The solo violin has long been acknowledged as the perfect instrument to express emotions like love, longing, heartbreak, rapture, and romance. The Romantic era lasted from the early nineteenth century to the early twentieth century and produced numerous works that
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The Power of Love
Piano Music on the Theme of Love February 11th, 2021Love has long provided inspiration to writers, poets and, of course, composers. The following pieces portray love in its infinite variety – from tender intimacy to heart-stopping passion and burning desire. Schumann: Fantasy in C, Op 17 This “love letter -
Anton Arensky (1861-1906)
“He will be soon forgotten” February 10th, 2021In his Memoirs, Rimsky-Korsakov was decidedly unkind to his student Anton Arensky. He accused him of having been an alcoholic and gamblers, and that his death by consumption was the final and just result. “By the nature of his talents -
Franz Schubert and His Circle of Friends V February 9th, 2021 Raphael Georg Kiesewetter (1773–1850) studied philosophy at Olmütz and law in Vienna before he was employed in the chancellery of the imperial army. Subsequently, he became a valued official at the war office in Vienna. Kiesewetter was an accomplished musician -
Best Classical Songs for Carnival February 8th, 2021 Carnival is the jolliest and most colourful time of the year; in a word, it’s non-stop party time. Christians around the world celebrate Easter, and the period of about six weeks that prepares the faithful for Easter Sunday is called -
Musicians and Artists: Steffens and Picasso February 7th, 2021 The German composer Walter Steffens has made a life’s work about being inspired by art. Over 100 of his compositions have artists’ works as their inspiration. Works by a wide range of artists including Picasso, Hieronymus Bosch, Edvard Munch, Bernard -
Curious Soundworlds
Piano Music Using Extended Techniques February 7th, 2021‘Extended techniques’ are those which involve using unconventional or unorthodox methods to create sounds and unusual sonic effects. Perhaps the most famous of these is the “prepared piano”, whereby everyday objects such as nuts and bolts, nails and small pieces -
Best Classical Songs for Valentine’s February 6th, 2021 When all thoughts turn to love, and lovers express their affection with greetings and gifts, it must be Valentine’s Day. That very special day for lovers falls annually on February 14, because it is named after a Christian martyr by -
Interview With a Maestro – Roland Peelman February 5th, 2021 It can be hard to describe someone who is a conductor, a pianist, a mentor and a music director. But with so much experience in arts organisations in Australia, most recently as the Artistic Director of the Canberra International Music