Interviews
Dr. L. Subramaniam, a luminary in the world of music, seamlessly blends the serenity of Indian classical melodies with the magnetism of Western virtuosity. His journey from a prodigious child artist to a global icon spans continents and genres. Born into a musical family, Subramaniam's prowess on the
Know Your Composer
This is the 150th birth anniversary of English composer, arranger and teacher Gustav Theodore Holst (1874 – 1934). Although best known for his orchestral suite ‘The Planets’ (1918), this year presents an appropriate opportunity to revisit the rest of his vast oeuvre. This is precisely what is happening at the ongoing
Interviews
Of the 32 singers who have recently made it to the quarterfinals of Operalia 2024 to be held in Mumbai, we speak to two with roots in India. The excitement is palpable as the NCPA comes close to hosting the renowned Operalia competition for the first time in India. The
Opinion
Did you stay up to watch the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics on Friday 26 July? I preferred to watch it at leisure a couple of days later. I thought the weather played spoilsport to what would otherwise have been a truly magnificent spectacle. But I am rather surprise
In the grand spectacle of a symphony orchestra concert, every detail is meticulously choreographed, from the tuning of the instruments to the final standing ovation. Among these traditions, one might notice a seemingly small but significant gesture: the conductor shaking hands with the lead violinist, also known as the concertmaster,
Know Your Composer
Starting in 1886 with the symphonic fantasy Aus Italien, Richard Strauss composed a series of programmatic orchestral works—Don Juan (1888-89), Tod und Verklärung (also 1888-89), Macbeth (1888-1891), Till Eulenspiegel (1894-95), Also sprach Zarathustra (1896), Don Quixote (1897), Ein Heldenleben (1897- 98), Symphonia Domestica (1902-03) andEine Alpensinfonie (1911-15)—of which
Music of India
Indian classical music, with its rich tapestry of ragas and talas, stands as one of the most sophisticated and intricate musical traditions in the world. This article delves into the advanced techniques that underpin this venerable art form, focusing on the complexities of ragas, the intricacies of talas, and the
Know Your Composer
The world of Western classical music has been shaped by countless influential relationships, but few are as compelling as the mentor-student dynamic between Ludwig van Beethoven and Joseph Haydn. These two towering figures of the late 18th and early 19th centuries not only revolutionized the musical landscape but also shared
Music Education
The piano concerto is one of the most celebrated and complex forms of classical music, showcasing both the composer’s ingenuity and the performer’s virtuosity. These compositions often serve as a testament to the artistic and technical prowess of both parties. The history of the piano concerto is rich
Know Your Composer
The rivalry between Antonio Salieri and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is one of the most enduring narratives in the history of Western classical music. It has been immortalized in books, plays, and films, most notably Peter Shaffer’s play “Amadeus” and its subsequent film adaptation by Milos Forman. This story has
Features
I remember Saturdays in Don Bosco being somewhat festive, because at 11 o’clock the school intercom would play music from the Radio Ceylon station. I’m not sure if this was for the whole school, but this was certainly true for the primary section which I was in, during
The digital age has revolutionized how we access information and acquire skills, and music education is no exception. Online learning platforms have made it easier than ever to learn music from the comfort of your home, whether you’re a beginner eager to pick up an instrument or an advanced
