In classical music, the Romantic Era lasted from around 1810 to around 1910. That century gave us some of the most famous symphonies in the repertoire. Nineteenth-century composers like Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Dvořák, Schubert, Mahler, Rachmaninoff, and others elevated the symphony
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A day in the life of Perugia… Part I
Music Fest Perugia April 10th, 2014Opportunities for young performers abound at festivals and competitions, both at home and abroad. Upon learning I’d be interviewing two of the key organisers of Music Fest Perugia, my heart sank. A month in the heart of Italy, in a -
Music for Easter April 9th, 2014 The festival of Easter — a holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ — is of central importance to the Christian faith. It is the culmination of the Passion of Christ, which commemorates the Last Supper, as well as the -
A Musical Kaleidoscope – Inspiring the Younger Generation April 9th, 2014 For much of the younger generation, the words ‘classical music’ mean boredom or even resentment. In an attempt to shake off this negative image, I dig deep to find refreshing faces of classical music that will hopefully reach out and -
Maestro Skrowaczewski:
Seeking the Infinite and Sto Lat! (Happy Birthday) April 8th, 2014Stanislaw Skrowaczewski, or “Stan the Man” as we in Minnesota affectionately call him, has the distinction of being the oldest major conductor working today. He is also a Pulitzer Prize nominee for his highly regarded compositions. Recently the music communities -
The Isaac Newton of Music
Rameau and his Treatise on Harmony April 7th, 2014Jean-Philippe Rameau: Dardanus “Overture” Jean-Philippe Rameau was deeply in love with Marie-Louise Mangot. She must have been a remarkably charming, and extremely pretty 19-year old maiden. After all, a 42-year old bachelor does not give up his solitude all that -
The Supernatural in Music
IV Vanity of Vanities April 6th, 2014In the Flemish 16th century, a new style of painting became popular: Vanity Paintings. Unlike today’s ‘vanity publishing,’ where you pay to have your immortal work put into print, Vanitas Paintings were about a deadly sin. -
In touch with Ed Barker
Returning to China April 4th, 2014In 1979, the Boston Symphony Orchestra became the first western orchestra to tour China, following the opening of the country to the West. The date is important, when you consider that 1978 marked the reopening of the Chinese conservatories and -
In touch with Lorin Maazel April 4th, 2014 In anticipation of the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s visit to China in May, we caught up with Maestro Lorin Maazel and asked him a few questions about his work in China and repertoire for touring orchestras.