This is one instrument where we will ignore the ancient history. Yes, there were single-reed instruments in the ancient world and there was a Baroque single-reed instrument called the chalumeau that had been based on a recorder model. For the

Johann Sebastian Bach was born in present-day Germany in 1685. Before we dive into his music, here are a few things you should know about him first: Music was Bach’s family business. Almost every man in his family was a

Piano music for the new season Welcome the arrival of spring with this selection of atmospheric piano pieces inspired by or evocative of springtime. Christian Sinding: Rustle of Spring No playlist of piano music for Spring would be without this

In the 19th century, the horn took itself off the battlefield and became part of the orchestra. As a natural horn with no valves, the tuning on a horn had to be controlled by adding extra length to the horn.

Composer Franz Schubert was born on 31 January 1797 in a suburb of Vienna. Here are a few brief facts about his life: Schubert wrestled with health problems throughout his life and died young. He was diagnosed with syphilis in

Poor Echo. In Greek mythology, she was a nymph who came to the attention of Zeus and then of Zeus’ wife, Hera. Finding her husband in a compromising position and delayed in her discovery by Echo’s long conversations, Hera condemned

Did you know that in the Latin language “Diva” is the word for goddess? We constantly hear it in connection with show business, where it is used to describe a highly temperamental and demanding person. In the world of opera,

If you have heard one, you probably have heard them all! I am talking about viola jokes, a musical stereotype with a rich and proud heritage. Jokes directed towards violas and viola players probably originated in the 18th century, and