Over the centuries, many of history’s most important women composers were forced to publish under male pseudonyms. Across the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries, dozens of women composers adopted masculine or gender-neutral identities so their work would be reviewed
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Moonlit Moods
The Lyrical Charm of Carl Czerny’s Nocturnes July 15th, 2025The Austrian composer, pianist and teacher Carl Czerny (1791–1857) is best known for his extensive pedagogical works, such as his études and exercises. Yet, Czerny was more than just a teacher of technique. He was a visionary who understood the -
Joseph Haydn: 10 Most Ingenious String Quartets July 13th, 2025 The 68 string quartets by Joseph Haydn revolutionised chamber music and earned him the title “Father of the String Quartet.” Haydn transformed the genre from polite parlour tunes into a dynamic conversation among four instruments. Written primarily between the 1750s -
George Frideric Handel: Eight Great Keyboard Suites (Part 2) July 11th, 2025 The Eight Great Keyboard Suites by George Frideric Handel are not merely a significant contribution to the keyboard repertoire; they also showcase his versatility and mastery of the keyboard. Handel’s first biographer, John Mainwaring, who published his “Memoirs of the -
Timeless Melodies
The 15 Most Beloved Songs by George Gershwin July 11th, 2025A titan of American music, George Gershwin (1898-1937) crafted a catalogue of songs that remain timeless for their melodic brilliance. Blending jazz, classical, and popular influences, and often in collaboration with his brother Ira Gershwin, he produced some of the -
Henryk Wieniawski’s Dazzling Decade
10 Most Electrifying Showstoppers July 10th, 2025In the glittering world of the 19th-century violin virtuosi, few shine as bright as Henryk Wieniawski (1835-1880). A prodigy of astonishing technical command and emotional depth, Wieniawski was more than a dazzling performer; he was a composer whose works bridged -
Ottorino Respighi’s Musical Masterpieces
10 Most Popular Works July 9th, 2025Ottorino Respighi, born on 9 July 1879, was an Italian composer whose music captured the soul of Italy with vibrant colours and evocative imagery. Born in Bologna, he studied violin and composition, later drawing inspiration from both his native land -
George Frideric Handel: Eight Great Keyboard Suites (Part 1) July 4th, 2025 We all recognise George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) as a towering figure in English music. He is best known for his oratorios and concerti grossi, like Messiah and the Water Music. Handel is perhaps less well known for his keyboard music, -
Twelve of the Best Violin Sonatas by Women June 30th, 2025 When you ask music lovers to name their favourite violin sonatas, they’ll likely mention works by Beethoven, Brahms, Franck, or Ravel. But venture just a little bit further outside the established canon, and you will find fascinating and deeply moving