Sergei Rachmaninov: Isle of the Dead Context Inspired by Arnold Böcklin’s painting called Isle of the Dead, Sergei Rachmaninov’s symphonic poem of the same name was completed in 1908 during the composer’s stay in dresden. Rachmaninov saw Böcklin’s painting in 1907 whilst in Paris, but instead of the original painting, Read more…
Michael Nyman: The Heart Asks Pleasure First Context Michael Nyman’s solo piano piece The Heart Asks Pleasure First was composed as part of the 1993 film The Piano. On the album soundtrack Nyman plays all the piano parts himself, with this album being his twentieth album release. The soundtrack was Read more…
Musical Beasts and Where to Find Them Throughout childhood, my parents would find me warbling to songbirds, serenading cats or performing sonatas to chickens. I harboured hopes that a lark might land, Snow White style, on my outstretched hand and perhaps sing me a little something. Twenty-five years later, I Read more…
Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No.1 Context Ludwig van Beethoven grew up hearing and learning about the symphonies of his predecessors such as Mozart and Haydn. When he was a boy, Mozart was penning his famous Salzburg symphonies, and when he was a teenager, Mozart was writing his perennial late symphonies. Read more…
Krzysztof Penderecki: Intermezzo Context Composed in 1973, Krzysztof Penderecki’s Intermezzo is composed for 24 strings. The work bears resemblance to his First Symphony in terms of style. Penderecki builds various stages of narrative throughout Intermezzo which sees each individual part shine through. The Music The timbres and textures that Read more…
Domenico Zipoli: Elevazione for Cello and Oboe Context Domenico Zipoli (1688-1726)was an Italian Baroque composer. Not much is known about Zipoli and his life, however we do know that he became a Jesuit so he could teach music in Paraguay and Peru. He is often remembered for being one of Read more…
Tony Banks: Reveille Context Known for being the keyboardist and founding member of the rock group Genesis, it might come as a surprise that Tony Banks has now released three classical albums. Five (5) follows Seven: A Suite for Orchestra (2004) and Six Pieces for Orchestra (2012). It was released Read more…
Ludwig van Beethoven: Klaviersonate Nr. 17 Der historische Kontext Die Klaviersonate Nr. 17 von Ludwig van Beethoven wurde zwischen 1801-1802 komponiert. Sie wird oft als den Sturm bezeichnet. Es wird behauptet, dass der Spitzname von einem Gespräch zwischen Beethoven und Anton Schindler gestammt sei. Die Musik Satz I – Read more…
Interview with Kris Garfitt Award-winning trombonist Kris Garfitt is constantly busy with concerts, competitions and recitals. His sheer breadth of styles has led him to become a remarkable force in the business. He is currently a member of the German Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, where he performs a variety of orchestral Read more…
Ennio Morricone: Gabriel’s Oboe Context Ennio Morricone’s work Gabriel’s Oboe is chiefly known for being the main theme of the 1986 film The Mission. The film is a period drama about the experiences of a Jesuit missionary in South America. The film starred big names such as Robert De Niro, Read more…