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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Connecting the Dots—When Piano Rolls Were the Rage September 14th, 2019 A few days ago, we were invited to an historic home on a nearby lake, a rambling manor that had been in one family for generations. Inside we encountered sensory overload—antiques, and collectibles, decades-old toys, hundreds of books, silver sets, -
By the Light of the Silvery Moon September 13th, 2019 The turn of the 20th century saw a surprising number of Moon songs. It also saw the first amusement park devoted to the moon: Luna Park in Coney Island, New York. That original Luna Park, which opened in 1905, was -
How the Classical Music Experience Is Changing September 13th, 2019 Many modern orchestras are focusing on the audience experience today. In the United States and several other countries, you can go to a concert hall to hear a symphony orchestra and they will encourage you to clap between movements if -
Upset by Einaudi? September 12th, 2019 What is it about Ludovico Einaudi and his music which provokes such strong reactions from so-called “serious” classical music people? His music is regularly criticized by these people for being “bland”, “unchallenging”, “unsophisticated”, or simply “bad”… Einaudi’s musical language is -
The Dark Trip – d’Indy’s Tableaux du voyage September 11th, 2019 Vincent d’Indy (1851-1931) was considered by Gabriel Fauré as ‘The Samson of Music,’ not only for his work as a composer and conductor but also for his work as an educator and propagandist for French music. He followed his teacher -
Creatures of the Parisian Salon
Ruggero Leoncavallo and Berthe Rambaud September 10th, 2019Destitute and on the verge of starving, Ruggero Leoncavallo (1857-1919) arrived in Paris. He found work as an accompanist at various café-concerts, and eventually attracted attention. Colloquially known as the “great little Italian,” he gradually gained entry into the various -
Clara Wieck-Schumann September 9th, 2019 “I once believed that I possessed creative talent” Clara Schumann née Wieck, (1819-1896) was born in Leipzig, daughter of Marianne and Friedrich Wieck. Friedrich established a successful music business, and Marianne was a gifted musician appearing as a piano and -
Musicians and Artists : Virgil Thomson and Maurice Grosser September 8th, 2019 The American composer and critic Virgil Thomson (1896-1989) believed in the ‘discipline of spontaneity.’ His music aimed at a clarity and simplicity that was unusual in 20th century composers. One of the outcomes of this search for spontaneity was his