way you act. A true story from a Quiner’s Diner reader …

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Did Pope Francis really say atheism is a path to salvation?

“Lots of people are criticizing Pope Francis’ teaching earlier this week, as if he’s deviating from the Church’s teaching on the need to proclaim the good news. Contrary to what you may read in the media, please notice, nowhere does he even suggest – much less teach – that avowed atheists are saved. Instead, what he actually says is so obviously true and open to a perfectly fair and benign reading … “

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