Throwback Thursday
Frances Alda was born as Fanny Jane Davis on 31st May 1879 in Christchurch, New Zealand. It was her famous teacher Mathilde Marchesi who evolved “Alda” as the soprano’s last name. Her mother, Leonora Simonsen, was a professional singer. As a child, Alda was taken to Australia to live
News
ABRSM is launching its first ever drum kit syllabus. Showcasing an unprecedented breadth of musical styles, the landmark syllabus offers drum candidates the opportunity to perform new and existing tracks by some of the world’s most popular artists and influential drummers, including: The White Stripes, James Brown, Red Hot
Know Your Composer
The story, recounted by the Russian musicologist, Leonid Sabaneyev, is so incredible that it may have been apocryphal. One day, while in Alexander Scriabin’s Moscow flat, Sabaneyev sat down at the piano and began to play a theme from Scriabin’s Fantasie in B minor, Op. 28. The composer
Music of India
In the realm of North Indian classical music, there exists an instrument that holds a special place, not only for its melodious tones but also for its cultural significance and emotive power. The Shehnai, with its hauntingly beautiful sound, has captivated audiences for centuries, weaving its magic in ceremonial and
In today’s oversaturated music landscape, it is an immense challenge for new artists to get their music heard amongst the millions of other songs produced and uploaded daily. The traditional avenues for promotion and musical discovery that existed a decade ago have now been revolutionized by the digital era
Music of India
Indian classical music stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Indian subcontinent, characterized by its intricate melodies, complex rhythms, and deep spiritual significance. Within this expansive landscape, two primary classical music traditions have flourished: Hindustani and Carnatic music. Despite sharing common roots, these traditions have evolved
Music Education
The classical guitar, with its intimate sound and rich timbre, boasts a repertoire as diverse and storied as any other instrument in the classical music tradition. To truly appreciate the depth and breadth of this repertoire, it’s essential to understand its historical context and the evolutionary journey it has
News
As the NCPA prepares for the grand welcome of the 31st edition of Operalia and the celebrated tenor himself, ON Stage goes behind the scenes of the world’s most prestigious opera competition to be held this September for the first time in India. For participants of television talent shows
Music of India
The sour golugu berries/And shark fish and mullet/When I eat the fish you appear in my dreams/My dark and handsome sweetheart/You bring such a good catch. In 1938, a delightfully piquant Telugu folk song, titled Golakondoyi, made its debut on All India Radio, and as we
Interviews
Neena Roy, an esteemed educator in Western classical music, shares her insights into teaching methods, philosophies, and experiences. With a rich background in Indian classical vocal music and prestigious training at institutions like the Calcutta School of Music and the Royal College in London, Neena’s journey has been shaped
Know Your Composer
In the vast landscape of 19th-century German music, two towering figures emerge, each commanding attention and adulation in their own right: Johannes Brahms and Richard Wagner. Their names evoke distinct musical worlds, yet their paths intersected in a clash of artistic philosophies and egos, creating one of the most compelling
Music of India
Hindustani classical music, with its intricate melodies and emotive expressions, has been shaped over centuries by the diverse cultural and regional influences of the Indian subcontinent. At the heart of this musical tradition lies the concept of gharana, or musical lineage, which serves as a repository of knowledge, technique, and
