Know Your Composer
As dean of the Second Viennese School, Arnold Schoenberg was one of the twentieth century’s greatest exponents of atonal music. Yet, Schoenberg resisted dogma. Long after developing his twelve-tone system, he asserted that “there is still much good music to be written in C major.” Weihnachtsmusik (“Christmas Music”) is
Music of India
Jayadeva, also spelled Jaideva, remains a luminary figure in Sanskrit literature, flourishing during the 12th century. His indelible mark lies in the celebrated epic poem, the ‘Gita Govinda,’ a magnum opus that intricately weaves the tale of Krishna’s impassioned love for the gopi, Radha, against the backdrop of spring.
Know Your Composer
The Symphony Orchestra of India, resident at the NCPA in Mumbai, is blessed with the harmony in diversity of many nationalities among its musicians. The unique sound of this young-in-years, musically maturing ensemble reflects not only the virtuosity of the players but also their international cultural contexts and training pedigrees.
Music of India
It hosts India’s oldest classical music festival, the Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan, and is home to at least two gharanas of vocal music and one of percussive music. It is the birthplace of some of the biggest icons of the Hindustani form. Its sacred music is rooted in dhrupad and
Christmas, as a theme in classical music, finds its origins intertwined with the earliest manifestations of musical expression. Gregorian chants, with their ethereal cadence, served as the foundational blocks for the sonic representation of the Nativity. These chants, echoing through the stone arches of ancient churches, bore witness to the
Music Education
Madama Butterfly, an opera in two acts by Giacomo Puccini to a libretto by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica, after David Belasco’s play, was first performed at the Teatro alla Scala, Milan, on 17th February 1904. A revised version, comprising three acts, was presented at the Teatro Grande in
Music of India
The Pakhawaj, a barrel-shaped, double-headed drum, originates from the Indian subcontinent. It stands as the precursor to various double-sided drums like the mridangam in Southern India and the kendang in Maritime Southeast Asia. Initially crafted from clay, its evolution has seen the use of diverse materials. Primarily associated with the
Music Education
Trinity College London examinations offer a globally consistent benchmark for evaluating proficiency in Music, Drama & Speech, and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). This makes them highly valuable for determining student placement in academic courses, establishing an internationally acknowledged measure of expertise when assessing individuals for teaching or
Features
Every corner of the historic cityscape of Edinburgh—the cobbled streets, the tall medieval architecture and the green hills—has learned to breathe art and music. It is a small city, but the cultural wealth it nurtures is enormous. The Scottish Parliament Building that sits within the UNESCO World Heritage
Indian classical music stands as a testament to centuries-old melodies, compositions, and rhythms, embodying the essence of cultural heritage. However, the fragility of this musical legacy is evident due to the ephemeral nature of recordings and manuscripts. Archiving and preservation efforts, led by both institutions and individuals, are pivotal in
Learning to read sheet music is akin to unlocking a new language—one that allows musicians to interpret and perform musical compositions precisely as intended by composers. For beginners stepping into the world of Western classical music, understanding the fundamentals of sheet music is an essential first step toward mastering
News
The International Society of Music Education South Asia Regional Conference titled ‘Music as Education: Multiculturalism, Learning and Cognitive Enhancement, and Advocacy’ ran at KM Music Conservatory, Chennai, from Friday, November 24th through till Sunday, November 26th. Witnessing both in-person and online delegates representing over 11 countries with more than 60
