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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Critical Ear with Sharpened Pen
Bring the East to the West: An Interview with Ken Smith July 3rd, 2016Ken Smith is the Asian cultural critic for the Financial Times. He also covers opera in China for Opera magazine in London and opera in the West for OPERA magazine in Shanghai. A frequent arts commentator or RTHK Radio 4, -
Behzod Abduraimov July 2nd, 2016 Originally from Uzbekistan, pianist Behzod Abduraimov makes his second appearance with the Hong Kong Philharmonic this July, playing Prokofiev’s Third Concerto. ‘My first performance took place back in 2012 playing a recital and in January 2015 I had debuted with -
How You Should Feel in the Key of E flat major July 1st, 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 -
Catalan Passion
Enrique Granados and Maria de los Desamparados Gal y Lloveras June 30th, 2016When pianist Enrique Granados (1867-1916) first appeared on stage on 20 April 1890, critics were simply ecstatic! “Granados will be one of the great artists who always seek applause in pure art, without flashiness and cheap concessions.” Praising the young -
Pleasure and Pain: On Being an Amateur Pianist June 29th, 2016 Practical Tips for Amateur Pianist Alan Rusbridger’s book ‘Play It Again’ (published in 2013) shone a delightful and inspirational light on the world of amateur pianism, but people have been playing music at home and with friends for almost as -
Enrique Granados June 28th, 2016 Chopin of Spain When Enrique Granados (1867–1916) drowned in the English Channel trying to save his wife 100 years ago, the musical world lost an extraordinary poet of the piano. “His hands stroke the keys with a delicacy, with a -
Minors of the Majors
Anton Bruckner: String Quintet in F Major June 27th, 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! -
Critical Ear with Sharpened Pen
Meet the Critics June 26th, 2016Everybody today seems to have an opinion, and, with the benefit of the web, many of more of us can know their opinions as well. Yet, what we value is not necessarily any opinion, but an informed opinion. Interlude will