A recent exhibition of major works by the Pre-Raphaelite painters at the National Gallery in Washington, D.C. brings into focus the close relationship between painting, poetry and music which existed throughout much of the 19th century.

Watch Piano Sonata No. 31 in A flat major, Op. 110Stephen Kovacevich Piano Sonata No. 32 in C minor, Op. 111Michelangeli Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) was a revolutionary man who lived and worked in revolutionary and tumultuous times. Much of

Music lovers and musicians adore the music of Frenchman Maurice Ravel. Whether it’s his moving Pavane for a Dead Princess or his more esoteric String Quartet, his colorful orchestral work La Valse or his dazzling piano concertos (one of which

Symphony No. 41 in C major, K. 551, “Jupiter” IV. Molto Allegro Berlin Philharmonic OrchestraHerbert von Karajan There are certain events in the history of humankind that must have been utterly magical. Take for example 23 September 1964, and picture

“A man that hath no music in himself, nor is not mov’d with concord of sweet sounds, is fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils.” This is how Shakespeare described a soul without music. To most of us, music appreciation, like

Die Geselligkeit (Lebenslust) D 609 – Johann Karl Unger Marlis Petersen, soprano Anke Vondung, mezzo-soprano Werner Güra, tenor Konrad Jarnot, bass Christoph Berner, fortepiano Rönisch From Franz Schubert – Licht und Lieber (2013) Released by Harmonia Mundi Schubert: Die Geselligkeit

From a charming hero to a perfect dad In any high school drama movie, there is always a scene like this: when a handsome boy walks pass, all the girls would turn their heads, look, and giggle. It happens in

Giuseppe Verdi, Barcarola “Al tuo bambino” Once Giuseppe Verdi and Giuseppina Strepponi had fallen in love, things got rather complicated. This is hardly surprising amongst professional people as it can be rather challenging to balance career and love. Strepponi had