Lockdown Listening: Classical and Opera in the time of coronavirus

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Royal Opera House, London… empty (Photo: Arup)

“Music… in time of care and sorrow, will keep a fountain of joy alive in you.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Deprived of ‘live’ music in the time of coronavirus, performers, audiences and even critics seek ways to keep that fountain of joy alive. We may not be able to visit our opera houses and concert halls to hear our favorite artists perform live but now is the chance to catch up with all of that recorded music that we have never got round to listening to.

Not only is it a good time to show our support for artists by purchasing recordings (either in hard format or as downloads), but many organizations have rallied round and begun offering free online material through streaming or on regular channels such as YouTube. In fact, even without live performances, there is so much out there that the choice of what to listen to can be overwhelming.

In in the spirit of Bonhoeffer’s dictum, along with our own desire to be a guide to our readers, musicOMH’s classical team will be offering you a series of insights, commentary, and suggestions for listening, including:

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The Joy of Music According to Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Music… will help dissolve your perplexities and purify your character and sensibilities, and in time of care and sorrow, will keep a fountain of joy alive in you.

~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer

The Power of Music According to Dietrich Bonhoeffer

“Music… will help dissolve your perplexities and purify your character and sensibilities, and in time of care and sorrow, will keep a fountain of joy alive in you.” 

~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer