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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Nobody Does It Better: An Interview with Graham Ross August 20th, 2016 Although the title of this piece seems to reflect an overarching ego, viz James Bond, it’s meant more of a statement about the Choir of Clare College, Cambridge. Interlude spoke with the CCC’s Director of Music, Graham Ross, in a -
Should certain repertoire be “off limits” to amateur pianists? August 20th, 2016 Occasionally I come across the suggestion from other professional musicians and even some teachers that certain repertoire is the exclusive preserve of the professionals and should be left well alone by “amateurs”. This includes the final piano sonatas of Beethoven -
Music á la “Mode”
Mixolydian Delight August 19th, 2016The Mixolydian mode is somewhat of a paradox! Ancient tradition used it for lamentations, while modern authors ascribed erotic and joyous qualities to it. And to make it even more confusing, Plato entirely shunned the Mixolydian mode because he claimed -
From Children’s Tales to Scenes from Childhood
Robert Schumann: Kinderszenen August 18th, 2016Written about children, but not written for children, the collection of short piano pieces entitled Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood) by Robert Schumann was a gift to Clara Wieck in 1838, two years before they were finally married. The final 13 -
Johann Sebastian Bach: Laß Fürstin, laß noch einen Strahl, BWV 198 (Ode of Mourning) August 17th, 2016 Christiane Eberhardine of Brandenburg-Bayreuth, Electress of Saxony and titular Queen of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, was a bit of a religious celebrity. For years she resisted the pressure of the court to embrace the Roman Catholic faith, which her husband had -
The Perfect Music for a Summer Night August 16th, 2016 Beginning with a hushed sound, Nights in the Gardens of Spain by Manuel de Falla (1876 – 1946), immediately takes us into a hot, quiet garden in an exotic location. Originally designed as a set of nocturnes for solo piano, -
Minors of the Majors
Robert Schumann:
Introduction and Concert Allegro, Op. 134 August 15th, 2016“Minors of the Majors” invites you to discover compositions by the great classical composers that for one reason or another have not reached the musical mainstream. Please enjoy, and keep listening! -
Misia Sert – Muse and Patron to Poets, Painters and Musicians III August 14th, 2016 Misia Sert’s friendship and support for Diaghilev and Stravinsky continued unabated, and her financial support for both artists, particularly during the years of the Russian Revolution, saved both from financial ruin. Her role in Diaghilev’s production of the ballet Parade