John Rutter: The Beatles Concerto Although largely known for his choral and vocal works, John Rutter has also composed an interesting collection of orchestral works. His three movement concerto for two pianos: The Beatles Concerto, is based on Read more…
Antonio Vivaldi: Le quattro stagioni Antonio Vivaldi composed his ever-popular collection of violin concerti The Four Seasons around the year 1721. The conception of what we can now deduce as an early form of programme music was revolutionary Read more…
Dmitri Shostakovich: Waltz No. 2 Composed as part of Shostakovich’s Suite for Variety Orchestra – Waltz No. 2 is one of the composer’s most famous works. The suite was composed post-1956, and was subsequently used as part of Read more…
Edward Elgar: The Music Makers Edward Elgar is fondly remembered as one of the forefront English composers of the late 19th/early 20th century. His music is often incorporated into international concerts, with some of his most Read more…
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Don Giovanni Overture In anticipation of Opera on Location‘s exciting four day run of Mozart’s Don Giovanni in Sheffield later this month, this blog is dedicated to the fantastically dramatic overture of the opera. Composed Read more…
Felix Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E minor Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor is a thrilling three-movement work that has become a staple piece for violinists all around the world. In the midst of the Read more…
Eric Coates: By The Sleepy Lagoon Known for being one of the forefront light music composers in the 20th Century, Eric Coates is fondly remembered for his romantic waltzes, powerful marches, and catchy melodies. Composed in Read more…
Joseph Haydn: Symphony No. 103 ‘Drumroll’ Joseph Haydn was born in 1732 in Rahrau, Austria, where he was brought up listening to and performing folk-music. As he grew up he showed musical talent, and his parents Read more…
Howard Goodall: The Lord is my Shepherd Known for his choral music and his music for television, English composer Howard Goodall CBE is a household name. After studying music at Christ Church, Oxford, Goodall has since been Read more…
John Adams: The Chairman Dances The Chairman Dances by American composer John Adams is a mezmerising display of programmatic mastery in the post-minimalist movement. Written in 1985, the piece is essentially a by-product of his very Read more…