Reviews
Running a symphony orchestra is a full-time job indeed. It goes without saying that a music director must know every bit of the tools needed to curate a season from scratch. It is impossible to predict how a season will turn out, even with advanced knowledge of the forthcoming repertoire
Interviews
Professor Jonathan Freeman-Attwood CBE has not only shaped the landscape of classical music but has transformed the education narrative for over 35 years. Currently serving as the 14th Principal of the Royal Academy of Music since 2008, his journey has been marked by an unwavering commitment to education, coupled with
Music Education
“He’s extremely talented.” “She doesn’t have the talent for singing.” We’ve all heard variants of these comments, even if we haven’t necessarily said them ourselves. The dictionary definition of ‘talent’ is “a natural aptitude or skill.” It implies that one is either born with it or
Music of India
Indian classical music, with its rich fabric of intricate melodies and rhythmic patterns, has long been revered as a profound art form. Beyond its auditory allure, Indian classical music has transcended the confines of its sonic realm, influencing various facets of culture, including literature. This article delves into the intricate
Western classical music is a vast genre that encompasses hundreds of years of musical history, ranging from the medieval era to the contemporary era. For those new to classical music, it can be overwhelming to navigate the vast catalog of works. To help, here are some of the best Western
Music of India
N Rajam is surprised that you see a quartet of women violinists from across three generations of a family as an inspirational saga of feminist triumph. “Really? Things have changed now, no?” she asks, strong eyebrows raised in mild amusement. You argue back. What about gender discrimination? Male dominance in
Know Your Composer
Canadian singer Celine Dion was in the news on account of her recent diagnosis with the crippling rare neurologic condition stiff-person disorder, causing her to cancel future concert tours. I was listening to one of her signature songs, ‘All by Myself’, which was actually written nearly fifty years ago, in
Music of India
In the realm of Hindustani classical music, the tala serves as the rhythmic backbone, guiding and structuring the intricate melodic and improvisational elements of a performance. The evolution of tala has been a journey spanning centuries, interwoven with the rich tapestry of Indian cultural heritage, diverse regional influences, and the
Opinion
“Starfield” is one of the most anticipated video games in recent history. The game, which was released on Sept. 6, 2023, allows players to build their own character and spacecraft, travel to any one of a thousand or more planets and follow multiple story arcs. The soundtrack is equally epic,
Music of India
Bharatanatyam, a classical dance form originating from the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is renowned for its intricate footwork, expressive gestures, and compelling storytelling. In the realm of Indian classical arts, it occupies a place of profound cultural significance, representing the synthesis of music, dance, and theater. Parallel to
The art of vocal performance in classical music is not merely a display of technical prowess; it is a profound exploration of human emotion and narrative. Central to this exploration is the concept of vocal repertoire, a rich and diverse collection of musical compositions that form the backbone of classical
Know Your Composer
In 2017, a previously unknown work by Dmitri Shostakovich was discovered in Moscow’s Central Archives among the documents of Vadim Borisovsky (the longtime violist of the Beethoven Quartet). It was a brief, unassuming piece entitled, Impromptu for Viola and Piano, Op. 33. The autograph on the title page was