For as long as composers have been writing music, they’ve been inspired by the mystery, mood, and mythology of the night. We’ve gathered ten pieces of classical music about the night that explore themes associated with the hours after dark,
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The Mermaid in Classical Music November 11th, 2023 One of my all-time feel-good movies is the animated musical fantasy film “The Little Mermaid.” Originally released in 1989 by Walt Disney Pictures, the movie takes us to the kingdom of Atlantica. Princess Ariel, a 16-year-old mermaid, is unhappy with -
Poul Schierbeck: The Chinese Flute November 10th, 2023 As a student of Carl Nielsen, Poul Schierbeck (1888-1949) made important contributions to the literature of Danish songs. Initially, like so many of his contemporaries Schierbeck had engaged in law studies, but the lure of music prompted him to study -
From Dark Melancholy to Unbridled Merriment
Weber’s Clarinet Concerto No. 1 in F Minor November 9th, 2023Carl Maria von Weber (1786–1826) was much more than just the composer of an opera. In Hans Pfitzner’s memorable phrase, ‘Carl Maria von Weber came into this world to compose Der Freischütz’, which may be true, but he was so -
Interview With Sherry Grant- a Cellist, a Pianist, and a Poet November 9th, 2023 Sherry Grant is a classical musician originally from Taiwan, now living in New Zealand. She is a cellist, a solo and collaborative pianist, and a poet. In 2019, she organized and performed in 12 concerts, 10 of which were with -
On This Day
8 November: Arnold Bax Was Born November 8th, 2023For a number of commentators, Arnold Bax is far and away the most neglected British composer who flourished in the first half of the 20th century. Composing during a time that, say, the likes of Elgar and Britten, Delius and -
“World Pianist Day”
10 Forgotten Piano Sonatas November 8th, 2023It seems like we have a “World Day” for everything these days. From hugging a teddy bear to LGBT Center Awareness Day, the entire spectrum of social causes and cultural cheerleading is filling up our daily calendar. I was very -
Classical Music for Funerals: Thirty Pieces for Piano, Voice, Orchestra, and More November 8th, 2023 Classical music can be the perfect choice of genre for funeral music. Its association with beauty, dignity, and tradition – along with its ability to comfort or evoke feelings of nostalgia – makes it appealing to many. But there’s so -
On This Day
7 November: Smetana’s The Kiss Was Premiered November 7th, 2023The Provisional Theatre in Prague opened in 1862 as a temporary home for Czech drama and opera until a permanent National Theatre could be built. This venerable institution staged well over 5,000 performances over a 20 year span, and featured