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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The Greatest Composers of Film Music
Saint-Saëns, Breil, Steiner and Korngold April 25th, 2022I am just an ordinary city girl, and one of the greatest joys during the burning hot day of summer is a visit to my local cinema. Sitting in a comfy chair in a chilled air-conditioned room with a huge -
On This Day
25 April: Truls Mørk Was Born April 25th, 2022Known for his “compelling performances, combining fierce intensity and passion with integrity and grace,” Norwegian cellist Truls Mørk has long taken audiences on compelling musical journeys. One of the pre-eminent cellists of our time, he was the first Scandinavian to -
“These Concerts Are a Gift to Myself”
In Conversation With Pianist James Lisney April 24th, 2022After two years of cancelled concerts and performances in empty halls, British pianist James Lisney, who turns 60 this year, is looking forward to his spring and early summer concerts with excitement. We caught up with James to talk about -
Johannes Brahms and His Circle of Friends April 24th, 2022 Johannes Brahms was well connected. He befriended and collaborated with hundreds of people during his career, including fellow musicians and composers, publishers and artists, poets whose texts he set to music, and even rulers of certain German states with whom -
Dog Music April 24th, 2022 If you’re not a cat person, perhaps dogs are your home animal of choice. Known for their love and faithfulness to their owners, dogs are also work animals for some people. In this survey of dog music, where does your -
Robert Schumann: Album of Songs for the Young April 23rd, 2022 For the 7th birthday of his daughter Marie, Robert Schumann compiled a short album of “Little Piano Pieces.” Once he had gotten that process started, Schumann kept adding miniatures to the collection. His wife Clara Schumann wrote in her diary, -
On This Day
23 April: Sergei Prokofiev Was Born April 23rd, 2022Sergei Prokofiev was born on 23 April 1891 in Sontsovka, now located in Ukraine but then a remote rural estate of the Yekaterinoslav Governorate of the Russian Empire. His father Sergey Alekseyevich Prokofiev was an agronomist and managed the estate -
Quick Sketch Artist: Renoir Meets Wagner April 22nd, 2022 Pierre August Renoir (1841-1919), who loved music, was a great admirer of Richard Wagner (1813-1883). As one of the first Wagnerites in France, Renoir jumped at the opportunity to meet his hero when he was in Italy in 1882. Two