Music Under the Stars (and not far from the stairs, on the 3rd floor)

It’s Grant Park and Ravinia season—a chance to enjoy classical music, as well as other forms of music, under the stars!

If you’re new to classical music, or you just want to get the most out of a classical music concert, listen to CDs of the compositions before you attend a concert to deepen your understanding and enjoyment of the music. For example, if you’re planning to attend pianist Simone Dinnerstein’s performance of Bach’s Goldberg Variations at Ravinia on August 25^th, you can check out our copy of her critically acclaimed CD of the Goldberg Variations and listen to it beforehand. We also own Glenn Gould’s recordings of the Goldberg Variations. He recorded the work twice, in 1955 and 1981, and both are included in The Complete Goldberg Variations, 1955 and 1981. Want even more variety? We also own Rosalyn Tureck’s and Vladimir Feltsman’s performances of this elegant Baroque masterpiece.

Listening to multiple interpretations of a composition can be illuminating. For example, in Glenn Gould’s recording of the Goldberg Variations you might hear melodic threads that you never noticed in other recordings. While we don’t own multiple versions of all classical compositions, we do own many, and listening to new artists perform old favorites can be a joyous experience.

If you ever have difficulties locating a CD, please don’t hesitate to ask for assistance at the Readers' Services desk. And don’t forget to stop by the third floor between now and July 27^th to enter our Classical Music Trivia Contest, which changes weekly!