October, 2025

112 Posts
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Palimpsest
Rob Hao, piano
Palimpsest – a manuscript or piece of writing material on which later writing has been superimposed on effaced earlier writing. – something reused or altered but still bearing visible traces of its earlier form ‘Classical music lends itself naturally to
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Perfectionism – Friend or Foe of the Musician
In the world of music, where striving for excellence is an inherent part of growth, perfectionism can be both an inspiration and a trap. Whether you are an amateur or a seasoned musician, the pursuit of excellence often drives one
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Max Bruch’s English Interlude
Melodies of Merseyside (Died on October 2, 1920)
The superb German Romantic composer, violinist, teacher, and conductor Max Bruch (1838 – 1920) established his reputation with his Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor. The concerto, now one of the most beloved works in the violin repertoire, did
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Why Can’t Classical Music Look Ahead
There is no genre of music which puts so much emphasis on the past as much as Western classical music. In fact, there are very few artistic mediums which focus so much on the past than music. Perhaps painting. In
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Thunder and Trembling
Vladimir Horowitz’s Battle with Performance Anxiety (Born October 1, 1903)
Vladimir Horowitz, the titan of 20th-century pianists, could silence a hall with a single chord, his fingers conjuring tempests from the keys. Yet, for all his mastery, he was a prisoner of performance anxiety, this crippling dread that drove him
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George Li
‘A Never-Ending Adventure’ Listen to a performance of American pianist George Li’s and you will be left in no doubt as to his ‘staggering technical prowess, a sense of command and depth of expression’ (Washington Post). After winning the silver
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The Global Celebration of Music
Melodies without Borders
Every year on 1 October, the world comes alive with rhythm, melody, and harmony as we celebrate International Music Day. Established in 1975 by the International Music Council (IMC) under the auspices of UNESCO, this global observance is a testament
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Robert Schumann’s “League of David” Secret Society
Composer Robert Schumann, quintessential Romantic composer, is famous for embracing the era’s love of cross-pollinating music and literature. For years, he had trouble fully committing to either music or writing, and he drew inspiration from storytelling and literature throughout his
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