"The restored third act was bold, brilliant. The fourth.. was outstanding. I saw a woman disguised in her maid’s clothes hear her husband speak the first tender words he has offered her in years, simply because he thinks she is someone else. I heard the music of true forgiveness filling the theatre, conferring on all … Continue reading “Contessa perdono” from Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, composer Johann Sebastian Bach's son, once said: "The music of my father has higher intentions, it's not supposed to fill the ear, but to make your heart move". My dearest J, You told me the other day that you enjoy listening to purely instrumental pieces when it comes to classical music. … Continue reading “Adagietto” for cello and piano (Mischa Maisky, J.S. Bach)
A few weeks ago I found myself in the kitchen preparing breakfast, when the music filling the room shifted from being mere background noise to something more distinct. My focus left the egg in my pan as I was fixed on the radio. To my relief, I found the name and composer of the tune … Continue reading Ave Verum Corpus (Karl Jenkins)
"Only for you, fair Eurydice, I bless my torment, After pain, life is more joyous, After misfortune, life is happier." Is an English translation of a verse from the Italian libretto: "Sol per te, bella Euridice, Benedico il mio tormento, Dopo 'l duol vie più contento, Dopo il mal vie più felice." Dear friend, J: … Continue reading “Vi ricorda, o boschi ombrosi” from Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo
The 18th century is perhaps notorious for being serious. The classical era, the very Age of Enlightenment. With kings and emperors, lords and noblemen, philosophy and politics, arts and architecture, silk and powdered wigs, straight backs with heads held high. It is easy to be under the impression that everything at all times needed to … Continue reading “Lech mich im Arsch” by W.A. Mozart
In my last post I discussed how putting a piece into a historical context can be very helpful for understanding its meaning, minimising the possibility of the music seeming too foreign and alienated to be enjoyed by modern ears. For this piece though, I won't do that. It feels far too personal for that. Some … Continue reading “Caro mio ben” by Giordani
The year is 1924. You find yourself in a cathedral in Paris. Turning your head, you let your eyes wander around the room. In the middle, you spot a coffin. All around you are people dressed in black, mourning the death of a 79 year old man. Thinking to yourself, you recognise this was no … Continue reading “Libera me” from Fauré’s Requiem
My friend J stated during one of our conversations that he wishes to take a step into the miraculous universe of classical music.. Ok, maybe not phrased exactly like that, but I offered to make him a playlist as an introduction. However, I wanted to be able to give him little descriptions following each piece, … Continue reading Hello and welcome!
Kovu's music 