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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Autobiographical Meditations
Camille Saint-Saëns, Symphony No. 3 (with organ) November 1st, 2013Most of us associate the pipe organ with liturgical, that is, religious use. But did you know that the instrument was originally associated with gladiatorial combat during the time of the Romans? Gladiatorial games usually began with an elaborate procession -
In touch with Patricia Kopatchinskaya October 30th, 2013 Violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaya was born in Moldova in 1977. In some sense she is the epitome of the modern high-profile touring musician, with concerts in Linz, Vienna, London, Brussels and Tokyo alone in the next few months performing concerti with -
Nostitzsches Nationaltheater October 29th, 2013 If you are a connoisseur of classical music and an opera buff, today’s trivia question is going to be child’s play. Here it goes: What is the only theater still standing today in which Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart personally performed? Will -
‘It’s Too Damn Loud! It’s Too Damn Fast!!’:
Morton Feldman October 28th, 2013These words would commonly be heard issuing from the mouth of the composer at a rehearsal for one of his pieces. And if you’ve ever heard the music of Morton Feldman, you’d probably understand why. Feldman’s music is more often -
Giovanni Battista Pergolesi: Stabat Mater dolorosa (c. 1736) October 27th, 2013 Watch Mater Dolorosa: Les Talens Lyriques at the Festival D’Ambronay The text of the Roman Catholic hymn Stabat Mater dolorosa (The grieving Mother stood), which originated in the 13th century and is variously attributed to Pope Innocent III, St. Bonaventure, -
Your Music Stinks!
Poulenc and the Parisian Conservatory October 25th, 2013The composer Ned Rorem suggested that, Francis Poulenc never penned an original note. “Every measure can be traced to Chopin, or Mussorgsky, or Ravel, or Stravinsky, or even Faure whom he reviled. Yet every measure can be instantly identified as -
The number games: chamber music vs orchestral playing October 24th, 2013 During my time at Cambridge, I was lucky enough to get many opportunities to play in both chamber music and orchestral projects. Now, on the brink of beginning a masters course devoted to orchestral playing, I’ll have a chance to -
Is This How They Turn Out? October 23rd, 2013 From The Mozart Effect to The Cage Effect Perhaps you didn’t realize that if your child or student listens to classical music then they might exhibit some of those character traits! Teachers especially like #13 – The Cage Effect! Does