The Evolution of the Violin: from Baroque to Modern Times
The violin has become such a familiar instrument to us these days that it is perhaps difficult to imagine the humble origins from which it … Read more
CLASSICAL
Emile Waldteufel was the French answer to Strauss
Much like his rival, he was born in a family of dance musicians, as his father Louis and his elder brother Leon were well-versed in … Read more
Manuel de Falla: Classical Composer Influenced by Spanish Folk Music
Composer Manuel de Falla is known for weaving elements of Spanish folk music into his ballets, operas, orchestral and chamber works. He was particularly influenced … Read more
The Impact of Synthesised Instruments on Classical Compositions
The possibility of synthesized sound is not a new one. Synths have been around since the mid-1960s, with inventors like Robert Moog, who created one … Read more
The Influence of Folk Music on Classical Composers
Folk music, depending on culture and global location, can broadly be described as traditional music. It’s often passed down through the generations orally as opposed … Read more
Ten Johann Strauss Pieces Every Strauss Lover Should Listen To
You just need to hear a violin tremolo in the key of A major accompanied by a horn (and maybe the staccato wind chords) to … Read more
7 Curious Facts You Should Know About Symphonies
When you hear the word ‘symphony’, you immediately think of something solemn and majestic such as Mozart’s Jupiter symphony, Beethoven’s Eroica (a current earworm of … Read more
Classical Music and Outer Space: What’s The Connection?
If you’re a Stanley Kubrick fan, you may already have experienced that tremendous link between space and music. The opening scene of the film is … Read more
Aaron Copland and the Sound of American Music
Aaron Copland composed music known for its “American” sound during a time when music in the United States was still heavily influenced by the European … Read more
Lowell Mason: Composer and Pioneer of Music Education in American Public Schools
Known for his contributions to both public education and church music, Lowell Mason’s early music training was in singing and structure of hymns. By the … Read more
Brilliant Use of Classical Music in Movie Trailers
It is not uncommon to find that film producers either choose to not commission a new score, preferring instead to use existing classical music. Other … Read more
Eleven Beautiful Pieces of Classical Music Inspired by Water
The water element abounds in classical music throughout the centuries: just consider Händel’s Water Music (whose title, however, just references the fact that his music … Read more
Famous Musical Siblings: 5 Tales of Blood, Success, and Disappointment
Johannes and Friedrich Brahms Johannes was the golden child. Two years older than Friedrich, he was quickly marked for greatness by his piano teachers. Wanting … Read more
The Influence of Indian Classical Music on Western Composers
As the opportunity for musicians to travel became more accessible and cheaper, the influence of other cultures began to impact composers across the world. From … Read more
15 Amazing Concert Venues From Around the World
Deciding on the best music venues around the world was always going to be a controversial topic, what with so many different criteria to judge … Read more