June 1, 2017
And maybe wish you didn’t. Like the fact that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the most prolific and influential composers of the Classical era, enjoyed toilet humour. Beyond the beautiful music he composed, Mozart is an intriguing fellow we just couldn’t help digging up some gossip on. 10. He was baptised Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus … Continue reading 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Mozart
April 27, 2017
Gabriel-Urbain Fauré (1845 – 1924) is considered to be one of the foremost French composers of his time. While also an organist, pianist and teacher, his refined and gentle style influenced 20th century French music. Fauré found particular joy in infusing the traditional forms he so respected with a medley of bold harmonic progressions and … Continue reading Composer Spotlight: French Composer Gabriel Fauré
March 16, 2017
While playing the classics like Beethoven and Chopin will always reign supreme on the classical music scene, there are a few up-and-coming musicians who are re-defining the genre; and we can’t get enough. By challenging traditional composition, they are breathing a fresh life into our favourite genre. The Ingenue: Pianist Janaya Lo Kicking off our … Continue reading Up-and-Comers Who Are Re-Defining the Classical Music Scene
March 8, 2017
One would think this is a short and sweet list because how many Canadian composers do we often hear of in mainstream conversation on the matter? The truth is, along with actors, writers, and other public figures of note, these Canadian composers get lost among their American and European counterparts and we never know they … Continue reading The Best Canadian Classical Pieces Ever Written
February 21, 2017
Sometimes, a piece of music has the magical ability to take a hold of our heart, and never let go. From that day on, no matter when or where you hear it, that initial experience will resurface and the song will forever represent something else; something bigger, than you. Countless performances by different musicians, all … Continue reading Classical Pieces That Will Change Your Life
February 10, 2017
In celebration of BC’s Family Day holiday that honours the bonds and traditions of family, we’ve collected a few of history’s greatest child musical prodigies. These musical greats undoubtedly would not have graced the world with their incredible contributions to chamber music without the encouragement, inspiration, and support of their families. The Prolific Beginnings of … Continue reading The Greatest Child Musical Prodigies
November 21, 2016
The musical revolutionary pioneered Romanticism and composed 240 works which included symphonies, piano concertos, string quartets and an opera. Ludwig van Beethoven was a perfectionist with vision: posterity. The third Ludwig van Beethoven and second musician in his family, he more than attained that goal on a global level. Over 200 years since his passing … Continue reading 5 Things You May Not Know About Beethoven
October 25, 2016
October 25th, 1825 Johann Strauss II was born to composer Johann Strauss, and Maria Anna Streim who supported his musical career throughout his life. His father, whom Strauss Jr. surpassed in productivity and popularity, preferred for his son to have taken up a career in banking. Which Strauss II did, while secretly studying the violin … Continue reading Born Today: Johann Strauss II
May 17, 2016
A favourite of the many talented quartets who’ve graced the Friends of Chamber Music stage, Antonín Leopold Dvořák’s output of chamber music included more than 40 works for string ensembles. This prolific collection is in addition to his numerous symphonies, operas, and concerti. The first of 14 children, Dvořák’s early years with his family in … Continue reading Composer Spotlight: Antonín Dvořák
March 25, 2016
German composer Richard Georg Strauss was born into a family of musicians, ensuring a relationship with the musical art form at a very young age. By six, Strauss composed his first piece. By eighteen years of age, he had 140 compositions to his name. Moving on to become a music director first at Meiningen, and … Continue reading Composer Spotlight: Richard Strauss
