Krzysztof Penderecki: Intermezzo Context Composed in 1973, Krzysztof Penderecki’s Intermezzo is composed for 24 strings. The work bears resemblance to his First Symphony in terms of style. Penderecki builds various stages of narrative throughout Intermezzo which sees each individual part shine through. The Music The timbres and textures that Read more…
Domenico Zipoli: Elevazione for Cello and Oboe Context Domenico Zipoli (1688-1726)was an Italian Baroque composer. Not much is known about Zipoli and his life, however we do know that he became a Jesuit so he could teach music in Paraguay and Peru. He is often remembered for being one of Read more…
Ennio Morricone: Gabriel’s Oboe Context Ennio Morricone’s work Gabriel’s Oboe is chiefly known for being the main theme of the 1986 film The Mission. The film is a period drama about the experiences of a Jesuit missionary in South America. The film starred big names such as Robert De Niro, Read more…
Edward Elgar: Serenade for Strings Context Composed in March 1892 and premiered later on in the same year, Edward Elgar’s Serenade for Strings is a short work for string orchestra. The premiere saw Elgar conducting the Worcester Ladies’ Orchestral Class in a private concert. The first public premiere took place Read more…
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…
Olivier Messiaen: Le merle noir Context Olivier Messiaen wrote a collection of significant works in the 20th century. His music often explored the uses of rhythm and harmony to create new and innovative ways to compose music. He also involved himself in the newer practices of total serialism and modes Read more…
Ludovico Einaudi: Nightbook Context As part of the album with the same name, Ludovico Einaudi’s Nightbook was composed in 2009. This work, and the album as a whole, highlighted a new direction that Einaudi was taking his music. As well as heavily featuring the piano, lots of these works also Read more…
Malcolm Arnold: Three Sea Shanties Context Composed in 1943 for Wind Quintet, Malcolm Arnold’s Three Sea Shanties are full of character and exciting twists and turns. Set into three movements, each little ditty pays homage to a different sea shanty. The three short movements offer a playful take on these 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…
Ruth Schönthal: Streichquartett Nr. 3 ‘In Memoriam Holocaust’ Der Kontext Das Streichquartett Nr. 3, das als In Memoriam Holocaust untertitelt ist, wurde 1997 von Ruth Schönthal komponiert. Schönthal hat viele Jahre lang dieses Thema vermieden, weil sie nicht die Schoah trivialisieren wollte. 1999 forderte sie in einem Gespräch, dass andere Read more…