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When I’m doing tasks like cooking, exercising or cleaning.

When I’m reading or studying, for example.

When I’m relaxing, sleeping or just “hanging out.

When I’m paying attention solely to the music

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I attend a few shows a year, but it’s not a large part of my life.

I regularly attend live shows and can’t get enough of them.

Do you enjoy live music?

I know what I like and rarely stray from my favorites.

I’m open to new things, but there are classics for a reason.

I relish discovering the new and unfamiliar.

When it comes to listening to music …

I like folk, bluegrass and more traditional forms.

If it’s improvised and cool, I’m there.

If I’m not listening to classical music, I’m listening to …

Rooted in Black music history in the Americas and worldwide.

Going beyond Western Europe traditions, often influenced by folk music.

Drawing from traditional music of the Middle East, Southeast Asia and more.

Delving into traditional music of Native Americans and other First Nations.

Surveying traditional music of Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

Exploring traditional music cultures from around the world.

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 performs this weekend in St. Cloud. I had the chance 

to interview the group a few seasons ago in the Maud Moon Weyerhaeuser Studio

. The group, ever affable, answered my questions easily and with good humor. I was especially taken with the way the group used language to colorfully describe certain works.

There was one image in particular that I haven't been able to get out of my mind. The group described the finale section of the Beethoven string quartet Op 18 No. 2 as Beethoven's Mexican Hat Dance. I urge you to listen and come up with an image that's better than that.

Steve Staruch can be heard on Classical Minnesota Public Radio on Monday mornings and at other times during the week. Prior to joining the staff of MPR in 2004, Steve presented a variety of radio programs on WCAL in Northfield, Minn., where he created an immensely popular call-in program, and on WXXI in Rochester, New York. Outside radio, Steve also enjoys work as a freelance tenor and violist. Steve and his wife, Naomi, enjoy traveling, gardening and hosting dinner parties.


Steve Staruch

The Miro Quartet performs this weekend in St. Cloud. I had the chance to interview the group a few seasons ago in the Maud Moon Weyerhaeuser Studio. The group, ever affable, answered my questions easily and with good humor. I was especially taken with the way the group used language to colorfully describe certain works. […]


Beethoven's Mexican Hat Dance?

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