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Erik Satie
…Honfleur, Normandy, to a French father and a British mother. His father, Alfred, was a ship’s broker and composer, and his mother, Jane, was a pianist and composer. Sadly, his…
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Jean Sibelius
Jean Sibelius, the emblematic Finnish composer, is distinguished for his profound influence on the development of symphony and symphonic poems, and is often associated with the surge of nationalism in…
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10 of the Craziest Musical Instruments Used in Classical Music
(sponsored) When you think of classical music, you probably picture violins, pianos, and trumpets. But did you know some composers have used super weird instruments to create their masterpieces? Classical…
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From Village to Concert Hall: The Journey of Folk Melodies
Folk music, with its deep-rooted connection to cultural traditions and the human experience, has been a wellspring of inspiration for classical composers throughout history. The simple charm and unfiltered emotions…
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Flop or Masterpiece? Ten Classical Works That Made a Comeback
…Bruckner’s Symphony No. 3: A Composer’s Struggle Anton Bruckner experienced a host of setbacks before the premiere of his Symphony No. 3. The perfectionist composer struggled to complete the work,…
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Apocalyptica – Hall of the Mountain King
Apocalyptica’s popular live song at Rock In Rio 2008: “Hall of the Mountain King.”…
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Samuel Barber
…the NBC Symphony Orchestra in 1938 solidified Barber’s reputation as a major American composer. A Prolific Composer Barber’s output was diverse and prolific. He composed over 48 opus-length works and…
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Johann Strauss I
…Vienna. Emergence as a Renowned Composer Strauss’s reputation as a leading composer of Viennese waltzes solidified in the 1830s. He performed at the “Sperl,” a prominent dance hall in Leopoldstadt,…
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Jules Massenet
Jules Massenet, a name synonymous with French opera, was the most celebrated operatic composer of his time. His remarkable musical journey, marked by a distinctive melodic style and theatrical aptness,…
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Tine Thing Helseth Plays Haydn Trumpet Concerto, 3rd Movement
Tine Thing Helseth’s recording debut on SACD internationally in 2008 with Norwegian Chamber Orchestra. Watch the video from the recording sessions. Get the CD or iTunes. Also, check out Grieg…
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Music from William Tell Overture by Rossini
Rossini’s famous beginning of “The William Tell Overture” is one of my favorite classical music songs. Other great “morning” songs include Grieg’s Morgenstimmung and Thais’ Meditation. Look for my videos…
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The Emotional Power of Classical Music: How Timeless Pieces Invoke Our Deepest Feelings
…and unease. These compositions often feature startling harmonies, sudden dynamic changes, and eerie melodies. Examples of suspenseful classical music include: In the Hall of the Mountain King by Grieg: This…
