The love story between Robert and Clara Schumann is often regarded as one of the most romantic in classical music history. Happily for historians, many of their love letters survive. They document their inner thoughts and emotions, as well as
Latest article
Spotlight
-
Pianists and Their Composers: Claude Debussy April 30th, 2023 Claude Debussy is widely regarded as one of the most influential composers of the 20th century, with his unique style and innovative harmonies setting a new standard in classical music. The piano played a central role in Debussy’s compositions, and -
Weaponizing Classical Music April 29th, 2023 For me personally, Japan is the most amazing tourist destination in the world. The country offers many unique experiences, including breathtaking natural scenery, beautiful temples, shrines, and Zen gardens, traditional arts and crafts, sumo tournaments, hot springs, and incredible food. -
Foreshadowing the Career
Rachmaninoff’s Morceau de Fantasie, Op. 3 April 29th, 2023At age 19, Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873–1943) wrote his Op. 3, Morceaux de Fantaisie, including as its second movement, the Prelude in C sharp minor that would haunt him for years. Even considering the fame of the Prelude, all of the -
On This Day
29 April: Masaaki Suzuki Was Born April 29th, 2023Masaaki Suzuki, born on 29 April 1954 in Kobe, founded the Bach Collegium Japan in 1990. He simply wanted to introduce Japanese audiences to period instrument performances, and “to keep performing Bach cantatas one by one.” The ensemble began to -
Why the Metropolitan Opera in Cinemas is Not to Be Missed
Richard Strauss’ Der Rosenkavalier April 28th, 2023Today my husband and I were treated to the most overwhelming experience: hearing and seeing Der Rosenkavalier the comic opera in three acts by Richard Strauss transmitted live on Saturday April 15, 2023. How fortunate that those of us who -
On This Day
27 April (14 April): Alexander Scriabin Died April 27th, 2023By 1915, Alexander Scriabin was working on a gigantic multi-media project called Mysterium. It was intended for performance in the foothills of the Himalayas over a period of seven days. “Bells suspended from clouds would summon spectators. Sunrises would be -
Bizarre and Beautiful
Maurice Ravel’s L’Heure Espagnole April 26th, 2023A deceitful wife, an unsuspecting husband, three concealed suitors, and a room full of clocks: far from a simple farce, this one-hour comic opera is one of Ravel’s masterpieces. It was in 1911 that the world heard Ravel’s first opera: -
On This Day
26 April: Nikolai Lugansky Was Born April 26th, 2023Nikolai Lugansky has been described as a “pianist of extraordinary depth and versatility, capable of great refinement and crystalline beauty.” According to critics, “he combines elegance and grace with powerful virtuosity, and represents a true incarnation of the Russian tradition