Credit: NPR Classical

For the vast majority of his life, Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) was “a man easily satisfied, happy with his friends and colleagues, lacking the taint of ruthless ambition and egotistical self-promotion characteristic of so many, and without the pretension and hollow

Gregor Piatigorsky (1903-1976) is rightfully considered one of the most important cellists of the 20th century. Essentially a performer with modern sensibilities, his playing “is characterized by an appealing, immaculate quality, with an especially vibrant tone, easy delivery and a

Summer and boats – for countries built around water systems, ‘messing about in boats’ is an idyllic summer treat. The line, of course, comes from Kenneth Grahame’s 1908 children’s book, The Wind and the Willows, where Ratty remarks to Mole:

It is the fall of 1871. A twenty-six-year-old Ukrainian woman sends a cable to Europe to pianist and composer Franz Liszt. She warns him that she is about to cross the ocean to kill him. Ten days later, she shows

In the world of classical music, John Marsh (1752-1828) is not really a household name, but he probably should be. He was one of the most prolific composers in 18th-century England, producing roughly 350 mostly instrumental works. Although very little

Baritone Simon Keenlyside has been described as “one of Britain’s most sought-after and charismatic singers, noted for his versatility and highly charged performances on stage.” He made his first appearance in a major operatic role in 1987 as “Lescaut” in

“Mahler’s total symphonic work, as the final, highest product of the Romantic worldview, is at once guarantor and foundation of a new idealism.” ~ Paul Bekker Vienna, at the turn of the 19th century, was in its cultural prime, with