Elgar’s Enigma Variations…
The story is told of how Edward Elgar, returning home from giving violin lessons, sat down at the piano and, to unwind, began improvising. His wife, Alice, commented favorably on the tune that emerged and …
Artists Archive
Haydn’s String Quartet Opus 20, #5 in F-Minor
The movements of this work by Josef Haydn are as follows: Allegro moderato Minuetto Adagio Finale: Fuga a due soggetti The key of F minor was Haydn’s key of choice to express his darkest and …
Grigory Sokolov Plays Brahms’ Intermezzo Op 117, #2
The opening of Brahms’ Intermezzo in B-flat Minor (Opus 117, No. 2) is astonishing. The piece is off and running from the start, suggesting multiple tonal regions. Brahms displays his mastery of ambiguity, that makes …
Mozart’s Piano Concerto #23
The A-major concerto, one of Mozart’s most popular, is not only a powerfully emotional work—especially the second movement—but is also of historical interest. One of three concertos Mozart was to perform in Vienna during the …
Schubert’s Wonderful Symphony #5
Franz Schubert composed many songs (Lieder), as well as operas, overtures,and sonatas. Many of his symphonies transport me to the land of chamber music because of their special spirituality. Schubert’s Fifth symphony was written when …