Masses, Carnivals and Opera | CBW09

Honorouble mention: “Missa prolationum” by Johannes Ockeghem

Johannes Ockeghem was a major composer of early Renaissance, having served as singer and composer in Paris, at the court of three French kings in the second half of the 15th century. Complex polyphonies, emphasis on bass lines and freely composed melodies (the norm then was to borrow pre-existing songs) are the key elements that mark him as one of the most influential musicians of his time, and “Missa prolationum” encompasses all of them.… Read more

Brahms & contemporaries | CBW08

If you’re lying in bed at night with a head full of rambling thoughts that are incessantly chasing away your dreams, then go ahead and play this week’s honourable mention: “Spiegel im Spiegel” by Arvo Part. The soft silky melody of the violin is going to make you feel like you’re resting on a puffy cloud, while the lullaby-like background piano droplets will spellbind you in a deep and comforting sleep.… Read more

Emotional Rollercoaster | CBW04

This week’s honourable mention is “Clarinet Concerto no. 1 in F major, op. 73” by Carl Maria von Weber, a German composer of the Romantic school. This piece is one of great importance in the clarinet repertoire, being representative of the range and achievements one can reach with this instrument. The third movement is especially joyful and fun, a great one to play to children and introduce them to classical music.

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Max Bruch

Beethoven wins it, but Bruch steals the heart | CBW01

We start the year with some big names (Bach, Beethoven) and some unknown ones for me at least, since I’m not exactly a big connoisseur in this domain.


At number 4, we have a new find for me: “O virtus sapientiae” by Hildegard of Bingen. I have to admit I’d never heard of this name before and it turns out this was a very intelligent and notable lady of the 12th century (a nun, a composer, a scientist and many other things – more details can be found in the book).… Read more