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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Verdi and Giuseppina Strepponi III May 4th, 2013Giuseppe Verdi, Barcarola “Al tuo bambino” Once Giuseppe Verdi and Giuseppina Strepponi had fallen in love, things got rather complicated. This is hardly surprising amongst professional people as it can be rather challenging to balance career and love. Strepponi had - Memory like a Sieve!
Giuseppe Verdi April 30th, 2013Did you know that no single cell in your body is older than 10 years? Some of your cells have an even shorter lifespan. For example, the cells lining your stomach only last five days, your red blood cells regenerate -
The best, not the biggest April 29th, 2013 When I open the newspaper looking for evening performances these days, all I see are operas. Following the announcement of a strategic partnership between the Oriental Art Centre and the Italian Bellini Theatre, the OAC further announced on 16th January -
David Popper April 27th, 2013 The Dandy Have you ever wondered what a superstar in the 19th Century looked like? Predictably, male idols had incredibly good looks; broad shoulders, wavy hair, distinguished facial features, masculine chins, and chiseled profiles. Lacking anabolic steroids, they sported wiry -
The Flute and the Snake! April 27th, 2013 Here is your pop quiz for today! Who said, “There is nothing on earth that approaches the perfection of The Magic Flute and the Bible”? I give you a hint; his paintings are rendered with an extraordinary formal inventiveness, vivid -
In touch with Steven Snowden April 26th, 2013 Steven Snowden has done some pretty interesting things in the name of music composition, from creating music installations with Nintendo Wii-motes, to collaborating with performers through blogging. Not one to shy away from musical collaborations, this month, the 32-year old -
Auditions Tips April 26th, 2013 Dear Oliver, We are pleased to invite you to audition, which will take place at 10.56 am on the 1st April. These are the first words you read on the email – the initial joy of having secured a place -
A Symphony of a Thousand April 25th, 2013 Symphony No. 8, “Symphony of a Thousand” (Bavarian Radio Symphony, Kubelik 1970) When the Mahler family arrived in Maiernigg — an idyllic village located on the southern shore of Lake Wörth in the Austrian province of Carinthia — for their
