“A minimalist narrative gem.”—Mario Vargas Llosa

River stones in a transparent resin, by Tuscan designer Riccardo Marzi.

“Hugely popular new group from central Florida” debuts on Late Night in 1999.

Portugal’s greatest fadista sings “Vou dar de beber à dor” (“I’ll Offer a Drink to Pain”) live on TV in 1968.

Ragged, poignant rendition of a beautiful Appalachian folk music ballad.

“Ravel went to the piano and played a melody with one finger. ‘Don’t you think this theme has an insistent quality? I’m going to try and repeat it a number of times without any development, gradually increasing the orchestra as best I can.’”

“I am trying to address an abyss of sorrow, a noncommunicable grief that at times, and often on a long-term basis, lays claim upon us to the extent of having us lose all interest in words…”

“The small hall echoed with ‘stormy applause, rising to an ovation.’ For three minutes, four minutes, five minutes, the ‘stormy applause, rising to an ovation’ continued. But palms were getting sore and raised arms were already aching. And the older people were panting from exhaustion. It was becoming insufferably silly even to those who really adored Stalin. However, who would dare be the first to stop?”