What was it really like to study piano with Frédéric Chopin? Luckily, we don’t need to guess. His students left behind vivid accounts that reveal a teacher both demanding and inspiring: occasionally cranky, yet always deeply encouraging. Between his sharp

“It’s so disappointing when you see a bunch of instrumentalists walk on stage and you already know how a piece is going to sound…” Jack Sheen, composer & conductor (interview in VAN magazine) We live in a visual world, never

Few musical forms have evolved as extensively as the waltz. It began as a rustic Austrian dance in triple meter, scandalous for bringing men and women together so physically close. By the 19th century, it had shaken off its early

John Cage’s 4’33” is one of the most famous works in the classical music repertoire. Written in 1952, it consists of three movements. Together, the movements’ running time adds up to four minutes and thirty-three seconds. Per the composer’s instructions,

Frédéric Chopin! The name alone conjures a sense of profound intimacy. His works for piano take us into a world of almost otherworldly beauty, with melodies that become as engaging as the human voice. The music can be fragile, dance-like

Where do we start with embarrassing gigs? There are so many of them. One of my stories is the following: the Minnesota Orchestra plays outdoor concerts for a couple of weeks around the Fourth of July Holiday. We were set

What would it take for you to dedicate your entire adult life to one orchestra? Many orchestral musicians enjoy careers that span decades, but a select few remain on stage for 60, 65, or sometimes even 70 years! The longevity

George Onslow (1784–1853) was a master of chamber music, and some of his best works are his string quintets, of which he wrote 34. Despite his English name, Onslow was born in France, and at his height of fame, he