The People's Symphony
Few Indian composers have ventured into the symphonic tradition. With 'New Beginnings', Lydian Nadhaswaram enters that lineage. Vishwas Gaitonde examines the work, its origins and the vision behind its creation.
Latest
How AI Is Being Used to Compose Classical Music
Artificial intelligence is transforming classical music composition, helping composers generate ideas, complete unfinished masterpieces and rethink creativity itself. Discover how AI is shaping the future of classical music while complementing, rather than replacing, human artistry.
Applications Open for the Olga & Jules Craen Foundation's Young Musician of the Year Award 2027
After a hiatus of two years, it is with great pleasure that The Olga & Jules Craen Foundation invites young musicians from anywhere in India to apply for its Young Musician of the Year 2027 award. The OJCF is pleased to convey that the National Centre for the Performing Arts
The Underrated Works of Franz Schubert You Should Hear
Beyond the 'Unfinished Symphony' and 'Trout Quintet' lies a wealth of remarkable music. Discover ten underrated works by Franz Schubert that reveal his lyrical brilliance, inventive imagination and extraordinary range across chamber, orchestral, sacred and piano music.
Composing for the Classroom: Writing Music That Inspires Learning
Educational repertoire demands creativity as much as concert music. Composer and educator James Welburn explores how writing for learners balances imagination with pedagogy, helping young musicians develop technique, confidence and a lifelong love of making music.
10 Common Myths About Classical Music – Debunked
Classical music is surrounded by misconceptions, from the idea that it is only for experts to the belief that it is outdated. We separate fact from fiction by debunking ten of the most common myths.
Music Education Methods: Suzuki vs. Kodály
The Suzuki and Kodály methods have shaped music education for generations, but they take very different approaches to developing young musicians. Discover their philosophies, strengths and key differences to help determine which method best suits different learners.
How Classical Music Survived Wars and Political Upheavals
From wartime premieres to hidden manuscripts and exiled composers, classical music has repeatedly survived humanity's darkest moments. Discover how wars, revolutions and political upheavals shaped the music we continue to perform and cherish today.
Who Stole Haydn's Head? The Bizarre Tale of Skull Theft
Joseph Haydn's musical legacy is celebrated worldwide, but few know the extraordinary story of what happened after his death. Discover the bizarre tale of the composer's stolen skull, scientific obsession and the remarkable journey that lasted 145 years.
On the Horizon: Melissa Dunphy and Dominick DiOrio on Climate, Community, and Choral Music
Composer Melissa Dunphy and conductor Dominick DiOrio discuss ‘On the Horizon’, a large-scale cantata confronting climate change through the voices of young singers, and reflect on collaboration, responsibility, and the enduring communal power of choral music.
Master Your Musical Journey: How to Build a Winning Digital Portfolio
The digital music portfolio is essential for showcasing a musician’s skills, experience, and artistic journey. It helps reviewers assess talent online, requiring clear structure, strong recordings, updated content, and cohesive presentation to create opportunities.
Exploring Chopin’s Raindrop Prelude, Op. 28 No. 15
Through its famous repeated note, shifting harmonies and dramatic contrasts, Chopin’s Raindrop Prelude traces an emotional path from serenity to turbulence and back again, revealing the composer’s extraordinary ability to create profound expression from remarkably simple musical material.
Reviews
John Tavener's 'Krishna' at Grange Park Opera
World Premiere, 4 June 2026; Performance Reviewed: 13 June. Sir John Tavener's 'Krishna' transforms episodes from Hindu mythology into a visually rich and spiritually ambitious opera, combining haunting music, vivid imagery and moments of transcendence.
Interviews
History, Mystery and Music: The World of Composer Jamie Wilkins
Composer, conductor and arranger Jamie Wilkins discusses his creative process, the influence of history and storytelling on his music, recording with the London Symphony Orchestra, and the remarkable experiences that have shaped his musical journey.
Music Education
The Fine Line Between Clever Wordplay and Misheard Lyrics in Modern Music
Examine the fine line between clever wordplay and misheard lyrics in modern music, why our brains mishear songs, and the most commonly confused lines.
Music Education
Beyond Angels and Glissandos: Why the Harp Deserves a Closer Listen
Often associated with angels, fairy tales and shimmering glissandos, the harp is one of classical music's most misunderstood instruments. From Debussy to Stravinsky, its rich expressive palette reveals a voice capable of drama, power, mystery and innovation.
Know Your Composer
Analysing Stravinsky’s 'The Rite of Spring'
More than a century after its explosive premiere, Igor Stravinsky’s 'The Rite of Spring' remains a landmark of musical modernism. This analysis explores its revolutionary rhythms, daring orchestration, folk influences and enduring impact on twentieth-century music.
Interviews
Rediscovering Haydn's Forgotten Instrument: A Conversation with Matthew Baker
Favoured by Prince Nikolaus Esterházy and championed by Haydn, the baryton nearly vanished from musical life. Matthew Baker discusses reviving the instrument through the Valencia Baryton Project and bringing its remarkable repertoire to modern audiences.
Know Your Composer
Stravinsky and Debussy: A Mutual Admiration
Though often viewed as representatives of contrasting musical worlds, Claude Debussy and Igor Stravinsky shared a remarkable artistic bond. Their mutual admiration fostered a creative exchange that influenced modern music and connected two of the twentieth century’s greatest composers.
Music Education
The Daily Routine of a Professional Violinist
A professional violinist's life involves far more than concerts and applause. Discover how elite musicians structure their days through practice, rehearsals, teaching, physical conditioning, and artistic preparation to maintain the highest standards of performance.
Features
How Italian Opera Took Over Europe
From Monteverdi's early masterpieces to Verdi's global triumphs, Italian opera became Europe's dominant musical language. Discover how Italy's singers, composers, and theatres transformed a local art form into an international cultural phenomenon.
Music Education
Beethoven's Most Dramatic Key
A chance journey through concerts in Bengaluru and Mumbai became an exploration of Beethoven's enduring fascination with C minor, the key that shaped some of his most dramatic, heroic and emotionally compelling music.
Interviews
Mary Hopper and Sharmila Livingston on Music, Mentorship, and Building Choral Communities
A four-decade friendship between conductor Mary Hopper and Delhi-based musician Sharmila Livingston culminates in a rare artistic collaboration in India, rooted in mentorship, collective singing, and the enduring human power of choral music.
Music Technology
What to Look for When Hiring a Mastering Engineer
Choosing the right mastering engineer can transform your music from good to truly professional. This guide explores what artists should look for in mastering services, from genre expertise and communication to streaming optimization, revisions, and the difference between AI and human mastering.
