Christoph Willibald Gluck (1714-1787) was a prodigious musical talent. By age 13—entirely self-thought—he was a proficient vocalist and expert performer on the violin, cello, harpsichord, and the organ. Regrettably, his father, a successful and prosperous forester did not share his

Jean Francaix: Divertissement for Bassoon and Strings – I. Vivace From Bassoon Recital: Zdybel, Katarzyna (2013) Released by CD Accord / Naxos Jean Francaix: Divertissement for Bassoon and Strings – I. VivaceAlthough many composers value the bassoon’s melodiousness and its

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Missa Brevis, K. 192 “Credo” Leopold Mozart and his wife Anna Maria Walburga had seven children, of whom only two survived infancy. Being good Catholics and all, they continued to sponsor Holy Masses for their dead children.

A is for audition. Get used to it. You’ll have to. And accompaniment. That’s what you are—not the soloist! B is for Body odor. None appreciated— even the most expensive perfume. Onstage it’s a no-no. C is for Cough drops.

Richard Strauss: Elektra In Greek mythology, Elektra is widely considered the most psychologically advanced Greek tragedy. The Greek dramatist Sophocles constructed a play that centers on the heroine’s obsession to avenge her father’s murder. Elektra lives in hope that her

Paul Lewis, protege of the renowned pianist Alfred Brendel, has in some ways followed in his master’s footsteps, making a name for himself performing all 32 of the Beethoven piano sonatas while on tour in the United States and Europe

The history of musical instruments is full of ingenious ideas that for one reason or another did not enter the commercial mainstream. Take for example the pedal piano, a keyboard instrument featuring an additional pedalboard played with the feet. The

Henry Cowell: Pulse The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation State Prison in San Quentin has numerously featured in fiction, literature, motion pictures, concerts, music videos and more recently, video games. It is the oldest prison in the state of