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
Know Your Composer
I usually listen to BBC Radio 3 while I work. Its primary focus is classical music and opera. So the sung music reflects the languages from that world: Italian, German, French, Latin, English, less frequently Spanish or even Russian; but Portuguese is a rare occurrence. So when I heard Portuguese
Interviews
Sunil Kant Munjal is a prominent Indian businessman, philanthropist, and avid supporter of the arts. He is widely known for his contribution to the Indian economy as the former Joint Managing Director of Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of two-wheeled vehicles. His passion for the arts has also
Know Your Composer
Ludwig van Beethoven, one of the most influential composers in history, faced a unique and challenging obstacle that fundamentally altered both his music and his life: deafness. His journey with hearing loss is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and how limitations can become a catalyst for
Throwback Thursday
Luisa Tetrazzini was one of the most famous Italian sopranos of the 19th-20th centuries. She began singing at the age of three, which is perhaps why her father compared her to one of the great coloratura singers of the 19th century, Adelina Patti, who had also begun performing as a
