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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Learning Classical Music As A Child Helps Shape Adulthood January 5th, 2015 I have been asked to write about how my learning of a musical instrument as a child had influenced me in life. As a mother, I have also asked myself this question when thinking about my daughter’s education. I would - An Unremarkable Centenary
Karl Goldmark (1830-1915) January 4th, 2015In ancient Greece, the coming of the New Year was celebrated by presenting a newborn baby to Dionysus, the God of Wine. Used as a symbol of rebirth, the newborn child also featured prominently in early Christian practices, and today -
Ondine January 4th, 2015 Among the compositions by Maurice Ravel that are highly regarded in the piano repertoire is the suite Gaspard de la Nuit. It is based on three poems by Aloysius Bertrand and is known for its technical difficulties. In this article, -
A Conversation with Behzod Abduraimov January 3rd, 2015 The young Behzod Abduraimov (b. 1990) has rocketed to music’s top ranks. He released his debut recital CD in 2012 (Decca Classics) and has been working with the leading orchestras of the world, including the Royal Philharmonic, the Accademia Nazionale -
The Many Kinds of Winter January 3rd, 2015 Winter – Spring – Summer – Fall: It’s not only Vivaldi who has his four seasons; other composers took up the idea. In Argentina, we find Astor Piazzolla applying the idea to Buenos Aires in a set of tangos. Collectively -
Happy 2015! January 2nd, 2015 If you are planning to welcome 2015 in France, Belgium, Brazil, Portugal or the province of Quebec in Canada, chances are that you will be part of an extended dinner party called “réveillon.” Exceptionally luxurious, appetizers often include truffles, oysters, -
DaXun Zhang January 1st, 2015 Bach… on the Bass? DaXun Zhang playing what he wants to play Making an appearance at the Hong Kong Chamber Music Festival is bassist DaXun Zhang. After completing his studies at Beijing’s Central Conservatory of Music, he moved to America, -
The Escher Quartet goes East December 31st, 2014 The Escher String Quartet really have their work cut out for them this January. While most of us will be lethargically recovering from new years celebrations, the Quartet will be preparing for their appearance at the Hong Kong International Chamber
