John Cage 4’33” Music or Silence?
When composer John Cage wrote 4’33” (Four minutes, thirty-three seconds), it would become his most famous and controversial piece. The audience at the world premiere … Read more
Cynthia Collins
Music Notation before Finale: how scores were prepared in the past
The art of writing music, of actually placing the notes and related markings on paper, has changed dramatically over the centuries. Computer programs invented since … Read more
3 Opera Divas Who Made ‘Tosca’ One of the Most Popular Operas Today
The lead character of Floria Tosca in Puccini’s opera, Tosca, is one of those iconic roles that seems destined for some opera singers. It also … Read more
Gershwin’s Summertime: the Birth of a Great American Classic
The soprano aria, Summertime, composed by George Gershwin as part of his folk opera, Porgy and Bess, is one of the most popular jazz standards … Read more
Bugle Call Taps Civil War History
The bugle call, Taps, is one of the most recognized melodies of the American military. It was first heard during the Civil War in July … Read more
‘Danny Boy’ Popular Connection to Ireland – Who is the real author of the song?
Danny Boy, one of the most famous Irish ballads set to the tune of Londonderry Air, is filled with the poignant sentiment of a parent … Read more
Contribution of Women Musicians to Symphony Orchestras
It has only been since the 20th century that women musicians have gained acceptance into the traditionally male symphony orchestras. This hesitancy had a lot … Read more
Thomas Jefferson as a Violinist and Advocate for Music Education
His violin studies as a young man paid off during his courtship of his future wife, Martha Skelton. While she sang and played the harpsichord … Read more