Johann Strauss II: The Blue Danube Context Johann Strauss II’s perennially popular Blue Danube Waltz was composed in 1866 for a special concert on 15th February 1867 with the Vienna Men’s Choral Association. Although now firmly in the hall of fame of classical music, The Blue Danube received a rather Read more…
Hildegard von Bingen: O eterne Deus Context Translated into ‘O eternal God’, this short antiphon by Hildegard von Bingen talks about central themes of love and the dawning of humankind. She uses lots of imagery of light and divinity, making this a hopeful antiphon. The Text Latin and English translations Read more…
Johann Strauss II: Tritsch-Tractsch-Polka Context Composed in 1858 after a succesful tour of Russia, Johann Strauss II’s Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka is one of his most beloved polkas. Full of high spirits, jaunty melodies and fluttering winds, this polka has it all. The polka was premiered in a concert in Vienna on 24th Read more…
Hildegard von Bingen: Cum erubuerint Context Hildegard von Bingen’s haunting choral work Cum erubuerint is a companion piece to her other antiphon Cum processit factura. Between these two works the story of Adam and Eve’s naive fall into deception and how the Virgin Mary and her Son graced the world Read more…
Hildegard von Bingen: O virga ac diadema The Text 1 – O virga ac diadema purpure regis / O branch and diadem in royal purple clad, que es in clausura tua sicut lorica: / who like a shield stand in your cloister strong. 2 – Tu frondens flouristi in alia Read more…
Hildegard von Bingen: Alleluia! O virga mediatrix Context This verse is meant to accompany the singing of the Gospel at Mass. Alleluia! O virga mediatrix is one of Hildegard von Bingen’s musical depictions of the Virgin Mary’s role in salvation history. The text speaks of feminity and fertility, with the Read more…
Hildegard von Bingen: O frondens virga Context The Roman Catholic definition of an antiphon is “liturgical music, chant melody and text sung before and after a psalm verse, originally by alternating choirs.” Hildegard von Bingen’s O frondens virga is a psalm antiphon that is sung by a choir. Often accompanied Read more…
Hans Zimmer: The Battle Context Hans Zimmer was approached to compose the soundtrack for Ridley Scott’s popular film Gladiator in 2000. The film follows main character Maximus Decimus Meridius as he experiences slavery and seeks revenge on the corrupted leader Commodus. Zimmer’s music reflects this with bold orchestrations, memorable melodies Read more…
Hans Zimmer: He’s a Pirate Context He’s a Pirate is one of the most iconic tracks from the 2003 Disney film Pirates of the Carribean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. There is often some confusion around who actually composed the original soundtrack to the first instalment in the Pirates Read more…
Hans Zimmer: ‘This Land’ from The Lion King Context The original motion picture soundtrack for The Lion King was released on May 31, 1994. Subsequent special releases have been seen for this film and the stage production, with ‘This Land being under various titles. For instance, in the legacy collection Read more…