The interaction between classical and pop music can often be an extended exercise in looking at old material in a new way. We don’t mind when Barry Manilow uses a bit of Frédéric Chopin’s Prelude in C Minor, Op. 28/2

It’s difficult for me to add much to the many tributes to Claudio Abbado that have appeared since his death. As well as obituaries detailing his life and achievements, there have been statements from those who worked with him, who

People often think that the music of the twentieth century lost direction – it certainly at least changed direction, and it’s possible to see a huge splintering of styles in this period of massive change. However, along with all the

It was announced on January 21st that violinist Vanessa Mae has qualified to represent Thailand at the Sochi Games, which begin in February and she has been confirmed by the world governing body as a contender. The life-long skier, competing

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, all thoughts turn to love and associated gestures of affection. Maybe you will be treated to a nice romantic dinner, a bouquet of flowers, or delectable sweets. But with some degree of certainly,

I admit I’m a dinosaur. I come from the time when we did a lot of cut and pasting —and I don’t mean highlighting and punching command X and C. We used real paper, with scissors and tape to organize

It is hardly surprising that innovations in the field of instrument design frequently originated in small workshops run by dedicated artisans determined to realize a personal vision. Take for example Heinrich Engelhard Steinweg, who started to build pianos in his

Hans von Bülow famously said that in piano music “Bach is the Old Testament and Beethoven, the New Testament”. With all respect to the great man, I would content that a better framework to compare the two is not a