Writing classical music reviews can feel intimidating. After all, how can anyone possibly hope to capture what musicians do in words? The unsatisfying answer is the same advice those musicians have been given: practice, practice, practice! But there are some

March has been one of the most important months in classical music history, packed with pivotal premieres, legendary births, and moments that reshaped how music is written, performed, and understood. From the births of Frédéric Chopin and Joseph Haydn to

Alcohol shaped (and sometimes shattered) the lives of some of classical music’s greatest composers. From John Field, a pianist who had to be dragged out of bars to play his scheduled concerts, to Jean Sibelius, whose binge drinking nearly ended

Few pianists in history have inspired as much fascination as Vladimir Horowitz. He was not only a dazzling virtuoso, but also a deeply complex figure whose life offstage was often as dramatic as his performances. Fans and scholars alike continue

When we think of the great revolutions in classical music history, we might think about the premiere of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Wagner’s Ring Cycle of operas, or Igor Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring. But not every revolution happens on such a

A Facebook post by a good friend of mine, celebrating the little or simple things in her life which give her pleasure or fulfilment, set me thinking about the pleasure of simplicity in music. This might be a beautifully intonated

Beethoven may be the most famous composer in history…which means that many people have many questions about him. For instance, was Beethoven German? Did he really study with Mozart? Who was his “Immortal Beloved”? And most importantly of all, how

The history of classical music isn’t just a parade of masterpieces. It’s a story of human beings whose friendships shaped those masterpieces. Many of the great works of classical music emerged from collaborations, rivalries, mentorships, and deep personal bonds. Taken