Thought I’d share a little bit about the instruments that I play, and my journey on them. Violin The violin is my main instrument, and I’ve been learning it since I was seven. I’ve played in various orchestras over the time, played on stage with a band or two, and had a whole heap of…
Tag: piano
On This Day – January 18
Today we look at an army officer and a teacher of fortifications, a Russian of French and Lithuanian descent. No, I haven’t gone crazy, as he has particular significance in the history of music, being both a composer and music critic, and one of the members of The Five, or the mighty handful. He is…
On This Day – January 5
Today we look at a concerto that inspires humanity. Written for Paul Wittgenstein who lost his right arm during World War 1, it reminds us that music eats at us, and if something gets in the way of us doing it, we will find a way to do it no matter what. Ravel’s Piano Concerto…
On This Day… October 26
Today we look at a composer who, though classified in the Baroque period, did much to influence the the Classical style. Domenico Scarlatti, born on this day in 1685.
On This Day… October 23
Brahms has often been criticised for never really using new forms in his compositions. However, in the piece we look at today, it could be said that he saved an old form that would have been lost otherwise. Brahms’ 3rd Piano Sonata, Op. 5, premiered on this day in 1854.
On This Day… October 22
Today we are looking at the first piano virtuoso, considered still by many to be the greatest pianist in history. Inspired by the violin virtuoso Paganini, Franz Liszt left behind a large body of works which still stand today as the most difficult of the piano repertoire. Franz Liszt, Born on this day in 1811.
On This Day… October 17
Today we look at one of the largest figures in the world of Romantic Piano. One of the greatest Polish composers, Frederic Chopin, died on this day in 1849.
On This Day… October 4
Another performer today, and this time one who is most widely known for his two fantastic recordings of the same piece – both at the beginning and the end of his career. However, he was an incredible pianist in all styles of music. Today, we look at Canadian pianist Glenn Gould, who died on this…
On this day… September 26
I’ve decided to start up a new feature which will hopefully be informative, and fun. Basically, each day I look at a major classical event that happened on this day – be it a birth, death or premiere. Thanks to the wonderful place that is YouTube, where possible I’ll upload a video of a performance…
