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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Corelli goes Viral! December 7th, 2013 The Italian ensemble sonata — in the mold established by Arcangelo Corelli — took Europe by storm. It was soon imitated and adapted by composers far and wide, and Corelli himself brought the genre to England. John Jenkins, Henry Purcell -
Jan Lisiecki December 6th, 2013 Canadian pianist Jan Lisiecki is one of the most exciting musicians of generation. The recent recipient of a Gramophone Young Artist of the year award and fresh from his debut disc of Chopin’s Ètudes, he maintains a busy performing schedule -
Music and Religion:
Agnus Dei: Grant us Peace December 4th, 2013In the late 7th century, a chant associated with the breaking of the community bread was added to the Ordinary of the Roman Mass. The name of this new chant “Agnus Dei” (Lamb of God) originates in the Gospel of -
Waltzing Duel.
Maurice Ravel: La Valse December 2nd, 2013One would be hard pressed not to agree with the assessment of a contemporary music critic, who described the Viennese Waltz as a direct expression of sensuality. In the hands of Johann Strauss II, known as the “Waltz King,” this -
In touch with Leonard Slatkin December 1st, 2013 After a 34-year gap and just in time for the season, the Orchestre National de Lyon is returning to China on its second tour to celebrate not only the New Year, but also 50 years of Sino-French diplomatic relations. Under -
Warbling Violins
Corelli and Bologna November 30th, 2013The famed violinmakers of Cremona — Nicolò Amati, Antonio Stradivari and Giuseppe Bartolomeo Guarneri — initiated a golden age of string music in Italy. Various important centers of violin making, performing and composition began to emerge around 1650, with the -
In Daddy’s Footsteps!
Franz Xaver Mozart November 28th, 2013Rather predictably, the deciphering of the human genome has done little to provide conclusive answers to questions regarding musical talent and ability. Although we have learned that certain genes control unique sites in the brain, which in turn determine levels -
20th Century Studies – Is Serialism Serially Dull? November 25th, 2013 Love it or loathe it, serialism happened, and no matter how loudly you shout ‘la la la’ with your ears covered, it’ll still be there when you stop, staring you in the face more intently than ever. A lot of