In classical music, the Romantic Era lasted from around 1810 to around 1910. That century gave us some of the most famous symphonies in the repertoire. Nineteenth-century composers like Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Dvořák, Schubert, Mahler, Rachmaninoff, and others elevated the symphony
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On This Day
18 April: Grigory Sokolov Was Born April 18th, 2023For a good many commentators, Grigory Sokolov is the “greatest living pianist.” And while such statements can be endlessly debated, Sokolov has certainly reached cult status among pianists and audiences. His colleague Daniil Trifonov exclaims, “Sokolov is a musical figure -
Frederic Mompou and his Musica Callada April 18th, 2023 Frederic Mompou’s music exists in the liminal space between ancient and modern. Nowhere is this more true than his Musica Callada (which roughly translates as ‘Music of Silence’). In many ways, it is his most radically modern work, yet its -
Piano Repertoire
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart April 17th, 2023I need to start this blog with a disclaimer. When I titled this article “Piano Repertoire” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, I was well aware that Mozart didn’t perform and compose music for what we identify as a modern piano today. -
On This Day
17 April: Artur Schnabel was Born April 17th, 2023Pianist Artur Schnabel (1882-1951) is primarily associated with his glorious performances of the late Beethoven sonatas. As a scholar writes, “Here he often achieved a visionary quality in which the piano itself was almost forgotten; and although he allowed himself -
50 Times Great Composers Insulted Other Great Composers April 16th, 2023 Listeners often think of classical composers as otherworldly gods above earthly matters, who did nothing else in life besides transcribing music from the heavens. But of course, in reality, the famous composers were human beings, indulging in the same kinds -
The ambassador of women composers- Antonio Oyarzabal April 16th, 2023 Antonio Oyarzabal is a pianist with a serious commitment and passion for promoting music written by women composers. In addition to being named as the ambassador of Donne, Women in Music since 2021, Antonio recently released an album, El Fin -
On This Day
16 April: Handel’s Alcina Was Premiered April 16th, 2023The Italian epic poem “Orlando furioso” (The Frenzy of Orlando) is considered one of the most influential works in European literature. Penned by Ludovico Ariosto and published in its completed form in 1532, the story takes place against the backdrop -
Pianists and Their Composers: Sergei Rachmaninoff April 15th, 2023 Sergei Rachmaninoff is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers for the piano. Cornerstones of the repertoire for many pianists, his music is beloved by performers and audiences the world over. His piano music is known – and feared