Know Your Composer
From the Baroque salons of Venice to 21st‑century concert halls, this article uncovers the overlooked achievements of women composers—Strozzi, Hensel, Saariaho and more—showing how their creativity has quietly but profoundly shaped the classical canon.
Know Your Composer
Chopin’s Nocturnes revolutionised the piano repertoire, blending haunting melodies with daring harmonies. From the intimate Op. 9 pair to the grand Op. 48 in C minor, these miniatures illuminate Romantic expression in miniature form, nuance and virtuosity.
Know Your Composer
Handel’s Messiah almost never saw the light of day. Its 1742 Dublin premiere was a risky bet that turned into a musical triumph, rescuing Handel’s career and transforming the choral repertoire forever.
Know Your Composer
Igor Stravinsky transformed twentieth-century music through rhythmic innovation and stylistic reinvention. From 'The Rite of Spring' to neoclassicism and serialism, his evolving voice continues to influence composers and captivate audiences today.
Know Your Composer
Clara and Robert Schumann’s union transcended romance to become a rare, creative partnership. As composer, pianist and critic, Robert found in Clara not just his muse but an equal whose artistry and intellect shaped Romantic music forever.
Know Your Composer
Discover the extraordinary journey of Franz Liszt—from his childhood prodigy years in Hungary to his revolutionary virtuosity, landmark compositions and role as teacher, impresario and advocate for new music—tracing the enduring impact he left on the musical world.
Know Your Composer
Explore how Mozart revolutionised 18th-century opera across buffa, seria and Singspiel. From the witty ensembles of 'The Marriage of Figaro' to the supernatural drama of 'The Magic Flute', his operas endure as milestones of genius.
Know Your Composer
Mozart’s untimely death in 1791 sparked rumors of Salieri’s deadly envy, but a review of his symptoms, contemporary reports, known medical practices, and modern research reveals no evidence of deliberate poisoning in his final illness.
Know Your Composer
Discover how Christoph Willibald Gluck and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart revolutionised opera by integrating dramatic storytelling with musical innovation. Their pioneering reforms reshaped the art form, setting new standards for emotional depth and narrative cohesion in classical opera.
Know Your Composer
Discover how Beethoven’s dramatic innovation and Schubert’s lyrical sensitivity revolutionised the piano trio. Explore their transformative impact on chamber music, and how their legacy continues to inspire modern musicians in crafting intimate, expressive, powerful dialogues.
Know Your Composer
Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture remains a timeless classic, blending live cannon fire and resonant church bells to create an unforgettable musical spectacle that celebrates Russian history, ingenuity, and triumph. Discover its rich legacy and innovative artistry.
Know Your Composer
Heitor Villa-Lobos revolutionized classical music by blending Brazilian folk and indigenous traditions with Western forms. His compositions reflect a dynamic synthesis of cultural influences, redefining national identity and challenging conventional boundaries between classical and vernacular music.