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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Nello Santi: Traditionalist Operatic Giant February 17th, 2020 Nello Santi, who died on 6 February 2020 in Switzerland, was neither a superstar conductor nor a household name beyond opera lovers. But he was possibly the most consistent, widely cast, and most resolutely traditional opera conductors of his generation. -
Music to Soothe the Mad King February 17th, 2020 King Philip V ruled Spain from 1 November 1700 until his son Ferdinand VI eventually succeeded him in 1746. Historians have not been kind to his legacy, suggesting that he only marginally advanced the government of his predecessors and that -
The Prodigal Pianist February 16th, 2020 The adult ‘returner’ pianist I’m a returner pianist – and maybe, if you’re reading this article, you are too and therefore what follows will resonate with you. Or perhaps you are thinking of taking up the piano again after a -
The Music of Poetry
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe “Das Veilchen” February 16th, 2020Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) wrote his famous poem “Das Veilchen” (The Violet) in 1774 as an allegorical song for his theatrical play with songs Erwin and Elmire. He reworked it during his Italian journey in 1787/88, and this second -
Women Conductors Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling
Jane Glover February 15th, 2020Without experience in front of an orchestra, without opportunities to learn the craft, women conductors have had little hope of being hired until very recently. Today conservatories, colleges, and festivals include conducting curriculums, and more women are being accepted into -
Anson’s 10 All-Time Favourite Music Pieces February 14th, 2020 I am often asked “who’s your favourite composer” and “what’s your favourite piece of music”, and my answer is always — I don’t know, as it is constantly changing. So, the idea of coming up with my 10 all-time favourite -
The Philosophy in Music III February 14th, 2020 Leonardo da Vinci often spoke of the connection between painting, poetry, music, philosophy and science. He called poetry a moral philosophy and music the sister of painting. Inevitably, the arts and sciences all affect one another through their connection. Philosophy -
Coronavirus MERS-CoV
The Virulent Camel February 13th, 2020In September 2012, health officials in Saudi Arabia reported a mystery illness. Patients developed severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath. Alarmingly, 3 to 4 out of every 10 patients died. It was originally assumed