Today we look at perhaps the world’s first virtuoso. His skills on the violin brought many to think that he had conspired with the devil to achieve such feats. His compositions today are still some of the hardest ever written for the violin, and require great technical mastery of the instrument. Niccolo Paganini, born on this day in 1782. Continue reading “On This Day… October 27”
Category: Archive
On This Day… October 26
Today we look at a composer who, though classified in the Baroque period, did much to influence the the Classical style. Domenico Scarlatti, born on this day in 1685. Continue reading “On This Day… October 26”
On This Day… October 25
Today we look at a French pianist and composer, who is most famous for his opera Carmen. Georges Bizet, born on this day in 1838. Continue reading “On This Day… October 25”
On This Day… October 24
Today we look at one of the largest figures in the violin world. Even today his influence is easy to see, with a large number of editions still published with his editings. David Oistrakh, died on this day in 1974. Continue reading “On This Day… October 24”
On This Day… October 23
Brahms has often been criticised for never really using new forms in his compositions. However, in the piece we look at today, it could be said that he saved an old form that would have been lost otherwise. Brahms’ 3rd Piano Sonata, Op. 5, premiered on this day in 1854. Continue reading “On This Day… October 23”
On This Day… October 22
Today we are looking at the first piano virtuoso, considered still by many to be the greatest pianist in history. Inspired by the violin virtuoso Paganini, Franz Liszt left behind a large body of works which still stand today as the most difficult of the piano repertoire. Franz Liszt, Born on this day in 1811. Continue reading “On This Day… October 22”
On This Day… October 21
Today we look at a dominant figure on the international landscape. He conducted, amongst other fine orchestras, the Bavarian State Orchestra, the Royal Opera House at Covent Gardens, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, where he conducted 999 performances before his untimely death. Sir George Solti, born on this day in 1912. Continue reading “On This Day… October 21”
On This Day… October 20
Today we take a slight departure and look not at a composer, nor a piece, but a venue. This venue is one of the greatest performing arts venues built in the 20th century. It has become one of the greatest Australian landmarks, and is now listed amongst UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is of course, the Sydney Opera House, which opened on this day in 1973. Continue reading “On This Day… October 20”
On This Day… October 19
When talking about the world of violin concertos, there are two that dominate. Tchaikovsky’s concerto in D major is incredible, but just as important is the subject of today’s post. Sibelius’ Violin Concerto in d minor, premiered on this day in 1905. Continue reading “On This Day… October 19”
On This Day… October 18
Today we look at Brahms’ Double Concerto for Violin and Cello. Written for cellist Robert Hausmann and violinist Joseph Joachim, it was the last work that Brahms wrote for orchestra. Brahms Double Concerto for Violin and Cello, Op. 102, premiered on this day in 1887. Continue reading “On This Day… October 18”
Ben Clapton 