Know Your Composer
Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is more than just a piece of music; it is a monumental work that has captivated audiences and scholars alike for nearly two centuries. Composed between 1822 and 1824, it stands as one of the most significant and influential compositions in the history of
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
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
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
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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
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The Romantic era, spanning from the late 18th century to the early 19th century, witnessed a profound transformation in music, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and a deep connection to nature and the human experience. Central to this period was the development of the German Lied, or art song, a genre that
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Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, a towering figure in the world of classical music, stands as one of the most influential composers in the history of ballet. His contributions to the genre are unparalleled, with masterpieces like “Swan Lake,” “The Nutcracker,” and “Sleeping Beauty” not only defining the Russian ballet tradition but
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The world of classical music has been profoundly shaped by many extraordinary composers, but few relationships within this sphere are as captivating as the friendship between Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Joseph Haydn. These two titans of classical music, separated by nearly a quarter of a century in age, shared a
Know Your Composer
The Romantic era in music, spanning from the late 18th century to the early 20th century, marked a profound shift in the artistic landscape. This period emphasized emotion, individualism, and expressive depth, breaking away from the structured forms of the Classical era. Among the luminaries of this era, Frédéric Chopin
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This month marked the 150th anniversary of the first performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s Requiem. The premiere, led by the composer, took place on May 22, 1874 at the Church of San Marco in Milan, and was followed by subsequent performances at La Scala and in Paris. Powerfully dramatic, Verdi’
Know Your Composer
Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony premiered in Vienna in May 1824. Two centuries later, it remains a powerful and enduring work. “Sing that song from Germany,” my cousins would say to me over the phone when I was a little boy of four, just arrived in Goa with my family from
Know Your Composer
The bond between Johannes Brahms and Clara Schumann is a fascinating story of music, collaboration, and enduring friendship. Despite living in a time when close relationships between male and female composers were not always looked upon favourably, Brahms and Clara Schumann forged a unique and lasting connection. This article explores
