This post is a beautiful quartet by Fauré. Composed in 1885–86 and premiered in Paris in 1887, Fauré’s Second Piano Quartet reflects the broader late nineteenth-century effort to define a...
Read MoreCharles Munch was a French conductor renowned for his passionate, spontaneous style and for championing French orchestral music. Born in Alsace, he trained as a violinist before turning to conducting...
Read MoreThis has to be one of my favorite arias. It is also very difficult to sing. I am posting Irmgard Seefried singing "Ruhe sanft" as well as two other sopranos...
Read MoreSergiu Celibidache was a controversial figure in conducting. He was known for his eccentric and often painfully slow tempi, a cult-like following, and and abrasive, autocratic personality. While praised as...
Read MoreRudolf Kempe was one of the most respected German conductors of the mid‑twentieth century, admired for clarity, balance, and fidelity to the score. Born in Dresden, he began his career...
Read MoreHeather Harper was born in Belfast and was one of the great British voices of the postwar era. Although she spent much of her professional life in London, her career...
Read MoreAlessandro Ziliani was a famous Italian tenor during the 1930s and 1940s. At his peak, he had a very open sound, with no tension in the swallowing muscles. In 1932,...
Read MoreThis piece, the Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 1 is beautiful, and it is very difficult both for the pianist and the violinist. It was enthusiastically received at its...
Read MoreI am still in the world of conducting. This week, I am posting works conducted by Sir John Barbirolli. Barbirolli (1899–1970) was a British conductor and cellist, best known for...
Read MoreThis week, I am moving on to Eugen Jochum. Jochum was a very famous conductor during the post WWII period. He is renowned for his interpretations of Bruckner. I think...
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