Prokofiev’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’: From Ballet Score to Concert Suite
Character lies at the heart of Sergei Prokofiev’s 1935 ballet score, Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64. In the opening bars, the alternating forces of darkness and light become metaphysical “characters.” Demonic…
Why isn’t classical music popular?
Julian Johnson is a lecturer in music at the University of Oxford. In his book, Who needs classical music?, he asks why isn’t classical music popular? He doesn’t answer the question,…
What Should We Do When Composers Have Dark Sides?
We’ve seen it all too often, a composer or popular musician is found out to have a dark side. Does this change how much their music once meant to you?…
Playing Music Has Amazing Benefits for Young and Old
Did you know that years of music training can dramatically shape our brains? Those of us who spend many years practicing—repeating passages, mastering scales, and working on studies and repertoire—know…
Why are pianists expected to memorize so much?
It’s one of the great romantic images, isn’t it? The solo performer, alone on an empty stage, faced with that huge black beast of a full-size concert grand piano, armed…
Andrea Bocelli Performs A Stunning Impromptu Rendition Of “Can’t Help Falling In Love”
Prepare to be blown away by Andrea Bocelli’s romantic and flawless performance of Can’t Help Falling In Love. Andrea Bocelli is one of the most gifted and best-loved tenors in…
When Three Teenagers Lit Up The Stage With A Powerful Performance Of “‘O Sole Mio”
Il Volo or “The Flight” are a pop operatic trio of extremely talented individuals. Easy on the eyes and backed by stupendous talent the trio first came to light in…
This Spine-Chilling Halloween Version Of “Tainted Love” Is Scarily Good
It’s Halloween! As the spookiest day of the year, it’s the perfect time to check out a fabulous Halloween-themed cover of Tainted Love by Broken Peach. Halloween or Samhain (pronounced…
Watch A 13 Year Old Julie Andrews Sing The National Anthem For The King And Queen
Julie Andrews Sings For The King And Queen The video below was recorded back in 1948 showing a 13-year-old Julie Andrews becoming the youngest solo artist to perform at a…
Yunchan Lim’s Hong Kong Debut – Imaginative Playing with Volcanic Passion
The youngest winner of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition ever, South Korean pianist Yunchan Lim, at the mere age of 18, has rocketed to worldwide prominence after his impressive…