Classical music, a tradition spanning centuries, remains a cornerstone of human culture and intellectual life. Its importance lies not merely in its historical longevity but in its profound capacity to enrich our lives, sharpen our minds, and connect us to the depths of human experience. Far from being an outdated relic, classical music offers timeless value that transcends generations, …
When we talk about classical music, certain names leap out like superstars from history—composers whose melodies have shaped culture, inspired movies. These aren’t just dusty old figures; they’re the architects of some of the most enduring sounds ever created. But who are the most famous classical composers? Fame here isn’t just about name recognition—it’s about impact, innovation, and timelessness. Let’s …
Classical music is a term that evokes images of grand orchestras, intricate compositions, and timeless melodies penned by legendary figures like Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach. Yet, defining it precisely can feel like trying to capture a symphony in a single note. At its core, classical music is a broad tradition of art music rooted in Western culture, spanning centuries …
In part 2 of this three-part interview, Jonathan shares with us his story of how he became the editor of the Bärenreiter urtext editions of Beethoven’s nine symphonies. In our previous article, Deciphering Beethoven, we learnt from Beethoven scholar, Jonathan Del Mar, just how meticulous Beethoven’s notations were, despite the rather widespread criticism the composer has received for his …
A three-part interview series with the world famous Beethoven scholar. Interview part 1 – Editing Beethoven’s masterpieces Jonathan Del Mar (born January 7, 1951) is a British music editor, conductor and musicologist. He studied at Christ Church, Oxford and the Royal College of Music in London. Jonathan Del Mar edited Beethoven’s nine symphonies for the German publisher Bärenreiter, …
In quest of meaning and happiness with Kierkegaard’s ‘Stages on life’s way’. Human beings are complex creatures. One might expect that today, when life is more convenient, safe and easier than ever in history, the species is thriving. Extreme poverty decreased significantly globally, through medical and technological advancement life expectancy is higher than ever, access to healthcare and education …