Vissarion Shebalin: Orientalia Context Close friend and colleague of Dmitri Shostakovich, Vissarion Shebalin (1902-63) has remained a largely unexplored Soviet composer. Although unexplored, his music has such depth to it, as well as holding on to integrity. Shostakovich described Shebalin: “His kindness, honesty and absolute adherence to principle always Read more…
George Frideric Handel: Thy rebuke hath broken His heart Messiah Part II 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 Read more…
Sally Beamish: In the Stillness Context Sally Beamish was born in London. She studied viola at the RNCM with Patrick Ireland, and in Detmold with Bruno Giuranna, and was a founder member of the Raphael Ensemble. She also performed regularly with the Academy of St Martin-in-the-Fields and the London Sinfonietta, Read more…
Malcolm Arnold: Beckus the Dandipratt Context Malcolm Arnold was born in Northampton, England in October 1921. He took up playing the trumpet at age 12, and after studying and practising intensely for five years, he was awarded a scholarship to study at the Royal College of Music. Whilst at RCM, Read more…
Kurt Atterberg: Barocco Suite No.5 Context Composed in 1923 for chamber orchestra, Swedish composer Kurt Atterberg intended to write a suite of music inspired by Baroque music. Although set in the styles of famous Baroque genres, the music is certainly resonant of Atterberg’s homeland, with Swedish folk tunes making their Read more…
Joseph Haydn: Symphony No.11 Context Often known as the ‘Father of the Symphony’, Joseph Haydn’s legacy as a symphonist stays strong today. Haydn composed 104 symphonies over the course of his long and fruitful life, and we at Classicalexburns want to help you discover the stories and music behind all Read more…
August Klughardt: Wind Quintet Context Composed in 1898, August Klughardt’s Wind Quintet is one of his most timeless works. Inspired somewhat by the stylings of Franz Liszt, Richard Wagner and Robert Schumann, Klughardt’s music is conservative for the time, with his efforts going mostly into writing chamber music and symphonies. Read more…
Kenneth Leighton: Elegy for Cello Context Originally set as part of his 1947 Sonata in F minor, Kenneth Leighton’s Elegy for Cello went through a number of different forms before ending up with the version we know today. As part of the sonata, Elegy only received one public performance in Read more…
César Franck: Symphony in D minor Context César Franck’s cyclic Symphony in D minor was started in 1877 – a time where the slightly older composer was hitting his creative stride. Although firmly planted in the French music scene, Franck very much admired the Germanic stylings of composers before, including Read more…
Opera on Location: The Prodigal Son Kelham Island Museum Courtyard | August 2021 After a successful digital performance of Cinderella in Christmas 2020, the people of South Yorkshire were no doubt thrilled to hear the news that Opera on Location were planning a live opera in Summer 2021. Featuring a 10-strong ensemble plus Read more…