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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From TV to the stage with Owen Wingrave July 11th, 2014 Britten: Owen Wingrave, Op. 85 A TV opera? Yep, it happened… Back in 1971 to be precise, when Benjamin Britten wrote Owen Wingrave for the BBC. The opera was taken from TV-land and given a live revival this summer, to -
Beethoven the Tramp July 11th, 2014 Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 31, Op. 110 “Allegro molto” We have long known that Ludwig van Beethoven was a man of high eccentricity. Stories about his temper became legendary, and detail sudden rages, uncontrolled emotional states, suicidal tendencies, -
The Power of Silence July 10th, 2014 To the city dwellers of Hong Kong, noise has always been, and always will be, an inescapable part of life. If you have ever experienced living here, you will understand just how difficult it is to find a quiet place -
Six Musicians… to Accompany You throughout the Day July 9th, 2014 When I get woken up in the morning, the first thought that comes to mind is ‘Do I have to get up?’, which is then usually interrupted by ‘Mmmm, what am I looking forward to eating today?’ Yes, food plays -
Stars Spangled Igor July 8th, 2014 Recently, a number of European countries have actively changed, or are contemplating to change, the words and or melodies of their national anthems. Designed to reflect the social and cultural climate of the 21st century, these attempted changes, as you -
Vocal Eyes July 8th, 2014 Opera Holland Park, set in a patch of beautiful green space just west of London’s Hyde Park, adds a rich dimension to the city’s already active opera scene. As well as fine productions of core repertoire, the company boasts an -
The Conductor Gets it In The End:
Deception and the Korngold Cello Concerto July 6th, 2014The classic film noir Deception, starring Bette Davis, is a racy, classic tale of passion, jealousy, and lust for power. The romantic music written by Erich Wolfgang Korngold carries the movie. At the time, Korngold was an Austro-Hungarian Jewish refugee. -
Music, art and literature and the Great War: Part II July 5th, 2014 Last month’s article focused on the impact of the Great War on musicians, artists and writers in France –today I will focus on its impact in Germany and Austria.