Essay

On the instinctual life of sounds

Karol Szymanowski‘s life comprises a Polish lack of openness and Viennese bohème, Catholic strictness and the Dionysian, ecstasy and ascesis.

If Scriabin could be called a constructor and programmaticist of sound ecstasies, in Szymanowski’s works ecstasy is rather coming from within and unfolding out of the mysterioso at the beginnings of the movements in a fever curve that rises continually, discharging itself in a vocal and instrumental apotheosis – as exemplified in his operas and concertos. 

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Essay

The musical reactionary

“Schönberg” is not only the name of a great composer, but also a word that signifies a complete subversion of and break with tradition.

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© Bartók Archives, Institute of Musicology, Research Centre for the Humanities, Hungarian Academy of Sciences
Essay

“This is truly wonderful”

Bartók’s relationship with Vienna can be traced back to his first visit in 1897 and ends with the concert in the Großer Musikvereinssaal on 18 May 1936.

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Essay

In remembrance of Otto Tomek

Otto Tomek died on 18 February. As shown by the tributes from our composers, he was more than just an important sponsor and someone who made things happen.

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© Janáček Museum Brno
Essay

Remembering Leoš Janáček

Max Brod (1884–1968) wrote this obituary of Leoš Janáček in 1928. It is a moving document testifying to a great friendship.

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© Universal Edition/Eric Marinitsch
Essay

“A bedrock for your voice”

David Fennessy: “I think each piece has its own individual technique but what people hear is something much deeper and profound and long lasting.”

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© Lucerne Festival / Priska Ketterer
Essay

Exploring the depths

Founded in tradition, Haas’ oeuvre conquers listeners with its truly unprecedented, utopian adventures in sound.

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