Blogs
Sergei Rachmaninov ‘Piano Concerto No.1’: A Youthful Adventure
Sergei Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No.1 Context Composed initially in 1891 when he was just 18 years old, Sergei Rachmaninov’s First Piano Concerto was heavily revised Read more…
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Michael Tippett ‘String Quartet No.1’: Bold Voices
Michael Tippett: String Quartet No.1 Context Three out of the five string quartets that Michael Tippett (1905-1998) composed during his lifetime were written in a Read more…
Blogs
Harry Gregson-Williams ‘Fairytale’: Get Outta My Swamp!
Harry Gregson-Williams: Fairytale Context Harry Gregson-Williams teamed up once more with John Powell to create the film score for the 2001 film, Shrek. This was Read more…
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Franz von Suppé ‘Light Cavalry Overture’: The Fame-Maker
Franz von Suppé: Light Cavalry Overture Context Franz von Suppé’s 1866 operetta Leichte Kavallerie has remained seldom performed since its premiere in Vienna in 1866. Read more…
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Max Reger ‘Cello Sonata No.1’: Heroic Romanticism
Max Reger: Cello Sonata No.1 Context German composer Max Reger composed his First Cello Sonata in 1892 whilst in Wiesbaden. The piece was dedicated to Read more…
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Amy Beach ‘Gaelic Symphony’: Exploring European Traditions
Amy Beach: Gaelic Symphony Context In 1896, Amy Beach premiered her First Symphony – Gaelic Symphony. This was a massive milestone in women’s music as Read more…
Blogs
Leonard Bernstein ‘Overture to Candide’: Jubilation!
Leonard Bernstein: Overture to Candide Context Leonard Bernstein composed the music for the operetta Candide in 1955-56. The operetta is based on the 1759 novella Read more…
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Engelbert Humperdinck ‘Hansel and Gretel Overture’: A Tasty Treat!
Engelbert Humperdinck: Hansel and Gretel Overture Context Engelbert Humperdinck was born in Germany in 1854. He began taking piano lessons at a very young age, Read more…
Blogs
Morton Lauridsen ‘O Magnum Mysterium’: Ethereal Voices
Morton Lauridsen: O Magnum Mysterium Context Morton Lauridsen is known today as one of the leading choral composers, due to his extensive collection of works, recordings Read more…
Blogs
William Grant Still ‘Lyric Quartet’: A Trio of Characters
William Grant Still: Lyric Quartet Context Known for being one of the forefront African-American composers of the 20th century, William Grant Still’s legacy lives on Read more…