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
Latest article
Spotlight
-
Fostering Unity
Stephen Foster: Father of American Music February 28th, 2014The run-up to the United States presidential election of 1844 was dominated by the controversial issue of slavery expansion through the annexation of the Republic of Texas. The Democratic Party was looking to expand America’s territory by any means. In -
Morning Call!! February 27th, 2014 Emily Dickinson beautifully captured the small hours of the night in her poem Dawn: When night is almost done, And sunrise grows so near That we can touch the spaces, It’s time to smooth the hair And get the dimples -
The Magic of the Licorice Stick!
Buffet Crampon February 26th, 2014Without being disrespectful to a number of wonderful performers, Martin Fröst currently represent the non-plus-ultra of clarinetists. Internationally revered, admired, and respected, Fröst has not only mastered the classical repertoire, he is also keen to expand the clarinet repertoire as -
Music in Murakami February 25th, 2014 Those familiar with the novels of the Japanese writer Haruki Murakami know that there are recurring themes throughout his books such as jazz, cats, and women’s ears, to name just a few. In his 2002 novel, Kafka On The Shore, -
The Monteverdi Puzzle
Vespers for the Blessed Virgin February 24th, 2014Claudio Monteverdi: Vespers of the Blessed Virgin The musicologist Denis Arnold once famously suggested that to perform the Vespro della Beata Vergine (Vespers for the Blessed Virgin), composed by Claudio Monteverdi is “to court disaster.” Arnold further asserts, “To write -
The Child Prodigy as Social Experiment February 23rd, 2014 Saint-SaensPiano Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 22 The American pianist Philippa Schuyler made her concert debut while still a child, giving piano recitals and frequently appearing on the radio. Born in 1931, the mixed-race child was the daughter -
Objects of Desire
Stephen Collins Foster and Susan Pentland February 23rd, 2014Stephen Collins Foster grew up in Alleghany City, a Pennsylvania municipality located at the junction of the Allegheny and Ohio rivers. The Foster’s shared a large two-family house with the family of a retired Army Officer. Captain Pentland was a -
A Little Nibble of Mozart and Something More February 22nd, 2014 When you’re in Austria, you’re assaulted by images of Mozart – not Mozart the Composer but Mozart the Chocolate. The Mirabell Chocolate Factory in Salzburg is the creator of the famous Mozartkugel. It’s a little ball of milk chocolate, filled