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Author Archives: David Nelson
Paganini, How The Great Violinist Was Helped By A Rare Medical Condition
Paganini was one of the world’s great virtuoso violinists. But what is especially fascinating is that part of Paganini’s great success came as a result of a rare physical ailment. Niccolò Paganini was born in 1782 in Genoa, Italy. His … Continue reading
A “Novel” Way To Learn Venice
Before I travel, I like knowing as much about a new city as I can. And I am a map person, so I want to know my way around before my foot ever hits the pavement. In the last few … Continue reading
Posted in Miscellaneous Travel Ideas
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Dmitry Sitkovetsky’s Concert Week in Greensboro
Dima Sitkovetski is a world class musician who is continually on the move. When he’s not conducting in Greensboro, he may be rehearsing in New York, playing a recital in Paris, or staying at his home in London practicing for … Continue reading
John Denver, Composer of Two State Songs
Some state songs are well known and others are not. Everyone knows Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!” as both the song of the Sooner State and as the title song of the Broadway musical. And two of Stephen Foster’s melodies are … Continue reading
Posted in Greensboro Symphony Pops Concerts
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Benny Goodman’s Visit to Greensboro
When Dave Bennett brings his clarinet to play Benny Goodman’s music with the Greensboro Symphony on New Year’s Eve, it won’t be the first time the orchestra has played the music of the “King of Swing” in a Pops Concert. … Continue reading
How a Three-Hour Time Change Helped Benny Goodman’s Career
Benny Goodman, “The King of Swing”, is one of the most important figures in jazz. A strange fact of music history is that we probably would not even know the great clarinetist’s name today if it were not for a … Continue reading
The Story of Silent Night – Spreading the Hymn to the World
How Silent Night spread to the rest of the world is an interesting story by itself. In 1819, the master organ builder Karl Mauracher came to St. Nicholas Church to work on the organ. (Perhaps this is why some have … Continue reading
Posted in Salzburg's Musical History
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Franz Gruber’s Verification of Who Wrote “Silent Night”
Even after Silent Night had become well known in Europe, no one knew who composed it. Authorities in Berlin began to search its creator, and contacted the Benedictine Monastery in Salzburg. Franz Gruber was contacted and wrote the following document … Continue reading
Posted in Salzburg's Musical History
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Visiting the Sites of Silent Night
Unfortunately, St. Nicholas Church, where Silent Night was first performed in 1818, was torn down in 1906 because of repeated flood damage. Today, the most important Silent Night site to see is the Silent Night Memorial Chapel in Oberndorf, which … Continue reading
Posted in Salzburg's Musical History
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The Story of Silent Night: The Origin Of The Hymn
With such a beloved piece of Christmas as Silent Night, it is not surprising that there are many stories of how it came to be. Although some of these are lovely tales, most are works of romanticized fiction. After studying … Continue reading
Posted in Salzburg's Musical History
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