For as long as composers have been writing music, they’ve been inspired by the mystery, mood, and mythology of the night. We’ve gathered ten pieces of classical music about the night that explore themes associated with the hours after dark,
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Giuseppe Verdi: A True Revolutionary? A True Romantic? April 11th, 2013 Later mythologized as a true Italian, Giuseppe Verdi was born on October 10, 1813 in Busseto as a French subject, which seems to have disturbed him enough to lead him to represent that he had in fact been born in -
The Reversed Musicians April 10th, 2013 Left-handedness does not only affect one’s writing, it can also bring about problems when playing music. The truth is that most instruments are designed for right-handed people, making lefties seem disadvantaged in comparison. However, the elasticity of the human brain -
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