A diminutive man with an immense musical talent, Edvard Grieg (1843 - 1907) wrote one of the world's most popular piano concertos. He remains today as Norway's most beloved composer, magically capturing the energy and beauty of the folk melodies he grew up with. Grieg was one of a string of nationalist composers – Dvorak, Smetana, Sibelius, Bartok, Kodaly, Glinka, Tchaikovsky and others in countries throughout Europe were also turning to the folk songs and rhythms of their homelands to create a Nationalist movement that was also reflected in plays, ballets, operas, novels and poems. Today, his music celebrating Norway and the beauty of Scandinavia is played around the world.
"His name will endure, if only thanks to one superb violin concerto." Thus read the entry in “The New Grove” on Max Bruch (1838 - 1920), a prolific composer who was much admired in his lifetime. The First Violin Concerto, however, was only the first of a string of works for the instrument. He also composed three symphonies, a wonderful work for cello and orchestra, a number of (mostly unsuccessful) operas and other choral works. Conservative musically , much in the mould of Brahms, he reacted against the innovations of Liszt and Wagner, and found himself isolated from contemporary opinion later in life. He was, nevertheless, a respected teacher, and numbered Respighi and Vaughan Williams among his students.
These were the composers our group celebrated this month. You can read more and sample their music on the Music Appreciation page of our website.
Bill Squire
"His name will endure, if only thanks to one superb violin concerto." Thus read the entry in “The New Grove” on Max Bruch (1838 - 1920), a prolific composer who was much admired in his lifetime. The First Violin Concerto, however, was only the first of a string of works for the instrument. He also composed three symphonies, a wonderful work for cello and orchestra, a number of (mostly unsuccessful) operas and other choral works. Conservative musically , much in the mould of Brahms, he reacted against the innovations of Liszt and Wagner, and found himself isolated from contemporary opinion later in life. He was, nevertheless, a respected teacher, and numbered Respighi and Vaughan Williams among his students.
These were the composers our group celebrated this month. You can read more and sample their music on the Music Appreciation page of our website.
Bill Squire
Class Notes - November 8 - Edvard Grieg 1843 - 1907 - just one of the links in the notes:
Class Notes - November 22 - Max Bruch 1838-1920 - a link from the notes:
