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…
Hans Zimmer: Supermarine from Dunkirk Context Taken from the 2017 film Dunkirk, Supermarine is the fourth track in the original motion picture soundtrack. Zimmer began working on the score in 2016, and due to the importance of the music in the film, he made a demo of the music. Director Read more…
Paul Hindemith: Trombone Sonata Context Throughout his career Hindemith set out to compose at least one sonata for every instrument. His Trombone Sonata was composed in 1941, and is in four short movements. There is an indication that Hindemith initially composed three movements and then added the fourth later on, Read more…
Paul Hindemith: Trauermusik Context Trauermusik was composed on the 21st January 1936 at very short notice in memory of King George V, who had passed away the previous night. The English translation of the title is ‘Funeral Music’, although it is always known by its German name. On the 19th Read more…
Paul Hindemith: Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes by Carl Maria von Weber Context Born in November 1895 in Hanau, Paul Hindemith engaged with music at a young age. Starting with playing the violin, Hindemith later attended Frankfurt’s Hoch’sche Konservatorium, where he studied violin performance with Adolf Rebner. Further to this, Hindemith Read more…
Paul Hindemith: Plöner Musiktag – Morgenmusik Context Composed and premiered in 1932, Paul Hindermith’s Plöner Musiktag is a set of four works that sets a whole day to music. The four movements are: Morgenmusik (Morning Music) Tafelmusik (Table Music) Kantate (Cantata) Abendkonzert (Evening Concert) Each movement represents a different Read more…