Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Trio in D Major ‘Ghost’ Context Ludwig van Beethoven’s set of two piano trios under Opus. 70 were composed during the composer’s stay at Countess Marie von Erdödy’s estate. Both of the trios are dedicated to the Countess, and were published in 1809. The first trio, Read more…
Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel: Overture in C Context Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel is, for many, one of the most celebrated female composers today. Her incredible catalogue of chamber music in particular has pleased many musicians and audiences alike over the last few decades. However, this has not always been the case. Hensel was often Read more…
Hamish MacCunn: The Land of the Mountain and the Flood Context Scottish Romantic composer Hamish MacCunn (1868-1916) was always intrigued with Scottish landscapes. Although he lived in London for a long time, MacCunn was a lifelong champion of Scottish folk songs, music and the incredible landscapes. He composed The Land Read more…
Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No.5 A Snapshot Context Composed between 1804-1808, Ludwig van Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony is not only one of his most famous works, but it’s also one of the most well-known works in the Western Classical Music canon. The Fifth Symphony premiered on 22nd December 1808 in an Read more…
John Williams: Theme to Jaws Context John Williams composed the soundtrack for teven Spielberg thriller Jaws in 1975. It originally came out as an LP in 1975 and was then re-released on CD in 1992. Various future versions have since been released, including the 25th anniversary DVD, which included the Read more…
Nigel Hess: East Coast Pictures Context Commissioned in 2000 by the British Youth Wind Orchestra, Nigel Hess’ East Coast Pictures has quickly become a wind orchestra staple. Set into three short movements, or ‘pictures’, the movements were inspired by Hess’ several visits to a small part of the American East Read more…
Interview with Stephen Johnson Author, broadcaster, composer and presenter Stephen Johnson is one of the most celebrated in the business. His work on BBC Radio 3 hosting the much-loved series ‘Discovering Music’ still informs and excites those who listen years after they first were broadcast. His engaging manner as a Read more…
Aulis Sallinen: Sunrise Serenade Context Finnish contemporary composer Aulis Sallinen began to learn music from a young age. He attended the prestigious Sibelius Academy and after graduating became a composition tutor there. His works have been labelled as ‘neo-romantic’ with many blurring the lines between genres that were popular in Read more…
Patrick Hawes: How Hill Context Patrick Hawes’ 2009 collaborative album Fair Albion is subtitled ‘Visions of England’, with each work representing some of the varied countrysides and landscapes found in the UK. Hawes collaborated with cellist Julian Lloyd Webber, soprano Elin Manahan Thomas and harpist Claire Jones on Fair Albion. Read more…
Paul Lovatt-Cooper: Enter the Galaxies Context Composed in 2008, and dedicated to the Cory Band, Paul Lovatt-Cooper Enter the Galaxies received its premiere at the prestigious Sage in Gateshead. Cory performed the work as part of their winning performance at the 2008 Brass in Concert Championships. The work has become Read more…