The Baby’s Family by Heitor Villa-Lobos

April 5, 2019.Reading time 7 minutes.

In the first half of the 20th century, Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887-1959) composed a collection of 26 character pieces known as A próle do bébé – “The Baby’s Family”. Published over the course of three books, each “series” has its own unique storyline. These virtuosic pieces are not meant for children to play, however; […]

Schubert Impromptu in G-flat Major, Op. 90 No. 3 Analysis

February 22, 2019.Reading time 3 minutes.

In 1827, Classical/Romantic composer Franz Schubert (1797-1828) wrote eight solo piano pieces called impromptus. An impromptu is a musical work, usually for a solo instrument, that embodies the spirit of improvisation. His impromptus were published in two sets of four: Op. 90 and Op. 142 (which wasn’t published until after he died). These eight impromptus […]

Melody, Op. 47 No. 3 by Grieg

June 15, 2018.Reading time 3 minutes.

Here is Grieg’s Melody, Op. 47 No. 3, a small gem of a piano piece hidden amongst his huge collection of Lyric Pieces: History One of the Romantic era’s leading musicians, Norwegian pianist and composer Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) helped shape the face of classical music. His use of Norwegian folk styling and themes in his […]