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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The Reason for the Crowd December 4th, 2014 Why do you attend concerts? Is it for the performer or the work being performed, or, is it because it’s the place you need to be to see and be seen? There’s nothing sadder than attending a fabulous concert and -
Ivo Pogorelich – A Genius of Few Words December 3rd, 2014 When I was given the task to interview the Belgrade-born pianist Ivo Pogorelich, I immediately asked my pianist/friend who had the privilege of attending Pogorelich’s master-class. She said to me, ‘Ivo seemed cold at first and did not speak much, -
Cameron Carpenter December 1st, 2014 I watch his music video and am greeted with a jet black mohawk, sequinned top, and sparkly heels, flashily collaged in a rapid onslaught of fast-paced camera angles. Did I mention he’s an organist? -
Sleep gently my Count Keyserlingk November 30th, 2014 Every music lover knows the Goldberg Variations by J. S. Bach! But who was this Goldberg, who so famously lent his name to one of the most remarkable compositions in the history of Western music? The story of how this - The Rose Blooming in the Desert
Creating the Qatar Philharmonic November 29th, 2014Like a rose blooming in the desert, the Qatar Philharmonic has made a unique place for beauty in the city of Doha, Qatar. We had a conversation recently with Kurt Meister, Executive Director of the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, about how - Hans Leo Hassler
The Venice Experiment November 27th, 2014Born 450 years ago, Hans Leo Hassler (1564-1612) was the first notable German composer to broaden his musical horizon by studying in Italy. Not surprisingly, Hassler went to the city of Venice to experience the thriving musical environment surrounding the - Soulmates!
Adolf von Henselt and Rosalie Vogel November 25th, 2014In 1836, the exceptional pianist and composer Adolf von Henselt suffered a severe nervous breakdown. After taking a number of cures in local spas and private hospitals, Henselt decided to visit his old teacher Johann Nepomuk Hummel in Weimar. Hummel -
Bach’s Blues November 24th, 2014 When people see the name Anton Webern on a concert bill, they habitually run for cover! But Webern would not be Webern if he hadn’t studied the old masters during his student years at Vienna University. In fact, he studied
