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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Bronislaw Huberman and the formation of the Israeli Philharmonic November 29th, 2012 The legendary violinist and peace activist Bronislaw Huberman was born in Poland December 19, 1882 of Jewish parents. His prodigious talent was manifest at a very early age and it soon became evident that he needed the best teacher in -
The Spy who loved me!
Liszt and Agnes Street-Klindworth November 28th, 2012Orpheus, S98/R415 For 12 years, the Villa Altenberg in Weimar became the holy shrine celebrating the religious and personal cults of Carolyne von Sayn-Wittgenstein and Franz Liszt. Working together in a church like atmosphere of religious solitude, they wrote essays, -
Brahms and His Symphony No. 1 November 28th, 2012 In 1900, when Boston’s Symphony Hall was being built, Philip Hale, a distinguished American music critic working for the Boston Herald, suggested that a sign should be fitted over the central doorway reading, “Exit in case of Brahms”! Hale’s message -
Mozart in Mannheim III November 27th, 2012 Ignatz Fränzl (1736-1811) was one of the most acclaimed virtuoso performers working at Mannheim. Already his father had been part of the orchestra, playing trumpet and viola under the leadership of Johann Stamitz. When Ignatz joined the ensemble as violinist -
A Taste of Music! November 26th, 2012 The 4 Seasons: Violin Concerto in F minor, Op. 8, No. 4, RV 297, “L’inverno” (Winter) Although food and music interface in an infinite variety of delicious possibilities, the most commonly experienced fusion occurs at private dinner parties or public -
Nikolai Karlovich Medtner November 26th, 2012 The immediate outcome of the 1917 Russian revolution, in part the result of heavy military setbacks during WWI, was the utter dismantling of Tsarist autocracy. Not only was the Emperor forced to abdicate; his entire family was summarily executed. Vladimir -
If music be the food of love, play on – Richard Ekkebus November 15th, 2012 Hailed as ‘the Italian Mozart’, Rossini was not only famous for his operas, but also for his passion for food. A French steak dish, Tournedos Rossini, was specially created for him by chef Marie- Antonie Carême. A tournedos of beef, -
Sa Chen November 14th, 2012 On the road, with bravery The first time I heard pianist Sa Chen’s performance was back in the 90s, in Newcastle. It was also the first time I ever heard of her name. Though she just won the fourth prize