William Grant Still: Three Visions Context Known for being one of the forefront African-American composers of the 20th century, William Grant Still’s legacy lives on today. Still was the first American composer to have an opera produced by the New York City Opera, the first African-American composer to conduct a Read more…
Gabriel Fauré: Pavane Context Originally composed for solo piano, Gabriel Fauré’s Pavane is now better-known for its orchestral and optional choir versions. The all-orchestral version is performed often across the globe, with it also being dubbed as one of the most relaxing pieces of music ever composed. Fauré composed Pavane Read more…
Dag Wirén: String Quartet No.3 Context Swedish composer Dag Wirén’s musical oeuvre can be summed up by looking at just his five string quartets. Composed between 1935 and 1970, the span and development of Wirén’s style can be assessed throughout all quartets. The composer removed the first quartet that composed Read more…
Bohuslav Martinů: Symphony No.1 Context One of the leading Czech composers during the 20th Century, Bohuslav Martinů wrote over 400 works, including 6 symphonies, 15 operas, 14 ballet scores and a huge body of chamber and orchestral works. After finding his feet in the style of Neoclassicism, Martinů used Igor Read more…
Judith Weir: Piano Concerto Context Judith Weir was born in 1954 in Cambridge, and at a young age she began learning the oboe. Weir in her youth performed regularly with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. She studied composition whilst at school with none other than John Tavener. From Read more…
Bright Sheng: Flute Moon Context Chinese-American composer Bright Sheng is known for his clever mixing Western and Asian cultures within music. Sheng’s Asian influences come from his intense study of musical cultures over the past thirty years. His music pushes boundaries, whilst also remaining palatable for the everyday listener. Composed Read more…
George Frideric Handel: His Yoke is Easy Messiah Part I Context George Frideric Handel’s Messiah has remained one of the composer’s most beloved works. Incredibly, Handel completed this 260-page oratorio in just 24 days during the summer of 1741. The scriptural text was compiled by Charles Jennens, with the source Read more…
Joly Braga Santos: String Quartet No.1 Context Remembered for being one of the leading Portugese composers during the 20th century, Joly Braga Santos (1924-1988) composed six symphonies and a collection of chamber works. After recently having a small surge of recordings made, Braga Santos’ music is rightfully receiving more attention. Read more…
Eric Nathan: The Space of a Door Context Composed in 2016 from a commission from the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Eric Nathan’s The Space of a Door is a thrilling orchestral work. The work is dedicated to Music Director Andris Nelsons, Anthony Fogg and the BSO members. Nathan writes about receiving Read more…
Morfydd Llwyn Owen: Four Welsh Impressions Context Although Welsh composer Morfydd Llwyn Owen only composed seriously for the last 10 years of her short life, her huge catalogue showcases her musical styles and genres she used. Composed between 1914-15, Four Welsh Impressions sits as part of Owen’s solo piano catalogue. Read more…