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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In Memoriam: Igor Zhukov (1936-2018) February 2nd, 2018 Truth be told, as a young aspiring pianist I could never get my head around the music of Alexander Scriabin! Despite the best intentions of my teacher, and supreme technical challenges aside, I simply did not understand his musical syntax. -
Sebastian Manz February 1st, 2018 Don’t Be Afraid! Sebastian Manz achieved fame as the first person to win the top prize in the ARD clarinet competition in 40 years. Nowadays, in addition to his bustling solo career, he holds the position of principal clarinet with -
Paul Wittgenstein
The Travesty of War January 31st, 2018During the golden days leading up to the “war to end all wars,” the Wittgenstein family stood at the forefront of the cultured bourgeoisie in Vienna. In imitation of aristocratic mannerisms, they freely dabbled in artistic patronage, financed by the -
I Am the Very Model: Gilbert and Sullivan and Light Opera III January 30th, 2018 In their late years, Gilbert and Sullivan weren’t as successful as they had been in their early years. Yet, their legacy still lives on and even over a century later, their music keeps reappearing, often with new lyrics. -
At the Center of the Musical Universe
Gioachino Rossini II January 29th, 2018In 1808 Sébastien Erard registered a patent that fundamentally changed piano construction forever. As hammers had become more massive, they produced a much heavier touch for the performer. As such, the ability to repeat notes was severely impacted and the -
Why I Feel Compelled to Attend the 2018 Verbier Festival I
In Touch with Martin Engstroem January 28th, 2018The spectacular display of superstars in the 2018 Verbier Festival program completely dazzled me. The program comprised of a long list of celebrated “who’s who” in the music universe – András Schiff, Martha Argerich, Richard Goode, Evgeny Kissin, Grigory Sokolov, -
There is No Right Way January 28th, 2018 I’ve never felt drawn to the idea of the definitive performance. Music is a performing art which keeps on changing– Michael Tippett When I was learning the piano as a child and teenager, I was led to believe there was -
Forgotten Cellists: Guilhermina Suggia January 27th, 2018 Portuguese cellist Guilhermina Suggia (1885-1950) best-known for an iconic painting by Augustus John —a chestnut, luminescent cello, a beautiful woman in a dazzling, red gown, bow-arm outstretched, head upturned—was one of the first professional female solo cellists. The mystique surrounding