String players in an orchestra are captive. We have to sit still in our chairs no matter if the conductor is rehearsing woodwind intonation or percussion ensemble. Frequently there are entire movements where brass players are not needed. We are

Violinist Nicole Wilson is a representative of a new breed of orchestral musician, for whom performing is just one strand to her bow. She played with the London Symphony Orchestra for ten years, spent five years as Principal 2nd Violin

Rappresentatione di anima et di corpo, Act I, Scena Prima: Il tempo, il tempo fugge (Tempo) From Cavalieri: Rappresentatione di anima et di corpo (2015) Released by Harmonia Mundi Cavalieri: Rappresentatione di anima et di corpo, Act I, Scena Prima:

Béla Bartók: Mikrokosmos It must have been a wondrous sight! With an Edison recording machine strapped to his back, Béla Bartók traveled throughout remote regions of Eastern Europe and North Africa to record, and subsequently transcribe the folk music expressions

Giacomo Puccini and the Automobile Giacomo Puccini had a penchant for fine cigars, quality spirits and every woman he could possibly get his hands on! And did I mention excessive gambling and hunting with country friends in the Florentine marshes

Clint Needham has a knack for finding interesting material and inspiration in all kinds of places, and it is no wonder the New York Times has described his music as “wildly entertaining” & “stunning… brilliantly orchestrated”. The young composer from

We’ve already looked at violin body design – now let’s look at the other end of the instrument and take a look at a part of a string instrument you’ve probably seen, but never really looked at: the far end

Like many composers past and present, Erik Satie was in constant financial troubles. To escape his creditors he frequently changed his lodgings, ending up in a tiny room at 6 rue Cortot in the spring of 1890. Like a monk