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
Latest article
Spotlight
-
Ludwig van B.
A Universe of Dedications II February 4th, 2020As a freelance musician, Ludwig van B. was always looking for ways to make money. The dedication of works to nobility and/or friends, although a rather uncertain source of income, was one possible revenue stream. However, much depended on the -
The Marsalis Brothers and Other Siblings in Classical Music February 3rd, 2020 Music is decidedly part of the Marsalis family DNA. Wynton is a virtuoso trumpeter, composer and artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, while Branford is a virtuoso saxophonist, composer and bandleader. Their father Ellis Marsalis Jr. is a world-renowned -
The Music of Poetry
Heinrich Heine “I Bear No Grudge” February 2nd, 2020Irony is frequently considered an intellectual literary device that should by its nature be unsuitable for music. Yet, as music and literature unite in the art song, irony becomes a matter of importance in music as well. And that’s especially -
Practice Like an Olympian February 2nd, 2020 2021 is the year of the Tokyo Olympics, that wonderful international celebration of sporting success which can provide inspiration to us all, musicians included. Of course, Olympic triumphs do not come easily, and every medal winning athlete, indeed every participating -
Alban Gerhardt February 1st, 2020 German cellist Alban Gerhardt has played as a soloist with nearly every major orchestra out there. Rising to fame after his win at several competitions and his debut with the Berlin Philharmonic and Semyon Bychkov in 1991, he shows no -
Women Conductors Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling February 1st, 2020 Once the entire symphony orchestra has tuned and is seated, we anticipate the conductor, his arm extended, his greying hair smoothed to a sheen. Pompously, he crosses the stage and leaps onto a red-carpeted podium. Exuding unquestionable authority and power, -
Georg’s 10 All-Time Favourite Music Pieces January 31st, 2020 Putting together a personal list of all-time favorites is harder than you think. Although it is the product of my personal taste, education, cultural influences and life experiences, human creativity tends to respond to stimuli as diverse as the universe -
Stretching Time, Stretching Meaning – Viderunt Omnes January 30th, 2020 One of the most groundbreaking musical happenings of the late 12th century was Pérotin Magnus (Master Pérotin) and his setting of the ‘Viderunt omnes’ text. This 6-line text speaks of God’s relation to the Earth and how all have seen