Johann Pachelbel

Gabriel Faure was a French composer, organist, pianist and teacher. He was one of the foremost French composers of his generation, and his musical style influenced many 20th-century composers and he was best known for his Requiem. Life and Music It would appear that Fauré’s exceptional gift for music was obvious to everyone except his father, Toussaint-Honore. Being musically inclined since early childhood, he turned his talent into profession and is remembered for his-well known piece…

Vocal music in the Baroque era Introduction to the baroque era Taken from the Portuguese word “barroco (oddly shaped pearl)”, the term “Baroque” is associated with Western art music between the periods of 1600 to 1750 (Nicholas Kraemer accessed: 1 September 2016). In congruence to the word it derived from, Baroque music focussed on musical ornamentation, technique and contrast. Additionally, the concept of “melody” and “harmony” began to be articulated and implemented, in contrast to the…

Hans Christian Andersen once said, “where words fail, music speaks.” I believe if we could speak with any of the composers from the Medieval, Renaissance, Classical, and Romantic periods that they would say the same also. One of the composers from the Romantic period whom I believe would agree with this statement is Bedřich Smetana. He, along with many other composers, have a way of speaking through their compositions. Bedřich Smetana was born on March 2, 1824 and died on May 12th, 1884.…

The primary discussion this paper will address Petrus de Cruce's Aucun ont trouve/Lonc tans/Annuntiantes and its significance both historically and culturally on the motet genre. One of significance aspects of this piece is the voice range of triplum and motetus as well as how rhythmetrically complex it is. While not completely confined to that, the paper will discuss the characteristics of the motet as well as the implication of musical content and texture that Cruce used in his piece. The…

A highly reputed teacher, considered God by many elite musicians in the country talks to a young prodigy at the most esteemed Shaffer School of Music. Terrence Fletcher : I don't think people understood what it is that I am doing at Shaffer. I ain’t here to conduct. Any f***ing moron can wave his arms and keep people in tempo. I am here to push people beyond what's expected of them. I believe that is... an absolute necessity. Otherwise, we're depriving the world of the next Louis Armstrong. The…

Stony Brook Symphony Concert Report The orchestra is an aspect of music that dates back several centuries. Due to it’s long history and various advancements in musical instruments, the orchestra has evolved tremendously. Today, a typical orchestra contains a vast amount of instruments from the string, woodwind, brass, and percussion families. This is no different for the Stony Brook Symphony Orchestra. I had the pleasure of attending one of this ensembles breathtaking concerts on November 7,…

Whether it be French, Italian, or English Opera, it’s very dramatic. Handel’s “Piangeró La Sorte Mia” is no exception. George Frideric Handel (Georg Friedrich Händel) like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was a child prodigy. Born in Halle, Germany in 1685, began studying music at the very early age of 7 under organist Friedrich Wilhelm Zachow despite his father’s disapproval. The young Handel then began composing music at the age of 10 which mostly composed of church cantatas and chamber music. From his…

The musical notes ring through the air with a certain beauty about them that is special compared to other pieces from different composers. This would be one of the many great works from Johann Sebastian Bach. He was one of the most brilliant composers of his time, and one of the most brilliant composers to ever compose music in history. His work was good enough to get him jobs working for the church and royalty of all kinds. Bach was born in Germany on March 31st, 1685 into a family of…

Thomas Tallis was one of England’s main composers of Medieval church music. He lived during the Tudor period of England, a time of which the national religious stance swung back and forth from Protestant to Catholic due to the various monarchs that held the throne. As a matter of fact, Tallis saw 5 different monarchs hold and pass on the throne during his life. But even if Tallis was a true Catholic, he possessed the skill to compose music to suit whomever his liege was. During his lifetime, he…

Hallelujah Handel George Frideric Handel was a world famous baroque composer, and is best known for his works ranging from operas, instrument compositions, and oratorios. Handel composed the most famous oratorios of all time, The Messiah. (Hogwood). In his lifetime, Handel composed almost 30 oratorios and nearly 50 operas. He was born in Halle, Brandenburg, Germany on February 23, 1685. He died April 14, 1759 in London, England. Handel had a gift for composing and playing instruments even…