The solo violin has long been acknowledged as the perfect instrument to express emotions like love, longing, heartbreak, rapture, and romance. The Romantic era lasted from the early nineteenth century to the early twentieth century and produced numerous works that
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Musicophilia October 3rd, 2013 Musical Crossword Puzzle- Are you up to the challenge?- have fun! -
Inking your Irks:
J.S. Bach: St. Matthew Passion September 29th, 2013Throughout his extended Leipzig career, J. S. Bach had a rather uneasy relationship with civic and church authorities. At his election as Cantor of St. Thomas Church in 1723, Bach was cautioned to make compositions that were not theatrical. “In -
The Italian Diva – Cecilia Bartoli September 28th, 2013 The first time I heard Cecilia Bartoli live was at the opening concert of the Hong Kong Arts Festival in 2011. Appearing on stage like a queen, she dazzled the audience not only with her exquisite singing of arias from -
St. Michael in Vienna:
Mozart’s Funeral Mass September 27th, 2013During the summer months of July and August, the city center of Vienna turns into a veritable assemblage of the United Nations. People from all corners and regions of the world visit the self-proclaimed “City of Music” to experience its -
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