Category Archives: Melodies Linger On

Appreciation of some great works (of music) that have particular personal resonance

The Lesbian & Gay Big Apple Corps Plays The Soundtrack to Our Story

Posted on April 10, 2017 by dannyashkenasi

Saturday night we attended the Lesbian & Gay Big Apple Corps Symphonic Band performing a concert at Symphony Space titled “Once Upon A Time … The Soundtrack to Our Story”, with music referencing and inspired by the history of the Gay … Continue reading →

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On the Anniversary of My Father’s Death

Posted on March 27, 2017 by dannyashkenasi

My father, Abraham Ashkenasi, died on this date last year.  Above is the last picture I took of him, the last day I saw him in person. It was February 16, 2016.  Two days earlier my mother called me to say … Continue reading →

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Emma Thompson Tackles Tricky Tuplets in “Beauty and the Beast”

Posted on March 19, 2017 by dannyashkenasi

This weekend the Disney live-action remake of the 1991 Disney animation classic “Beauty and the Beast” made a big splash with audiences, critics, and, especially, the box office.  I saw it Friday and was completely enchanted.  The movie smartly recreates in … Continue reading →

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SNOW SONGS for SNOW DAY (& a PI Song for PI Day)

Posted on March 14, 2017 by dannyashkenasi

It’s a Snow Day here in the Northeast.  New York City is basically shut down and everyone is staying inside.  What was projected to be a nasty blizzard for the city has been downgraded to an unpleasant mix of snow, … Continue reading →

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BIG LITTLE LIES’ Ideal COLD LITTLE HEART

Posted on March 9, 2017 by dannyashkenasi

I have been following the HBO’s A-level mystery soap “Big Little Lies” and have been transfixed by the title credit music.  It begins with a haunting hummed falsetto motif that, after a few repeats, becomes the accompaniment to a plaintive, raspily … Continue reading →

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MANHATTAN BRIDGE and Associates

Posted on February 25, 2017 by dannyashkenasi

A Grab Bag of Bridge Photos, Bridge Songs and Bridge Memories. Art Garfunkel lays himself down like a bridge: Bridge Memory #1 (Spies and Walls) Adele’s love ain’t water under the bridge:

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LA LA LAND’s Nod to CABARET

Posted on February 8, 2017 by dannyashkenasi

“La La Land”, writer/director Damien Chazelle’s widely critically and popularly acclaimed original movie musical currently basking in the glow of 14 Academy Award nominations, is a love letter to romance gained and lost, to Los Angeles and its tribe of … Continue reading →

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All 5 Best Song OSCAR nominees on one page

Posted on January 24, 2017 by dannyashkenasi

The Oscar nominations were announced this morning.  Here are the five Best Song nominees, three very much expected – the “La La Land” and “Moana” songs, one pretty much expected, “Can’t Stop the Feeling” from “Trolls”, and, as is customary … Continue reading →

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SIGNS OF THE TIMES – Women’s March against Trump in NYC (also, NfaC’s 200th post!!!)

Posted on January 22, 2017 by dannyashkenasi

We Shall Overcome – Bruce Springsteen (The Seeger Sessions)                             “Tell me what Democracy looks like” “This is what Democracy looks like”

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A Fond Farewell

Posted on January 19, 2017 by dannyashkenasi

Signed Sealed Delivered I’m Yours – Stevie Wonder A small gesture of thanks and appreciation. To a fine example of our ability to be decent, empathetic, smart, wise and caring. A reminder to act in good faith and listen to … Continue reading →

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TONI ERDMANN Finds The Greatest Love of All

Posted on January 7, 2017 by dannyashkenasi

I finally saw “Toni Erdmann”, which A. O. Scott in the New York Times calls “by a wide margin the funniest almost-three-hour German comedy you will ever see”, which swept all the top awards (Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, Screenplay) at … Continue reading →

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HOPE? Maybe just PRAYING FOR TIME

Posted on January 3, 2017 by dannyashkenasi

Last year I ushered in the new year with Hope for a New Year, featuring the cathartic finale “Hope” of my oratorio The Song of Job 9:11.  A song of phoenix like rising from the ashes, a gently defiant assertion … Continue reading →

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SHADOW & LIGHT – an exploration in pictures and music

Posted on December 16, 2016 by dannyashkenasi

Shadow and Light – Danny Ashkenasi (from the musical Speakeasy) Today I will share some photos I have taken over the past few months that feature a play of light and shadow in a diverse variety.  I’ll complement these images … Continue reading →

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An Indecent Play of Light & Geometry on 56th and 8th

Posted on December 10, 2016 by dannyashkenasi

New York New York – Ol’ Blue Eyes I moved to New York City in 1986 yet sometimes I still enjoy it like a tourist.  You know the old joke about telling the tourists from the New Yorkers by who … Continue reading →

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BRAZIL – THE WHOLE FEIJOADA

Posted on November 29, 2016 by dannyashkenasi

21 Brazil Articles! – 22 Covers of “Brazil”! – 19 Brazilian Music Tracks! – Countless Brazil Photos! When I started the Two-Fisted Touristing Brazil Series I did not anticipate that it would grow to 21 articles (including this final one) … Continue reading →

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BRAZIL – Climbing up Trees in the Rainforest

Posted on November 18, 2016 by dannyashkenasi

Brazil (Aquarela do Brasil) – Leslie Odom, Jr. People from all over the planet come to Manaus to explore the Amazon.  But where do the people from Manaus go on vacation?  Presidente Figuerido, a resort town two hours north of … Continue reading →

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