For those familiar with Norse mythology, but unfamiliar with the work of Richard Wagner, there will probably be an eyebrow-arching moment while watching the Metropolitan Opera’s 2010 Robert Lepage production of Das Rheingold when Richard Croft as Loge the god of fire strides onto the stage. Loki wasn’t a god of fire. The effect is pretty cool. The fiery aura or “dancing nimbus” around Richard Croft is principally an interactive projection effect, not ordinary stage lighting.

"The Snow Is Dancing" is the fourth movement of Debussy’s Children’s Corner. In Paul Barton’s recording, he notes that he alternates between the sustain pedal and a special harmonic pedal, which helps create the blurred and suspended sound of the piece. What struck me first was the constant light motion. The notes seem to flicker back and forth instead of moving in a strong melodic line. The effect really does suggest snow falling and being moved around by the wind. There doe