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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Musical Giants of the 20th Century July 17th, 2016 In 1968, humanity collectively experienced an “Aha Moment.” And it was the photograph “Earthrise” that triggered this moment of realization, inspiration, insight, recognition and utter astonishment. One of the most influential photographs ever taken, it shows our “blue marble” gently - Critical Ear with Sharpened Pen
The Voice of Reason – Jessica Duchen July 17th, 2016‘What is the need for music criticism?’ ‘Does writing for a blog differ from print?’ ‘Where’s the future of writing about music?’ These are just some of the questions whirling round my helmeted head as I cycle through Hyde Park -
Why We Owe “The Flying Dutchman” To A Dog July 16th, 2016 Robber, the giant Newfoundland dog, took to the pit with his master, Richard Wagner. The twentysomething conductor and composer had recently won a job as music director of the Riga opera, and his dog Robber frequently joined his master at -
How You Should Feel in the Key of B flat major July 15th, 2016 In our earlier series on C major and minor, G major and minor, and D major and minor, and A major and minor, E major and minor, B major and minor, F sharp major and minor, C sharp major and -
Old friends: reviving old repertoire July 14th, 2016 Revisiting music one learnt last month, last year, or 20 years ago can be a wonderful experience, like reacquainting oneself with an old friend, while also making a new friendship. Picking up a piece again after a long absence can -
A Selected Reading List for Pianists July 13th, 2016 Non-fiction Sleeping in Temples Out of Silence – Pianist’s Yearbook Susan Tomes Scottish pianist and acclaimed chamber musician (a former member of Florestan Trio), Susan Tomes writes sensitively and honestly about the exigencies of life as a pianist and performer -
Enrique Granados: Transcending Nationalism July 12th, 2016 Composers working at the turn of the 20th-century are frequently categorized as nationalists. And Spain produced three prominent composers that seemingly fit this narrow description. Isaac Albéniz composed vibrant piano works of Lisztian difficulty and Iberian color, while Manuel de - Minors of the Majors
Claude Debussy: L’enfant prodigue July 11th, 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!
