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Recommended by European Mozart Ways
Monthly Archives: August 2012
Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto and its Problematic Beginning
Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto had a very problematic beginning. In 1939, a Philadelphia businessman named Samuel Fels asked Barber to write a concerto for the violinist Iso Briselli. Barber started working on the first two movements in Switzerland, but had … Continue reading
“On the Beautiful Blue Danube” by Johann Strauss, Jr.
On the Beautiful Blue Danube is one of the world’s most beloved pieces of music. Its charm has delighted listeners for more than a century. But, for all its wonder, it had a rather unusual beginning. In the 1860’s, Strauss … Continue reading
Posted in Vienna's Musical History
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Mendelssohn’s 4th Symphony – The “Italian”
Felix Mendelssohn, known as Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy in his native Germany, only lived 38 years. His musical abilities were recognized as a young child, and he was even called “an heir to Mozart”. Even in his short life, his output … Continue reading
Handel’s “Water Music” – London 1717
With the focus on London’s Olympics these days, and also of the current presidential campaign, I was reminded of a great piece of music whose first performance was on the Thames almost 300 years ago. In 1717, King George’s popularity … Continue reading
Posted in Classical Music and Performers
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The Unique Story of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony
“A grand performance of a new work” is how a prominent Viennese musical newspaper announced a concert of music by Beethoven. Another paper wrote that “anyone whose heart beats warmly for greatness and beauty will surely be present.” It was … Continue reading
Posted in Greensboro Symphony Classical Concerts, Vienna's Musical History
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