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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Rebranding Classical Music for the 21st Century December 23rd, 2019 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 - The Twelve Days of Christmas
Musicological Journey through the Holidays December 22nd, 2019It’s been called the “world’s most annoying” Christmas carol. “The Twelve Days of Christmas” is a cumulative song, with each verse building on top of the previous verses. True to its name, there are twelve verses representing the twelve days -
Mastery and the ‘Near Win’ December 22nd, 2019 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 December 21st, 2019 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? December 20th, 2019 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 December 19th, 2019 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 December 18th, 2019 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 -
Christmas in France December 17th, 2019 A cruise on the Seine, a climb on the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe, a visit to the Musée du Louvre and the Palace of Versailles, and a stroll on the Champs-Élysées in the City of Lights. Maybe
