6 Beautiful Versions of Ave Maria
I expect you may have already come across the two main words of the title Ave Maria and know their meaning. However, to make sure … Read more
Dr Justin Wildridge
How Hard Is Für Elise Difficulty | By Ludwig Van Beethoven
I was certain that I knew this little piece of Beethoven’s quite well having played it, listened to it, and taught it for decades. Following … Read more
7 Best German Composers Of All Time
Best is quite a troublesome word to associate with almost anything, but here I have the dilemma of attributing it to German composers. In the … Read more
The Historical Development of Piano Manufacturing and Instrument Design
Before exploring the finer points of this title, let’s pause to remember where the piano originated from. Born on the 4th May 1655, Bartolomeo Cristofori … Read more
The Contributions of Women Pianists and Composers Throughout History
More often than not, women’s important contribution to music has been overlooked, neglected and ignored. There are probably more forgotten women composers than there are … Read more
5 Chopin Saddest Pieces You Must Listen To
Frederick Chopin has to be one of the most iconic composers of his age. In so many ways he embodies the Romantic image of a … Read more
The Influence of Latin American Rhythms on Piano Music
The influence of Latin-American culture on music has been quite profound. It has gently filtered its way into nearly every genre of music from classical … Read more
The Piano Music Of Lesser-known Composers
It’s often said that history is written by the victorious. In a cultural context, this is no different, especially the further one travels back in … Read more
The Impact of Igor Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring on Music and Dance
With the distance of one hundred and ten years between us now and the premiere of Stravinsky’s ballet The Rite of Spring, it can be … Read more
The Symbolism of the Piano in Literature and the Visual Arts
Whether overtly or obscurely, the piano has become an object of focus in literature and art for more than two centuries. It has been featured … Read more
The Unique Style and Compositions of Frédéric Chopin
Of the many composers I’ve discussed in these articles, Frédéric Chopin has to be one of the most adored and admired. Not only was he … Read more
The Operatic Works of Giuseppe Verdi and Their Social Impact
Music for many people is the most powerful art form. It can quickly evoke a range of emotional responses, change models and mindsets, and enhance … Read more
The Influence of Italian Opera on Classical Music
To appreciate the extensive influence Italian opera has had on Classical music we need to take a good look into its past. One claim is … Read more
The Influence of Nationalism on Classical Music
Nationalism can be considered to refer to music that embraces some traditional elements such as that of folk songs or typical dance forms. It can … Read more
The Impact of Richard Wagner’s “Ring Cycle” on Opera
The 19th Century witnessed some of the most extreme musical developments in Western history. Everything appeared to be expanding. Orchestras commonly numbered a hundred performers, … Read more