Steve Wright

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Articles

December 2023

Oct 31, 2023 | classical-music.com | Steve Wright |Rebecca Franks |Alexandra Wilson |Claire Jackson

This month, we mark the centenary of one of music's most iconic figures. On the 100th anniversary of the birth of the legendary Maria Callas, Ashutosh Khandekar examines those special qualities that set the Greek soprano apart from all others. Another feature that should make you tick is Misha Donat's profile of Johann Nepomuk Maelzel, the madcap inventor of the metronome and much besides.
Dartington Summer School and Festival on hold, director resigns

Oct 27, 2023 | classical-music.com | Steve Wright

The festival's artistic director Sara Mohr-Pietsch has also stepped down from her role, as has the rest of the summer school team. A statement on Dartington's website reads:'In 2023, Dartington Trust celebrated the 75th anniversary of Summer School with an incredible programme of 86 courses, 85 public events and 96 bursary places for emerging talent.
more than 30 composers nominated

Oct 19, 2023 | classical-music.com | Steve Wright

The Ivors Academy have announced the 34 composers who have been nominated for an Ivor Novello Award as part of The Ivors Classical Awards 2023, celebrating the best new classical music and sound art. The Ivors Classical Awards take place on 14 November at BFI Southbank in London, where 11 Ivor Novello Awards will be presented to eight category winners and three Gift of the Academy award winners.
Martyn Brabbins leaves English National Opera, blaming cuts

Oct 16, 2023 | classical-music.com | Steve Wright

Condcutor Martyn Brabbins has resigned as music director of English National Opera, citing recent and severe cuts to the ENO's orchestra and chorus. Brabbins, who took on the role of ENO's music director in 2016, said: 'As music director of English National Opera for the past seven years, and head of its orchestra, chorus and music staff, I cannot in all conscience continue to support the board and management's strategy for the future of the company.
What is a concerto grosso?

Oct 13, 2023 | classical-music.com | Steve Wright

What is a concerto grosso in music? A concerto grosso (or concerti grossi, in the plural) was a common form of orchestral music during the era of music, around 1600-1750), although the form has been revisited by other composers since, particularly during the Neoclassical period. The concerto grosso is most notable for the contrast it presents between a small group of soloists (often known as the concertino) and an accompanying full orchestra (the ripieno).
What is Gregorian chant?

Oct 12, 2023 | classical-music.com | Steve Wright

Gregorian chant is a form of sacred song in Latin (and occasionally Greek), employed within the Roman Catholic Church for centuries. From the start, Gregorian chant has had two key distinguishing features: It is unaccompanied, meaning that there are no musical instruments accompanying the singing It is monophonic, which means that there is just one melodic line followed by all the singers.
What is chamber music?

Oct 11, 2023 | classical-music.com | Steve Wright

On your explorations of the classical music universe, you're likely to hear the term 'chamber music' a lot. But what does this term denote? What makes a certain piece of music 'chamber music'? And how does this compare with other classical music forms, such as orchestral music or instrumental music? Let's begin with a definition of chamber music, before moving on to recommend some great pieces of chamber music to start you off. What is chamber music?
What is folk music?

Oct 10, 2023 | classical-music.com | Steve Wright

Essentially, folk music is a music genre that includes both traditional folk music (many of it dating back centuries) and contemporary folk music, which evolved during what was called the 'folk revival' of the mid 20 th century. There are some key factors that define a piece as 'folk music'.
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic's flagship Music and Health Programme celebrates 15 years

Oct 9, 2023 | classical-music.com | Steve Wright

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic's flagship Music and Health Programme, now the longest-running and largest of its kind, celebrates its 15th birthday in October 2023. Working across 27 wards in four partner NHS trusts, the Music and Health programme draws on links between music and mental health, using the power of music to promote wellbeing and improve the mental and physical health of participants.
Julian Lloyd Webber calls for end to one-to-one music tuition

Oct 9, 2023 | classical-music.com | Steve Wright

The cellist Julian Lloyd Webber has called for classical academies and conservatoires to end all one-to-one music teaching. Webber's comments came after the news that a senior professor at London's Royal College of Music (RCM), head of strings Mark Messenger, has been suspended following allegations of misconduct. Opened in 1883, the RCM counts Gustav Holst, Ralph Vaughan Williams and Benjamin Britten among its alumni.