Latest article

archive-post-image
Ten Excerpts from Robert Schumann’s Love Letters to Clara
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
Read more

Spotlight

5966 Posts
  • Christmas in America Christmas in America
    American Christmas celebration range from small town exhibits to world-famous events and sights. From light displays and firework shows, to month-long holiday markets and snowy train rides, these festivities have been shaped by a multitude of different cultures. Traditionally, however,
  • Rebranding Classical Music for the 21st Century Rebranding Classical Music for the 21st Century
    The numbers are in, and they’re looking good. For an industry whose identity seems to be based on a constant struggle against popularity, classical music is doing alright. Whilst constantly obsessed with our impending demise, the doom-obsessed factions within classical
  • Mastery and the ‘Near Win’ Mastery and the ‘Near Win’
    I admit it – I watched Rugby World Cup final. After their coruscating performance in the semi-finals against the All Blacks, hopes were high for England, but these were dashed by a South African squad who were, on the day,
  • Some Advice to Young Musicians Some Advice to Young Musicians
    One of my adult students, who happens to be a heart surgeon, came to a lesson last week with an idea. For his upcoming birthday, during the gathering at his home, he’s thinking he’d like to perform three or four
  • What Is Music Saying? What Is Music Saying?
    I have battled with the idea of what music is saying for most of my life. While I still have not drawn a final conclusion, I think I’m getting closer. As much as I and others (like Plato) say that
  • Great Performers: Daniil Trifonov Great Performers: Daniil Trifonov
    He looks like he should still be at school, yet he plays with the commanding presence, exceptional technical facility and deep commitment a professional artist thrice his years would envy. He’s floppy haired, slightly built, yet he can bring power
  • Sibling Harmony in Classical Music Sibling Harmony in Classical Music
    Music, like many other trades, tends to run in families. Likely a combination of genetics and environment, the shared activity of music making may even pass down through multiple generations. And as we well know, not all members of a