Aline Van Barentzen
Aline Van Barentzen: Her earliest recordings and Chopin, Liszt & Villa-Lobos. APR. Length: 2 hours 27 minutes Lately I’ve been listening to a new release of Aline Van Barentzen’s (1897-1981) … Continue reading
Frederyk Chopin: A Life and Times – Alan Walker
From the well-known daguerrotype of Chopin it is instantly clear he was a guarded man, prone to melancholy, and suffering from tuberculosis – the only three things I … Continue reading
The History of Jazz – Ted Gioia
Jazz is a tricky subject to write convincingly about. Any attempt to formally mimic its rhythms is usually doomed to the ignominious failure of word soup – … Continue reading
Leo Ornstein
There are some figures whose lifespans encompass seemingly impossible social and historical changes. Think of Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) or Bertrand Russell (1872-1970) (‘From Cowboys to Disco’, as my friend remarked). … Continue reading
‘I knew it was my music’: Idil Biret Concert & Interview
Those assembled in Westminster Cathedral Hall earlier this month had the pleasure and privilege to hear the celebrated Turkish pianist Idil Biret in a concert arranged by the Chopin Society. … Continue reading
Rhapsody of Rags 