Specific cities have inspired a huge amount of classical music over the years. Today, we’re looking at a selection of classical works explicitly connected to major cities, examining how each composer responded to each place. Some pieces reflect civic pride
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Is Audience Behaviour a Fair Measure of Civility? February 25th, 2013 Even now, I often see our press and expert critics sigh about the behaviour of audiences when they talk about concerts, as if whether they applauded between movements is the only standard by which to judge how civilised they are. -
Robert Kurka February 23rd, 2013 Robert Kurka Symphony No. 2, OP. 24 Louisville Orchestra Robert Whitney, conductor Louisville Orchestra First Edition Records — LP LOU-616 Released 1961 I. Allegro molto II. Andante espressivo III. Presto gioioso “There is a degree of freshness and impetuosity that -
Johan Baptist Vanhal February 23rd, 2013 “No rights reserved” Vanhal, Violin Concerto in B-flat major If you have ever wondered about the competitive nature of the music business in the 18th Century, Johan Baptist Vanhal (1739-1813) would be a good person to ask. He rubbed shoulders -
In touch with Bright Sheng February 22nd, 2013 Bright Sheng, Chinese-American composer and the founder of Intimacy of Creativity is feeling good about the coming third season in many ways. With a stellar artistic line up, up-and-coming young composers and a growing recognition both locally and internationally, Bright -
Pretty Servants and a Mad King
Richard Wagner and Ludwig II February 21st, 2013Having been unceremoniously evicted from Mr. Wesendonck’s Zürich property, Richard Wagner aimlessly wandered around Europe. He was clearly depressed, as none of his grand musical ambitions had yet been realised, and as usual, he had no money. He had also -
Paving the Road!
Mozart Piano Concerto No. 25 February 15th, 2013Here is a little trick question; see if you know the answer? What major composition by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart had to wait 147 years after his death before it was performed again? The answer is truly amazing as it involves -
Richard Wagner and Paris February 14th, 2013 In the 19th century, Paris was one of the most important music capitals of Europe. Richard Wagner, during his ‘Wanderjahre’ (years of wandering from Riga to London, Dresden and Zűrich – mainly to escape his various creditors), attempted several times -
The Magic of Amateur Musicians February 14th, 2013 We professionals rarely, if ever read through music for fun. We are too busy preparing music. I avoid sight-reading, if I can. I am a professional musician after all! I take pride in preparation, precision and perfection. I delve beyond