Operatic

Creativity is something that is crafted, harnessed and shaped. Creativity in itself doesn't create anything.

Johannes Brahms (1833–1897) was a German composer and pianist of the Romantic era, whose music is celebrated for its depth, richness, and structural complexity. His compositions encompass a wide range of genres, including symphonies, chamber music, piano works, and choral compositions. Brahms was known for his meticulous craftsmanship and adherence to classical forms, earning him a reputation as a successor to Beethoven. His symphonies, particularly the monumental Symphony No. 4, are considered masterpieces, showcasing his mastery of orchestration and emotional depth.

Beyond his musical prowess, Brahms was a private and introspective individual, and his compositions often reflect a profound exploration of human emotions. His legacy endures as his works continue to be integral to the classical repertoire, influencing generations of musicians and listeners alike.

Do you agree with him?

Tchaikovsky + Karajan = Symphony at its finest 🎶✨

What does this “formula” mean?

Herbert von Karajan (1908-1989) was an influential and renowned Austrian conductor and music director, seen conducting the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra (@berlinphil), one of the most renown orchestras in the world. Karajan’s leadership transformed the world of conducting, known for his technical precision and artistic excellence.

On the other hand, the music of Tchaikovsky is incredibly profound and emotional, as opposed to more “structured” forms from the previous eras (Haydn or Mozart). This allows for much more expression from the conductor and the orchestra, which is one of the things that set Karajan apart as a conductor.

Remembering a very important female figure in early music:

Élisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre (1665-1729)

Often not mentioned enough, she was a remarkable French composer and musician of the late Baroque era. A pioneering figure in a time when female composers were rare.

Elisabeth was a virtuoso harpsichordist and a celebrated opera singer at the court of Louis XIV. Her notable compositions include solo keyboard works, cantatas, and chamber music. Her significance lies not only in her musical prowess but also in breaking gender barriers in the male-dominated world of 17th-century classical music, leaving a lasting legacy for female composers and musicians to come.

What's your favorite piece by her?

Not just the good, not just the bad, but everything ✨

Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) was a towering figure in late Romantic music, known for his emotionally rich and expansive symphonies. As a composer and conductor, he bridged the 19th and 20th centuries, pushing the boundaries of orchestral music with his innovative use of orchestration and themes of existential struggle and transcendence.

His symphonies are vast, often exploring the depths of human emotion and the complexities of life. Mahler’s works are renowned for their intensity, intricate harmonies, and deep philosophical underpinnings, making him one of the most influential composers of his era and leaving a lasting legacy in the world of classical music.

What’s your favorite piece of his?

Thoughts from Schubert himself 🎶💫

Franz Schubert (1797-1828) was an Austrian composer who is widely regarded as one of the most significant figures of the Romantic era in music. He was born in Vienna and showed prodigious musical talent from a young age.

Although he only lived to the age of 31, Schubert's symphonic compositions, including his "Unfinished Symphony" and "Great Symphony" (Symphony No. 9), left a significant mark on the development of symphonic music in the 19th century

What's your favorite piece of his?

The famous writer dedicates some words to Mozart 📝

Having lived roughly on the same period and dealing with art each in its own form (writer and musician), Goethe and Mozart excelled at their craft and it’s beautiful to see the former appreciate the uniqueness of the latter.

The father of symphonic music 🎶✨

This short quote gives us valuable insight on the life that Haydn had to lead in order to carry his creative process that originated the symphony as a defined musical structure.

He taught Mozart most of his knowledge and were close friends during a big period of their lives, not failing to give each other infinite mutual respect and even dedicating themselves musical compositions.

What's your favorite music piece of his?

Happy Birthday Franz Liszt 🎈✨

A trailblazer of the romantic era. Here are some historical references so you can pinpoint his life in time.

What’s your favorite piece of his? ⬇️

#OnThisDay on 1849 Frederic Chopin died.

Frederic Chopin, the iconic composer and pianist of the Romantic era, was as enigmatic as his music was enchanting. Born in 1810 in a small village in Poland, he was a child prodigy who quickly demonstrated his remarkable musical talents. At the age of seven, he performed for the Russian Grand Duke Constantine, and by his teenage years, he was already composing works that hinted at the emotional depth and technical brilliance that would define his legacy.

Chopin's life, though relatively brief, was marked by a tumultuous journey. He eventually left his homeland and settled in Paris, a hub of artistic creativity in the 19th century. His music, characterized by its exquisite lyricism and emotional depth, is often associated with the expression of personal sentiments, and his compositions, particularly the Nocturnes and Polonaises, continue to captivate audiences with their delicate beauty and fiery nationalism. Chopin's music remains a testament to the profound connection between art and the human soul, a timeless source of inspiration for musicians and listeners alike, reminding us that even in the briefest of lives, one can leave an everlasting imprint on the world.

You’re listening to Mozart’s last written notes 🎶✝️

This beautiful passage, Lacrimosa, belongs to the Requiem written by the composer in his last months of life. In fact, all he managed to write before his death was the Introitus, Kyrie and Lacrimosa, just three out of many passages corresponding to a full traditional mass for the dead in Latin language.

This composition is one of the most thrilling pieces of music ever written, connecting the concepts of life and death through music in a way never seen before at the time, and a crucial rise for this type of music structure that gives birth to other famous Requiem masses such as Verdi’s and Faure’s.

Mozart died in 1791 at 35 years old having written more than 600 works through a life that wasn’t easy in any sense. Alfred Einstein’s biography of Mozart is one of the best out there, if you are interested in discovering more about this prestigious composer.

Sunday Meditations ✨🎶

Time doesn't stop, but we can. The scenes around us often treasure valuable moments that, though laid out in front of our eyes, are omitted by our occupied minds.

Any form of meditation, of attempting to capture the here and the now, reconnects us with our own humanity. And music plays a big role in this exercise. It can estimulate and help maintain a focused mind amidst trouble and preoccupations.

The piece featured in the video is J.S. Bach's Concerto in D Minor (BWV 974), which is based on Alessandro Marcello's Oboe Concerto in D Minor. Interpreted by the great @vikingurolafsson.

The snippet comes from the second movement, which features a calm melody that despite having a well marked tempo, it seems to linger in the air.

Listening to this amazing concerto today 🎻✨

Do you know it?