Specific cities have inspired a huge amount of classical music over the years. Today, we’re looking at a selection of classical works explicitly connected to major cities, examining how each composer responded to each place. Some pieces reflect civic pride

During the twentieth century, the composition of classical music became an unexpected but vital means of political resistance. As fascist and totalitarian regimes spread across Europe, composers faced censorship, persecution, exile, and, in some cases, death. But rather than retreating

We all know Bess’ song from Porgy and Bess: ‘Summertime, and the Livin’ is Easy’. We decided to do a survey of what other composers thought about summer and were surprised at the very different moods and modes composers used

Classical music history is often seen as dignified and serious – all powdered wigs, solemn portraits, and stuffy concert halls. But scratch the surface, and the past turns out to be far stranger. Behind some of the most revered composers

Born on 13 June 1974 in Paris, the French-Swiss cellist Ophélie Gaillard has over thirty albums to her credit. She has recorded in a variety of styles and genres, all acclaimed for their richness and technical brilliance. Renowned for her

Wikipedia is famous for its rabbit holes: interesting links that lead to other interesting links that lead to other interesting links, and so on. From bizarre musical superstitions to wild concert disasters, Wikipedia is full of fascinating lists, spreadsheets, and

György Ligeti, one of the most innovative and influential avant-garde composers in the latter half of the twentieth century, died on 12 June 2006 in Vienna. And if you don’t know his name, you probably have heard some of his