Music of India
Sattriya, a classical dance form originating from the northeastern state of Assam, holds a significant place in India’s rich cultural heritage. Rooted in the devotional practices of the region, Sattriya was traditionally performed by monks in the Sattras, or monasteries, as a means of worship and storytelling. Characterized by
Interviews
Born in Paraguaná, Venezuela, Moisés Lugo is a dedicated music educator and trumpeter. Trained in El Sistema in Paraguaná, he honed his skills under local teachers in his city before going on to perform under the batons of Simon Rattle and Gustavo Dudamel. With over a decade of experience in
Music of India
The plain white tag around the neck of the tanpura says simply: 1890, Miraj, Ustad Abdul Karim Khan. Around it, many more tanpuras stand tall, perched on their protuberant bases like awkward sentinels of sound. Their tags tell their respective origin stories – their scale, celebrated owners, faceless craftsmen with single
Know Your Composer
The first single from Unseen, the newest work by American composer, Michael Torke, was released earlier this month. (The full album will be available on May 10). The excerpt, No. 7 from a piece which unfolds in nine brief movements, delivers a visceral and ecstatic sense of groove. Scored for
Music of India
Ragas are the soul of Indian classical music, each possessing its own distinctive character, mood, and tonal framework. Comprising a set of ascending and descending musical notes, ragas dictate the melodic structure and improvisational framework for musicians. Rooted in ancient scriptures and passed down through generations via oral tradition, ragas
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Maurizio Pollini, a name synonymous with brilliance and innovation in the realm of classical music, left an indelible mark on the world stage with his unparalleled talent and unwavering dedication to his craft. On March 23, 2024, the music world mourned the loss of this legendary Italian pianist, whose playing
Interviews
Lucy French, a versatile cellist from Leamington Spa, UK, embodies a harmonious blend of artistic brilliance and educational passion. Since earning her master’s degree from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London in 2017, Lucy has embarked on a dynamic journey across continents, thriving both as a
Interviews
Born into a family esteemed for its musical legacy, Niladri Kumar emerged as a prodigious talent from a remarkably tender age. As the fifth-generation sitarist, his journey commenced at the age of four, displaying a natural affinity and eagerness for the instrument. Guided by the venerable tutelage of his father
Throwback Thursday
Frances Alda was born as Fanny Jane Davis on 31st May 1879 in Christchurch, New Zealand. It was her famous teacher Mathilde Marchesi who evolved “Alda” as the soprano’s last name. Her mother, Leonora Simonsen, was a professional singer. As a child, Alda was taken to Australia to live
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ABRSM is launching its first ever drum kit syllabus. Showcasing an unprecedented breadth of musical styles, the landmark syllabus offers drum candidates the opportunity to perform new and existing tracks by some of the world’s most popular artists and influential drummers, including: The White Stripes, James Brown, Red Hot
Know Your Composer
The story, recounted by the Russian musicologist, Leonid Sabaneyev, is so incredible that it may have been apocryphal. One day, while in Alexander Scriabin’s Moscow flat, Sabaneyev sat down at the piano and began to play a theme from Scriabin’s Fantasie in B minor, Op. 28. The composer
Music of India
In the realm of North Indian classical music, there exists an instrument that holds a special place, not only for its melodious tones but also for its cultural significance and emotive power. The Shehnai, with its hauntingly beautiful sound, has captivated audiences for centuries, weaving its magic in ceremonial and