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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Music for Lent March 10th, 2014 Ash Wednesday on March 5th marks the beginning of the Christian period of Lent. An annual period of self-examination and meditation in preparation for Easter, Lent is also a time when many people try to give up something, like chocolate -
Sanctity, Salvation and a Swan!
Richard Wagner Lohengrin March 9th, 2014Richard Wagner was never shy to freely give his advice and opinions on god, himself and the world, no matter if you wanted them or not. On occasion, he personally swung into action and physically defended his convictions. In 1848, -
The rise and rise of the countertenor I March 9th, 2014 Strange though it may seem, we may be in the middle of a rebirth of the countertenor voice in our popular consciousness. For a long time, from the time of Mozart until the mid-20th century, the sound of the high -
Bashing the Boo and Charming the Clouds
The musical world of Harry Partch March 8th, 2014Have you ever heard of the musical instruments called Chromelodeon, Quadrangularis Reversum or Zymo-Xyl? If not, let me introduce you to Harry Partch (1901-1974), an American composer, music theorist and creator of unique musical instruments. The son of Presbyterian missionaries, -
Overtures and Overtures March 7th, 2014 When is an Overture not an Overture? When it’s a Concert Overture. We are familiar with Overtures that serve as an introduction to an opera, a ballet, or even an oratorio, starting in the 17th century, but the Concert Overture -
Revamping Classical Music’s Sex Appeal March 6th, 2014 Music has always been my companion. Just shy of 3 years old, I would sing along to pop songs broadcasted on the radio. By the time I grasped the basics of the piano, I would make up random tunes on -
I dream of Jeanie!
Stephen Foster and Jane McDowell March 5th, 2014Stephen Foster: I dream of Jeannie with the light brown hair To everyone’s surprise, Stephen Foster married Jane McDowell, daughter of a leading Pittsburgh physician, on 22 July 1850. For friends and mutual acquaintances, it remained a mystery why the -
The Special Meaning of Bach’s Solo Cello Suites March 4th, 2014 Without a doubt the six J.S. Bach Solo Cello Suites are a pinnacle to be reached for any cellist. Although I’ve performed them many times, there is one occasion that stands out more than any other. My father was also