If you’ve ever listened to a piece by Chopin, Liszt, or Bartók and wondered what those strange numbers attached to their works – like WoO 18, L. 123, or Sz. 95 – mean, you’re not alone. These catalogue numbers are

If you’ve ever had a dog, you know firsthand the devotion, affection, and companionship they provide to humans. Many of the great composers knew the joys of canine companionship, too! Today, we’re looking at the amazing true stories of the

The double bass is often thought of as the foundation of the orchestra: deep, resonant, and usually playing a supportive role. In music as in architecture, foundations rarely find themselves in the spotlight. But over the centuries, a handful of

On 24 January, we mark the birth of one of the most remarkable figures of the German Romantic era. Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann (1776–1822), better known by his pen name, E.T.A. Hoffmann is known as the master of the fantastic

Joseph Haydn, often hailed as the “Father of the Symphony” and the “Father of the String Quartet,” is a towering figure in the history of Western classical music. His wit, structural ingenuity, and expressive depth have captivated audiences for centuries.

Geoffrey Álvarez: St Paul’s Shipwreck British-Nicaraguan composer Geoffrey Álvarez (b. 1961) studied at the Royal Academy of Music and was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of York, studying with David Blake and Richard Orton. He writes

The mythology of classical music is full of so-called geniuses, but these geniuses often committed horrible acts. From stalking to abusing to committing murder, these composers caused real harm in the lives of the people around them. Today, we’re looking

Explore Francesco Cavalli’s Legacy 350 Years After His Death When Francesco Cavalli died in Venice on 14 January 1676, opera had already become something recognisably modern. It was dramatic, flexible, emotionally direct, and unmistakably human. More than any composer of