Today we look at a French composer of ballets, operas and other works for stage, who is most well known for the British Airlines advertisement. Léo Delibes, died on this day in 1891.
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On This Day – January 15
Today we look at an Italian composer, organist, choirmaster and teacher that was highly regarded by younger composers such as Johann Christian Bach. His works have been described similar to that of Haydn’s, but he denied such influence. Associated with the formation of the concert symphony and the use of thematic development, his works have been described as galant. Giovanni Battista Sammartini, died on this day in 1775.
On This Day – January 14
Today we return to the world of Opera, and look at one of the staples of the genre. This dramatic 3-act opera appears as number 8 in Opera America’s 20 most-performed Operas. Giacomo Puccini’s Tosca, premiered on this day in 1900.
The Lazy Musician
A little while ago, I wrote a few posts based on posts at Leo Babauta’s website, Zen Habits. His posts on simplicity and getting things done are often more directed to office workers (so it seems) and with good purpose – there’s quite a lot of them out there. Every now and then, I find a post that speaks to me, that says “Hey, musicians could really take something from this.” And when I find such a post, I tend to write about it, as I am doing now. Leo’s post “The Lazy Manifesto: Do Less. Then, Do Even Less.” has got me interested. Perhaps because I’m lazy.
On This Day – January 13
Russia, 1944. World War II is still raging, and Sergei Prokofiev is in a safe haven run by the Soviet Union. It has been 14 years since his last symphony, but his has been busy in that time. We have the famous Lieutenant Kije, Romeo and Juliet, Peter and the Wolf, the 3 War Sonatas, Cinderella and War and Peace. But Now he returns to the Symphonic form with his Symphony No. 5 in B-flat Major, Op. 100, premiered on this day in 1945.
On This Day – January 12
When entering the cello world, some names stand above all others. Yo-yo Ma is one who has done and is doing incredible things with the cello. Jacqueline du Pré is another, whose performances of the Elgar Cello Concerto is the standard that all other performances are judged by. Today we look to her teacher, William Pleeth, born on this day in 1916.
On This Day – January 11
Today we look at the premiere of a piece commissioned by Princess Edomnd de Polignac. Her original request was for “a piece for soloists, choir, orchestra (perhaps with Polish text) – a king of Polish requiem.” Karol Szymanowski composed his Stabat Mater, premiered on this day in 1929.
On This Day – January 10
This celebrated cellist won 6th prize at the 1966 Moscow International Tchaikovsky Competition, studied with Mstislav Rostropovich and Gregor Piatigorsky, and has recorded with numerous artists from all over the world. Mischa Maisky, born on this day in 1948.
On This Day – January 9
Today we look at a film composer who composed one of the most well known TV theme tunes. They’re creepy, they’re kooky, he’s Victor Mizzy, born on this day in 1922.
On This Day – January 8
Today we look at one of the early masters of violin writing, an Italian violinist and composer in the Baroque period. Arcangelo Corelli, died on this day in 1713.
Ben Clapton 