Historically, symphony finales have been fast, loud, and showy. It’s easy to understand why: big, brash finales leave listeners with exciting last impressions. However, such finales are not, strictly speaking, necessary. Sometimes composers subvert expectations in favour of quieter, more

Isaac Albéniz (1860–1909) stands as one of Spain’s most influential composers, with his works encapsulating the vibrant spirit of Spanish culture. As a conductor, impresario, performer, and composer he contributed to the rebirth of Spanish nationalism. In addition, he gained

Music is always an important part of any funeral service or memorial service. The right choice of music can pay tribute to the deceased’s tastes and provide comfort to the mourners left behind. Have you ever wondered what music the

Every third Saturday in May, and that’s 17 May in 2025, we celebrate World Fiddle Day. It’s a day for a global hoedown where fiddles screech, twang, and produce off-key notes like a squirrel caught in a banjo. World Fiddle

Kristóf Baráti, born on 17 May 1979 in Budapest, Hungary, is an internationally acclaimed Hungarian violinist whose virtuosic command and interpretive depth have positioned him among the foremost musicians of his generation. Born into a musical family, Baráti spent his

Brazil is an immensely rich country with a strong musical culture and identity. It is the fifth largest country in the world, and this is reflected in the diversity of its arts. Alone, its music has influenced a plethora of

The Welsh composer, Alun Hoddinott (1929–2008), made Cardiff, Wales, the basis for his work, first as an undergraduate at the University, then as Lecturer, and finally Professor and Head of Music (1949–1987). One of the important legacies he left was

In part one, we identified what musical repeatism is, why the contemporary technological landscape makes it uniquely possible, and the potential benefits of repeatism in regulating mood and enabling deep focus. We also touched on the idiosyncratic and highly personal