Giuseppe Verdi was a master of melody, crafting some of the most unforgettable tunes in opera history. His genius lay not only in his ability to write soaring and emotionally charged arias but also in his profound understanding of how

Robert Schumann was one of the leading figures of classical music’s Romantic Era. His music – by turns tempestuous and ecstatic and always heartfelt – made a huge impression not only on audiences but on his fellow composers, too. Today,

While the televisions of the world are squarely aimed at the New Year’s Concert of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, a fresh take on this celebration will take place at the Ehrbar Saal in Vienna. A newly founded chamber ensemble made

After listening to a number of beautiful Piano Trios, Quartets, and Quintets, it’s time to take a closer look at Piano Sextets. As the name implies, piano sextets are scored for piano and five other instruments. However, there really is

Manuel María Ponce (1882-1948), the leading Mexican musician of his time, was a wonderful pianist who composed a substantial number of piano works. These works combine a profound knowledge of the instrument with his Romantic heritage and nationalist tendencies. Manuel

Arguably, the first composer to write true piano music was Ludwig van Beethoven. To be sure, he had tremendous technical ability, and critics wrote, “He was attacking pianos with such force that during the performance, keys, hammers and strings would

Traditionally sung at Christmas or the surrounding Christmas holiday season, Christmas carols are some of the most popular and festive holiday songs. They are still sung today in homes, churches, and at public events, and carolling is still a popular

Along with the production of orchestral and opera music in the 19th century, there was a parallel industry that made the same music for smaller forces: piano, piano two-hands, string quartet, small wind ensembles, etc. In the centuries before, music