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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Chloe Chua — More Than an “Ordinary” Wunderkind January 3rd, 2021 Chloe Chua, a 13-year-old Singaporean violinist, was the laureate of several major competitions, most notably Menuhin Competition 2018 (Junior Division) and 24th Andrea Postacchini International Violin Competition in 2017. Studying with Mr Yin Ke at the Nanyang Academy of Fine -
In Memoriam
Ivry Gitlis (1922-2020) January 3rd, 2021Ivry Gitlis, who died on 24 December in Paris at age 98, was known for his fierce and powerfully individual performances over the course of a career that spanned almost 90 years. Hugely charismatic with a decided passion for experimentation, -
Musicians and Inspiration January 3rd, 2021 Inspiration NOUN 1. the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative. Robert Schumann: Piano Quintet in E-Flat Major, Op. 44 – IV. Allegro, ma non troppo (Fine Arts Quartet; Xiayin Wang, piano) -
Most Beautiful and Soothing Cello Music to Start the Year January 2nd, 2021 Recently, I listened to the soothing and beautiful classical music pieces my father used to play. I immediately teared up! Some exquisite works seem to have gone out of fashion. I’d love to introduce you to several cello pieces that -
Best Songs in E Minor January 2nd, 2021 When it came to my favorite songs in G major, I had to think a bit to come up with the best song. I have absolutely no such trouble when it comes to the key of E minor, there are -
Duncan Ward January 1st, 2021 With performances from Moscow to Newcastle, Dresden to Geneva, young British conductor and composer Duncan Ward has had a very busy year, given the current circumstances. As 2020 draws to a close, I catch up with him and hear his -
Passing on the Wisdom
Leon Fleisher and Hamish Milne December 31st, 2020Death has been on our collective minds more than usual in this year of the coronavirus pandemic. A number of well-known composers and musicians passed away in 2020, including composers Krzystof Penderecki, Nikolai Kapustin and Ennio Morricone, cellist Lynn Harrell, -
Roll Over Beethoven
Dragging Beethoven Into the 21st Century December 31st, 20202020 was to be the main stage for Ludwig van Beethoven. Just about everybody was ready to celebrate the 250th year of his birth with concerts, installations and special exhibitions. And then we got Covid-19, and Beethoven wasn’t the main