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
Latest article
Spotlight
-
A Recipe for Success?
Verdi, Pacini,and Rossini April 9th, 2013Almost immediately after the premiere of Oberto in 1839, a contemporary critic considered the question of Verdi’s personal musical style. “Many salient features of this style are not Signor Verdi’s own,” he wrote. “The crescendo and the use — not -
Searching for Aida
Verdi and Giuseppina Strepponi I April 8th, 2013Giuseppe Verdi, Oberto, Tutto ho perduto! (Leonora) Scholars have suggested that the inherent pathos and drama of Verdi’s operas was the direct result of the composer attempting to cope with the cruel loss of his two infant children and the -
Xavier de Maistre April 6th, 2013 The Prince of Harp Tall, charming, intelligent were words that came to my mind when I first met French harpist Xavier de Maistre for a recording session at a radio station. Xavier shines through his beautiful playing, eloquence, and polite -
Music to make Mona smile! April 5th, 2013 Throughout most of his life, the Renaissance polymath genius Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci (1452-1519) kept a daily journal. He meticulously recorded daily events and engagements, including shopping lists and people who owed him money. Yet, these journals also -
In touch with The Planets April 4th, 2013 Gustav Holst – The Planets: A Listener’s Guide The Planets, Op. 32 (1916) London Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra, V. Jurowski Holst called the piece “a series of mood pictures.” The piece The Planets — a seven movement orchestral suite, is -
Music and Religion:
Reformation in Germany April 3rd, 2013The leader of the German Reformation, Martin Luther (1483-1546), never intended to establish a Protestant church movement completely separate from Rome, but his initial struggles with the Catholic Church centered on the notion of God as an angry judge who -
In touch with Charles Halka April 2nd, 2013 “Chuchichäschtli.” “I won’t attempt to pronounce that,” I said. “Chuchichäschtli,” Charles Halka, US-based composer, pianist, and one of six composer fellows at the upcoming Intimacy of Creativity 2013, repeated with a laugh. “It’s a Swiss-German word that actually means kitchen -
An Italian Tragedy
Giuseppe Verdi and Margherita Barezzi March 30th, 2013Giuseppe Verdi was a painfully private individual. Details about his romantic encounters are sketchy, and for the most part rely on his own and somewhat inconsistent recollections later in life. We do know, however, that Verdi went to live in