Evoking the rush of water, the stroke of oars and the motion of the ocean, the Barcarolle was a folk song sung by Venetian gondoliers (the word comes from “Barca” meaning “boat”). Characterised by a rocking rhythm, suggestive of the

How did you fall in love with classical music? We did a survey of our writers to find out what they considered their top musical pieces, composers, or performers, starting with the work or performance that made them seriously fall

Sometimes, I really don’t understand the descriptions assigned to particular keys. When it comes to D minor, we can read that it represents “dejected womanhood which broods on notions and illusions.” I guess it’s a pretty fancy and period description

Nature is a rich source of inspiration for composers, and flowers and blossoms have inspired some really lovely piano music, often miniatures or intimate salon pieces celebrating the beauty of flowers, nodding buds, heady aromas, and delicate petals. Debussy: Bruyères

The beautiful key of F major is frequently associated with the outdoors. It is supposed to convey feelings of calm and contemplation, and depict rustic or pastoral scenes. It’s all clearly Beethoven’s fault, because his “Pastoral” symphony is written in

Ah, love – that ineffable feeling of excitement and happiness and belonging. What’s the music that gives you that same feeling or what was the music that brought together all those disparate feelings? We surveyed our writers and got an

Love comes in all forms, shapes, colours, and sizes. We’ve all been there, and falling in love is rather strange and really wonderful. Of course, it’s always complicated as well. The process of falling in love can be a beautiful

Love has long provided inspiration to writers, poets and, of course, composers. The following pieces portray love in its infinite variety – from tender intimacy to heart-stopping passion and burning desire. Schumann: Fantasy in C, Op 17 This “love letter