Dr Justin Wildridge 
Comparing two composers presents a difficult challenge. In the case of Brahms (1833-1897) and Wagner (1813-1883), both are celebrated Romantic composers whose contributions to the … Read more
Coming from the standpoint of a seasoned teacher with over thirty years at the chalk face, I passionately believe in the importance of music education … Read more
Jazz is a genre of music that owes its birth to the Blues. Without the Blues, there would likely be no Jazz. The two genres … Read more
If you take a look back through the hundreds of years of Western Musical history, you’ll quickly discover that many of the composers wrote music … Read more
This article will attempt to stretch the musical timeline as far back as our current research allows and examine the findings relating to music from … Read more
Both of these periods of Western Musical history cover a considerable quantity of time and music. This includes dramatic evolutionary steps taken creatively during these … Read more
Beethoven and Napoleon Beethoven was a man of his time, aware and interested in the world in which he found himself. Nature was often at … Read more
The manufacturing of any instrument from the humble recorder to the church organ is a complex process that requires the skill of many people. Numerous … Read more
I regularly hear the term ‘classical music’ being used to describe anything from Phillip Glass through to Josquin Des Prez. It is a way of … Read more
In a previous article, I was fortunate enough to focus on female composers, and amongst the collection was Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179). Why did I … Read more
In this article, I have hunted down pieces for the less experienced violinist that are both rewarding and challenging to play. Even though these pieces … Read more
Beethoven’s creative life is frequently placed into three periods; early, middle and late. It is a way of breaking down and analyzing the substantial contribution … Read more
The piano has become an iconic instrument for numerous films over the years, from the days of the silent film to the present day. Perhaps … Read more
In some respects, this is a choice or judgement for every individual. I may consider WA Mozart to be the greatest composer who ever lived, … Read more
1. Autumn from “The Seasons”; Op. 67; by Alexander Glazunov Glazunov is not a name we readily hear these days in the concert halls and on … Read more