Boris Tchaikovsky: Piano Trio in B Minor Context The first in his collection of chamber works, Boris Tchaikovsky’s (no relation to Pyotr Ilyich) Piano trio in B minor was composed in 1953. Whilst studying at the prestigious Moscow Conservatory, Tchaikovsky was a student of Myaskovsky and Shostakovich. Lots of Tchaikovsky’s Read more…
Mikhail Glinka: Grand Sextet Context Mikhail Glinka (1804-1857) although seldom heard in concert halls today, was in fact an incredibly influential composer of his time. He is often regarded as one of the leading figures of Russian classical music, with his compositional style having an important influence on composers such 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…
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…
Imogen Holst: String Quintet Context As the only child of British composer, Gustav Holst, Imogen Holst (1907-1984) is fondly remembered for being a popular composer, arranger, administrator, teacher and conductor. Her oeuvre is comprised of works for a number of different ensembles and genres, making her a rather diverse composer. Read more…
Einojuhani Rautavaara: A Requiem in Our Time Context Composed in 1953 when he was still a student at the Sibelius Academy, A Requiem of Our Time was the first of three works for brass ensemble that Rautavaara composed. The piece brought an international spotlight onto Rautavaara after he won the Read more…
George Frideric Handel: Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter of Zion 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 Read more…
Dulcie Holland: Fantasy Trio Context Composed in 1938 for a violin, cello and piano trio, Australian composer Dulcie Holland’s (1913-2000) Fantasy Trio is a real treat for the ears. Regarded as one of most significant composers of her time, Holland’s music spans from chamber to solo repertoire. Holland’s work as Read more…
Béla Bartók: Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion Context Composed for nine instruments (2x pianos, timpani, bass drum, cymbals, snare drum, triangle, tam-tam and xylophone), Béla Bartók’s Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion certainly packs a punch. Written in 1937 and premiered in 1938 by Bartók and his second wife Read more…
Tera de Marez Oyens: String Quartet Contrafactus Context Born in August 1932, Tera de Marez Oyens was a talented Dutch pianist composer who studied at the Amsterdam Conservatoire under Jan Odé. Oyens wrote a catalogue of over 200 works which mainly focused on song cycles and chamber music. However, during Read more…