Henri Duparc: Phidylé Context Based on the 1858 poem of the same name by Leconte de Lisle, Henri Duparc’s setting of Phidylé remains one of his more popular works. Initially written for a high male voice and piano in 1882, Duparc also orchestrated it some 10 years later. Duparc was Read more…
Johannes Brahms: Hungarian Dance No.6 Context Johannes Brahms completed his 21 Hungarian Dances by 1879, and they still remain one his most popular collections of music. All of the dances are based on traditional Hungarian folk tunes and range from c.1 minute to 6 minutes in duration. Some of the Read more…
Edvard Grieg: In Autumn Context Edvard Grieg composed his concert overture, In Autumn in 1865. The work is inspired by Autumn landscapes that Grieg enjoyed in his homelands. The overture takes the listener through a number of different sections, each showcasing a different highlight of Autumn. Although seldom heard in Read more…
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Andante for Flute & Orchestra K.315 Context Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart composed his Andante for Flute & Orchestra in 1778, after a commission came through from Ferdinand De Jean. De Jean also commissioned K.313, also known as Flute Concerto No.1 in G major. However, the issue was that Read more…
Harry Gregson-Williams: A Narnia Lullaby Context Harry Gregson-Williams composed the score for the 2005 fantasy film The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios, Gregson-Williams’ soundtrack employs a huge number of orchestral musicians, a large mixed voice choir, soloists and vocalists. Gregson-Williams Read more…
George Frideric Handel: For Unto Us A Child Is Born 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, Read more…
Ernst von Dohnányi: Piano Concerto No.1 Context As well as being a great pianist and conductor, Ernst von Dohnányi (1877-1960) is most fondly remembered for being a composer. He composed a number of works that were largely popular during his time, although most but his chamber works seem to be Read more…
Rosy Wertheim: String Quartet Context The Dutch composer, Rosy Wertheim (1888-1949), was one of the first female composers who completed her professional music education and garnered some international acclaim for her music. Although spending the start and end of her life in her homeland of the Netherlands, Wertheim travelled all Read more…
Edvard Grieg: Piano Concerto in A Context Edvard Grieg composed his famous Piano Concerto in 1868, and remained the only completed concerto by the composer. Grieg was the intended soloist for the 1869 premiere in Copenhagen, however the 25-year old composer had another commitment. Edmond Neupert was drafted in as Read more…
Joseph Haydn: Symphony No.1 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…