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
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Rautavaara’s Symphony No. 6 and Van Gogh April 9th, 2023In his 1990 opera Vincent, Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara (1928–2016) took scenes from the life of the artist Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890) and, to his own libretto, created a work that starts in the mental hospital at Saint-Rémy, where he -
The Baroque Hurdy Gurdy in XVIII Century April 9th, 2023 The hurdy gurdy is a musical instrument that dates back to medieval times, across history it had its ups and downs in popularity, but one of the golden eras was the Baroque period, specially the XVIII century, but… What exactly -
On This Day
8 April: Giuseppe Tartini Was Born April 8th, 2023Giuseppe Tartini, born 8 April 1692 in Pirano, then part of the Venetian Republic but today part of Slovenia, was proclaimed “the finest musician in the world.” His work as a violinist, composer, and teacher was enthusiastically admired, and in -
Pianists and Their Composers: Olivier Messiaen April 8th, 2023 Olivier Messiaen is widely regarded as one of the most important composers of the 20th century, known for his unique approach to harmony, rhythm, and melody. His music is challenging for any performer, but there are some pianists who have -
“Resurrection” in Classical Music
Biber to Penderecki April 8th, 2023The Christian festival of Easter is sometimes called “Resurrection Sunday.” It is at the heart of Christian belief that Jesus Christ was killed on the cross, but after three days came back to life. I think different branches of Christianity -
Artist Suzanne Valadon, Why Was She Satie’s One True Love? April 7th, 2023 She was composer Erik Satie’s one true love. But artist Suzanne Valadon was so much more than that. Here are thirteen facts you may not know about Suzanne Valadon: 1. She was born Marie-Clémentine Valadon in Haute-Vienne, France, in 1865. -
On This Day
6 April: Dvořák’s Symphony No. 4 Was Premiered April 6th, 2023In 1874, Antonin Dvořák (1841-1904) submitted an application for an artist’s stipend from the Austrian government for poor but talented students. Hoping to supplement the meager income from his job as an organist at St. Adalbert, Dvořák first obtained a -
Hallelujah for Easter
Handel Messiah Part II April 5th, 2023Listening to a performance of Handel’s Messiah has long been an Easter tradition in many parts of the world. It is undoubtedly one of the composer’s most popular and enduring works, as it features three distinct parts: the Prophecy of