What Makes A Great Composer?
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
Dr Justin Wildridge
5 Pieces of Classical Music about Autumn
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
10 Most Famous Classical Music Pieces (Popular Classical Music Pieces)
The list of pieces for the above title could probably run for pages and cause all manner of consternation over what is considered to be … Read more
Characteristics of Classical Music: An introduction
Periods of music are often hotly contested and accompanied by the notion that over-night one period of music magically transformed into the next. Imagine falling … Read more
How Does Ravel’s Music Differ From Debussy’s?
If the names above are not familiar to you, then you are in for a treat. Maurice Ravel and Claude Debussy composed some of the … Read more
4 Hardest Violin Pieces Ever Written (Most Difficult Violin Pieces)
For the purposes of this article, I will confine my selection of violin works to the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods of music. Once you … Read more
How Did Beethoven Support Himself Financially?
Beethoven did not immediately rise to stardom and the ranks of the rich and the famous. Like many musicians at that time, life was a … Read more
Mozart’s Symphonies: Four of the Best Symphonies by Mozart
When you take a long hard look at the work of W.A Mozart it is no minor challenge to have to select the best of … Read more
Leader Of An Orchestra And The Role-Playing
With the conductor at the helm of any modern-day orchestra, what can be the reason for having an orchestral leader? In fact, what is … Read more
The Best of Johann Pachelbel (6 Beautiful Works by Johann Pachelbel)
When you hear the name of Johann Pachelbel it’s often hard to get past the immense success of his Canon in D major and try … Read more
6 Forgotten Composers From The Baroque Era
There are a great number of composers who for whatever reason fall through the historical net, missing the halls of fame, sometimes in spectacular fashion. … Read more
The History and Influence of Reggae Music
Reggae music has had a profound influence on many aspects of Western culture from fashion to popular music. Across the United Kingdom, the USA and … Read more
The Enigmatic Life of Charles-Valentin Alkan
Alkan was, according to many accounts, not only a virtuoso pianist but a warm, if slightly shy, individual. It was through Alkan’s professor at the … Read more
The Role of Patronage in Shaping the Music of the Baroque Era
Unlike today, where composers can receive or pitch for commissions from individuals, companies, or foundations, the options for funding during the Baroque Era were considerably … Read more
The Legacy of Tchaikovsky’s Ballets
It is challenging to know whether Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky is better known these days for his symphonic works or his ballets. Perhaps it is his … Read more