In 1995 the University of Wisconsin at Madison School of Music celebrated its 100th anniversary. To commemorate the event, the school commissioned six composers with ties to Wisconsin to write works for the various student and faculty ensembles. The composers were then invited to the school to serve as artists in residence, and to be present for the premier of their works. This year-long

Redmond O'Toole is a classical guitarist who moves easily between the classical world and that of traditional Irish music. His instrument, the "Brahms guitar" is an unusual eight-stringed guitar with a special resonating box and held like a cello. O'Toole uses the instrument to great effect, especially on his first CD with VGo Records. October on Achill features O'Toole performing Irish music

Vinceno Albrici (1631-1696) spent a great deal of time in the service of Queen Christina of Sweden. So it's no surprise that Swedish-based label Musica Rediviva would release an album dedicated to this composer.

The compositions are all "sacred concertos." That is, works that adapted the new concerto style of vocal composition (contrasting arias and choruses) to liturgical use.

Albrici was a

This podcast we feature selections from Violin Solo, Vol. 5, with violinist Renate Eggebrecht. This is the latest installment of this fascinating series from Troubadisc. As in the other volumes, Eggebrecht concentrates on solo works composed in the 20th Century. In volume five, she presents a recital of solo violin music by Eastern European composers, such as Sergei Prokofiev and Eduard Tubin.

The "Orchesographie" of 1589 was an important work for Thoinot Arbeau. His goal was to provide the complete manual for the understanding and proper execution of French courtly dance. It included diagrams, detailed descriptions, and music. Mr. Arbeau's work has become one of the primary sources for our understanding of 16th century dance and popular music.

This podcast we play selections from