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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Artists and Musicians: Nolan and Williams December 18th, 2022 Adrian Williams: Chamber Concerto, “Portraits of Ned Kelly” Many countries, particularly those with recent wild pasts, have their favourite bad guys – for the US, it can range from Billy the Kid in the 1880s, nicely made into a ballet -
On This Day
18 December: Tchaikovsky’s Capriccio Italien Was Premiered December 18th, 2022In October 1878, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky resigned from his post at the Moscow Conservatoire. The resignation followed on the heels of the disintegration of his disastrous marriage to his former student Antonia Miliukova. Psychologically and sexually mismatched, the couple lived -
Show me the Money
Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) December 17th, 2022Haydn was rich, but he wasn’t born wealthy… He did come from humble origins, but for his gentrified English audience Joseph Haydn was an accomplished composer, businessman, and gentleman. Yet, his early years of poverty and struggles during his years -
Christmas Piano Music December 17th, 2022 With Christmas just around the corner, here is a selection of festive piano music to bring good cheer and warmth, peace and joy. J.S. Bach: Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring (arr. Myra Hess) Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring is the -
Food for Thought
Mealtime with Frédéric Chopin December 16th, 2022Frédéric Chopin had a love affair with food. On a trip to the town of Toruń, the 15-year-old composer goes to great length to describe the local food specialty. Although he visited the famed Copernicus museum and various fortified building, -
On This Day
16 December: Zoltán Kodály Was Born December 16th, 2022Zoltán Kodály was born in the Hungarian city of Kecskemét on 16 December 1882. His father worked for the railroad, having risen to the rank of stationmaster by 1883. He was described as “a plump, reticent man of medium height, -
Guitar 101: Explore the Essential Classical Music Repertoire December 15th, 2022 The guitar is one of the most, if not the most, famous musical instrument in the world. It is used in all nations, in one form or the other — acoustic, electric, nylon, or steel strings, through different shapes and -
Review: Donizetti’s Maria Stuarda December 15th, 2022 Blood, sex and sceptres: two queens battle it out in Maria Stuarda Maria Stuarda (Donizetti) MusicaVivaHong Kong City Hall, Concert Hall9,10, 11 Dec 2022 An opera in two acts, Donizetti’s Maria Stuarda (1835) is about two queens, Mary Stuart and