In 1952, Ruth Slenczynska entered a recording studio to play Bach. The resulting recordings, later reissued on CD by Ivory Classics in 1998, might seem unremarkable in the context of a pianist’s career: a series of solo works by one

Brass instruments started as simple tubes. They didn’t have holes like woodwinds, but their length determined the pitches they could play. It wasn’t until the 19th century that instruments like the trumpet were fitted with valves. Let’s explore some of

In the freezing winter of 1740, George Frideric Handel found himself at a creative crossroads. Having recently finished two monumental biblical oratorios, Saul (HWV 53) and Israel in Egypt (HWV 54), the composer sought a lighter, more refreshing subject for

Beethoven is often thought of as a piano god who descended from on high to write some of the most memorable piano music ever written. However, Beethoven was very human, and the pianists around him shaped him in important ways.

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky had one of the most striking final years of any major composer. In it, he conducted throughout Europe, earned an honorary doctorate, created arguably his greatest symphony – and then died shockingly. Today we’re looking at everything

When one looks back at the history of Western classical music, a number of forces emerge as central to its development: institutions, concert halls, conservatoires, courts, churches and patrons — some of which continue to shape music today. Yet one

The death of Swedish-American conductor Herbert Blomstedt, at the age of 99, marks the passing of one of the last great conductors whose careers reached back to the musical world of the mid-20th century. For more than seven decades, Blomstedt

In 2027, we mark the bicentenary of Ludwig van Beethoven’s death, and among the celebrations will be a Platoon label recording of all six Beethoven piano concertos, featuring pianist Kirill Gerstein and the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. But wait! I