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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Claudio Abbado
An Example to Us All January 29th, 2014It’s difficult for me to add much to the many tributes to Claudio Abbado that have appeared since his death. As well as obituaries detailing his life and achievements, there have been statements from those who worked with him, who -
The Lethal Chalice
Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique January 29th, 2014Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No 6, Op. 74 “Pathétique” Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s (1840-1893) died a mere nine days after conducting the première of his final composition. Composed between February and August 1893, his Symphony No 6 was first given on -
From the old to the new with Neoclassicism January 28th, 2014 People often think that the music of the twentieth century lost direction – it certainly at least changed direction, and it’s possible to see a huge splintering of styles in this period of massive change. However, along with all the -
Composer Silhouettes January 27th, 2014 Starting in the 18th century and continuing through the 20th century, the silhouette became the artistic rage. Typically, a silhouette is the image of a person (or something else) as a solid shape in black, presented against a white (or -
Classical Music Takes to the Slopes January 26th, 2014 It was announced on January 21st that violinist Vanessa Mae has qualified to represent Thailand at the Sochi Games, which begin in February and she has been confirmed by the world governing body as a contender. The life-long skier, competing -
Best Music for Kissing ? January 26th, 2014 With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, all thoughts turn to love and associated gestures of affection. Maybe you will be treated to a nice romantic dinner, a bouquet of flowers, or delectable sweets. But with some degree of certainly, -
Sheet Music Apps for Non-Dinosaurs! January 26th, 2014 I admit I’m a dinosaur. I come from the time when we did a lot of cut and pasting —and I don’t mean highlighting and punching command X and C. We used real paper, with scissors and tape to organize -
In touch with Elena Mosuc January 25th, 2014 Romanian soprano Elena Mosuc is one of the most in-demand sopranos of her generation. Closely linked with the Zürich Opera and a regular guest at the world’s great opera houses, she is a powerful exponent of the bel canto repertoire