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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Legendary Beethoven Performances
Sonatas, Quartets and Other Works January 5th, 2021By taking care of Symphonies and Concertos in the first two part of this survey, we’ve done the massive works. Now we look at the works for smaller ensembles and soloists, but the task doesn’t get any easier. Nearly every -
The Spirits of Music January 4th, 2021 In a previous article — entitled The Kitchen & the Pit —, I mention the relationship between music and food, and more specifically between the orchestra and the kitchen. I conclude by pointing out the similitudes in the training of -
Let’s Embrace 2021
The Most Uplifting Classical Tracks January 4th, 2021However you look at it, 2020 was not the most cheerful year; and that’s an understatement for sure. It certainly was a wild ride, and we are all wondering what 2021 will have in store for us? It seems that -
In Memoriam
Fou Ts’ong (1934-2020) January 3rd, 2021In the waning days of 2020, Covid-19 has claimed the life of Fou Ts’ong, the original Chinese poet of the keyboard and the first internationally acclaimed Chinese soloist. He was an introspective interpreter, who lived his life in the greatest -
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