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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Ricci Remembered, in Song and Image September 26th, 2013 A Macau Concert Profiles the Life, Words, and Music of Jesuit Missionary Matteo RicciOn June 26, the American Renaissance music ensemble ¡Sacabuche! came to Macau and joined forces with traditional Chinese musicians, singers, and orators to give musical expression to -
A brave New World:
Britten and Pears I September 25th, 2013Having resisted the sexual advances of WH Auden, who eventually turned rather spiteful and detailed Benji’s defects of character in an acerbic letter, “I am certain too that it is your denial and evasion of the demands of disorder that -
From Purcell to Mahler:
Britten, Purcell and Mahler September 23rd, 2013Besides studying and emulating the works of 20th century composers, Benjamin Britten became increasingly fascinated by English music of the late 17th and early 18th centuries, most notably the music of Henry Purcell. He wrote, “One of my chief aims -
Au Clair de la Lune September 22nd, 2013 The French folk song Au Clair de la Lune is a greater celebrity than its simple tune might suggest. Not only is it well known especially in France (even used by some mid-wives to teach labour breathing techniques) and popularly -
In touch with Antonio Poli September 21st, 2013 With a jury comprised of not only opera managers and music directors around the globe but also international media figures, the annual International Hans Gabor Belvedere Competition aims to offer prizewinners the fast track into a career in opera. I -
Ferdinando and his Magical Keyboard September 20th, 2013 Sometimes, the course of musical history is utterly changed by the split decision of a single individual. When Ferdinando de’Medici, Grand Prince of the Duchy of Tuscany needed a caretaker for his roughly 75 musical instruments, he hired Bartolomeo Cristofori, -
The Lang Lang Effect – Good, Bad or Ugly September 19th, 2013 First of all, I have to declare that I am definitively not a fan of Lang Lang. As a matter of fact, I strongly dislike his public image, his musical taste, what he has to say with his music, and -
Johann Ludwig Krebs September 18th, 2013 A Crayfish in my Stream Johann Ludwig Krebs: Flute Sonata No. 3 in C major By all accounts, Johann Sebastian Bach was a stern and exacting teacher. Since he had no time to waste — he was after all in