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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What Have Musicians Learned From Lockdown? March 28th, 2021 Most of us have had to live in lockdown or under various restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic for over a year now. It has been a particularly difficult time for musicians, in an already precarious profession, and the knock-on -
A Playlist for Piano Day 2021 March 27th, 2021 Piano Day was founded in 2015 by composer and pianist Nils Frahm, and a group of like-minded others, and it celebrates all things piano – the instrument and those who play it, its extensive repertoire, and other piano-related projects. It -
Best Songs in G Minor March 27th, 2021 I am always surprised how many different characteristic and emotions can be associated with a single key. Written by critics and theorist over time, some of these characteristics don’t seem to agree at all. When we look at the key -
Can Music Be Intelligent? March 26th, 2021 To frame the subject of can music be intelligent, we must first disregard most music that has lyrics or words from the subject. Studies have shown that people who received musical training displayed improved intelligence. But can music by itself -
Audition Preparation March 24th, 2021 Ah, auditions. One of my favourite performance experiences where nothing ever goes wrong and I feel totally calm and relaxed and always play exactly how I do in real life with no silly mistakes at all… If only, right? Apart -
Xu Zhong and the Suzhou Symphony Orchestra: “A Giant’s Dream”
28 March 2021: Shanghai Grand Theatre March 23rd, 2021Once upon a time, Shanghai was a small fishing village on the Yangzi River delta. By the mid-19th century, however, the village turned into a city administered concurrently by the British, Americans and French. Each colonial presence brought its particular -
Should You Sit the Piano Grade Examinations as an Adult Learner? March 23rd, 2021 As a piano lover interested in getting started or as a piano learner, you have probably heard about the grade examinations offered by ABRSM or Trinity College. Praised by some and criticised by others, they are undoubtedly a well-known topic -
The Habit of Creation March 22nd, 2021 It is often said that musicians — particularly performers — and athletes behave similarly. As a matter of fact, it is quite true. Aside from the physical, training and practice aspect of their activity, both are bound to dedication, discipline,