There is nothing I like better than getting to know and explore lesser-known classical music and composers. Of course, notoriety and fame are completely relative, but I haven’t been exposed to the vast musical universes outside the conventional mainstream. Have

The presence of Indian classical music in Western classical music is more than evident, although one might not notice it at first, it is undeniably here. Often disguised, and peppered in works and identities, Indian classical music’s way of functioning

Have you ever wondered where the phrase “tickling the ivories” comes from? Is it just a colloquialism, or is it meant literally? Is making piano keys out of ivory legal? And is ivory the preferred material for piano-builders today? If

In November 1918, Arnold Schoenberg founded the Verein für musikalische Privataufführungen (the Society for Private Musical Performances) as a way for his pupils and others to get to know modern music. Although this was Schoenberg’s idea, it was really organized

I first discovered this wonderful set of variations through a concert pianist friend, who performed them in a salon concert some years ago. As a lifetime lover of Schubert’s music, I was struck by how “Schubertian” this music is, especially

Composer Galina Ustvolskaya (1919-2006) has been called “the lady with the hammer” and is known for her connection to Dmitri Shostakovich. But she was so much more than this. She was also fiercely independent, staggeringly talented, and completely unafraid. She

If you’re looking for musicians who engage in real music-making, here’s a pianist you should keep an eye on. Currently residing in Brussels, Bulgarian pianist Plamena Mangova began her training at the Sofia State Music Academy. She later worked with

In 1962, pianist Harriet Cohen told a story about composer Jean Sibelius on the radio. Harriet Cohen interview from 1962 “I saw him a lot in Helsinki. I got awfully friendly with him. I used to tease him a lot,