Category Archives: Composers

Happy Birthday, Ludwig #BTHVN2020

Posted on December 16, 2020 by Christine Stevenson

So today is the day – Beethoven was born 250 years ago. At least, we think that date is correct; he was baptised on 17 December 1770, and it was customary to baptise babies within 24 hours of their birth. … Continue reading →

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Happy Birthday, Franz Liszt

Posted on October 22, 2017 by Christine Stevenson

Raise a glass to Liszt today, on his birthday. Here he is, below centre, celebrating his 73rd birthday in Weimar with some of his students in 1884. 

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Chopin In The Park!

Posted on August 27, 2017 by Christine Stevenson

I’m  delighted to be playing Chopin in the Park next Saturday, September 2nd, in the Walled Garden at  Holywells Park in Ipswich. The programme will include Preludes, Mazurkas, the ‘Military’ Polonaise and the Berceuse, the ‘Funeral March ‘ Sonata and … Continue reading →

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Promenade; Tuileries – Fun and Games in the Gardens

Posted on June 14, 2016 by Christine Stevenson

After the shadowed reverie induced by Il Vecchio Castello, it’s as if Mussorgsky needs a brisk walk to shake himself up a little. The final G# is used as a pivot to turn us into the bright sunshine of B major … Continue reading →

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Schubert – edited by Brahms. Drei Klavierstucke D946, No 2

Posted on October 31, 2015 by Christine Stevenson

It was one of those moments. One of those moments when you hear music for which you would climb down a ladder; one of those moments when you are driving and you hear something on the radio which keeps you … Continue reading →

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Falling in Love with Beethoven. And Falling into the Pond … Beethoven Variations

Posted on August 5, 2015 by Christine Stevenson

I fell in love with Beethoven at the age of ten. I can remember saying to one of the inspirational academic music teachers at my school, ‘Who is your favourite composer? Mine’s Beethoven.’ Hers was Bach. It was all because … Continue reading →

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A Mere Bagatelle – or two …

Posted on March 28, 2015 by Christine Stevenson

bagatelle ˌbaɡəˈtɛl/ noun  -something of little value or importance; a trifle  -a thing regarded as too unimportant or easy to be worth much consideration  -a short and light musical composition, typically for the piano. This post is about two of Beethoven’s … Continue reading →

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Ravel – Gaspard de la Nuit

Posted on December 23, 2014 by Christine Stevenson

As a child, I was fascinated by the cover art of this record from my parents’ LP collection, as well as by the musical works on the disc, including Gaspard de la Nuit. Especially Ondine.  Ondine Aloysius Bertrand (1807-1841 ) …I … Continue reading →

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Lest We Forget

Posted on November 8, 2014 by Christine Stevenson

It is the weekend of Remembrance, more poignantly felt this year perhaps as we remember the centenary of the commencement of WW1 in 1914. This morning I make an early stop at Tower Hill to see the breathtaking installation of 888,246 … Continue reading →

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Nocturnes by Schumann and Mendelssohn. But not the usual suspects …

Posted on August 5, 2014 by Christine Stevenson

Some years ago, the Promenade Concerts in London  were criticized for not programming any works by women composers. Lest I be tarred with the same brush, here are nocturnes by Clara Schumann, from her 6 Soirées musicales, Op. 6 of  1836, … Continue reading →

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