Dmitri Shostakovich is famous for his devastating music and decades-long struggle to assert his artistic autonomy in the face of a totalitarian government. The important roles that his wife and two children played in his life and career are less

Henry Purcell (1659-1695) stands as one of the most significant English composers of the Baroque, renowned for his ability to blend the grandeur of continental European styles with the distinct traditions of English music. Born on 10 September 1659 into

It’s one of the most common questions newcomers pose to classical musicians: am I too old to return to music? Just for the record, the answer is a resounding no! Today, we’re looking at the life story of one composer

No other partnership in the history of the piano is quite like the one between Arthur Gold and Robert Fizdale. Celebrated for their artistic chemistry, as well as their championing of new music, they became one of the leading piano

Every September 9th, we celebrate Teddy Bear Day! It’s a cozy little holiday dedicated to those soft, huggable companions that have been bringing comfort and joy for generations. Whether it’s a cherished childhood friend or a cuddly keepsake from someone

YouTube is full of brilliant piano concerto performances, but a handful have attracted truly massive global audiences. From Rachmaninoff (lots and lots of Rachmaninoff…) to Mozart to Chopin, here are the seven most viewed piano concerto performances on YouTube, along

Did you know that Antonín Dvořák composed 14 string quartets, plus a quartet movement (B. 120) and the “Cypresses” cycle (B. 152), which includes arrangements for string quartet? Trust me, these gorgeous string quartets are like the ultimate playlist for

Throughout music history, there have been many incredible children who have demonstrated an astonishing, unnervingly early mastery of their art. Some went on to become the greatest musicians of their age. Others have vanished from our collective memories. One thing