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
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Ludwig van B.
A Universe of Dedications I January 7th, 2020Beethoven’s friendship with Stephan von Breuning (1774-1827) lasted a lifetime. We will meet him in more detail in another episode. For now it suffices to say that Beethoven’s Violin Concerto was dedicated to him. Concurrently, Beethoven fashioned a piano transcription, -
In Memoriam
Peter Schreier (1935-2019) January 6th, 2020The singer and conductor Peter Schreier, one of the leading lyric tenors of the 20th Century, has died in Dresden at the age of 84. As one of the most highly esteemed tenors of the century, Schreier hit his mark -
Ghosn Is Gone
“The Gregorian Escape” January 5th, 2020The legendary entertainer and illusionist Harry Houdini exasperated his audiences with sensational escapes and vanishing acts. One of his most notable vanishing acts featured the disappearance of a fully-grown elephant from the stage. Of course, people have always found imaginative -
The Music of Poetry
Heinrich Heine “You Are so Like a Flower” January 5th, 2020Music played an important role in the life of Heinrich Heine. He did more than just write brilliant reviews of music and operas. For Heine, music was a great vital force that occupied an important place in the content sphere -
Play What You Play Best January 5th, 2020 “The key is trying to limit yourself to perform only the pieces that will be best for you and the audience. Otherwise, you’re doing everyone—yourself, the composer, and the audience, a huge disservice.” – Richard Goode, concert pianist I’m sure -
Can Music Be Unmusical? January 3rd, 2020 The term unmusical might apply to a person. It can also pertain to a sound deficient in melody, harmony, rhythm or agreeable tone. It may also apply to music that one feels is imperfect, inadequate or even lacking in emotion. -
Stepping Stones to Bach January 2nd, 2020 American pianist and teacher Eleonor Bindman is, by her own admission, devoted to the music of J S Bach. She has been praised for her performances and recordings of Bach’s keyboard music and has made a transcription for piano 4-hands -
Pavel Kolesnikov January 1st, 2020 Born in Siberia, young Russian pianist Pavel Kolesnikov – now based in London – is wowing audiences all over the world with his blend of effortless technique and unique musical voice. I talk to him ahead of his upcoming concerts