Music the artform and artists
Obscure brass instrument gets its second wind
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- Thursday, 04 July 2013
Wondering why you've never heard of the ophicleide before? With a mouthpiece like a trombone, the ophicleide is a forerunner of the modern tuba but uses keys like a saxophone.
The Mystique of the Kakaki
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- Wednesday, 03 July 2013
The kakaki is a ten-foot royal trumpet utilized in traditional African music. The kakaki is blown by only by men in Hausa societies, and it is generally reserved for specific occasions, such as a ceremony at the emir's palace.
Five must-hear songs about Mandela
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- Tuesday, 02 July 2013
Few people in the history of politics, or indeed the world, have inspired as many songs as Nelson Mandela.
Music and melodies to manipulate senses
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- Monday, 01 July 2013
Music was more than melody in 17th century Europe – it was a way to manipulate the senses.
"One of the big fashions was the idea of the alleged power of great music to move listeners' emotions, depending on the will of the person performing," said Zak Ozmo, of the University of Hull's Early Music Ensemble.
Provocative Choices for Orchestras
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- Monday, 01 July 2013
"Orchestras are meant to be places of creativity. But for too long, their extreme specialization has led to a separation from what have historically been essential creative influences: other art forms, different genres, new technology and decades-long commitments to living composers."
Montreal International Jazz Festival 2013: Andre Menard – all that jazz in la cité
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- Monday, 01 July 2013
As the 2013 Montreal International Jazz Festival gets under way, the event's co-founder Andre Menard discusses the origins of the festival and what it has achieved.
The 10 Greatest Pianists of All Time
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- Monday, 24 June 2013
The most influential legendary pianists, as voted by modern day masters of the instrument.
The Creole Choir Of Cuba: Reviving Caribbean History In 'Santiman'
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- Monday, 24 June 2013
It might come as a surprise to learn that people of Haitian descent are the largest ethnic minority in Cuba. But that's the history behind The Creole Choir of Cuba, a vocal and percussion ensemble that performs songs about history, faith and social change in the Caribbean.
Terence Blanchard Turns A Tragic Champion Into An Opera Hero
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- Monday, 24 June 2013
From his days blowing trumpet for Art Blakey to his film scores for Spike Lee, Terence Blanchard has honed a signature sound as one of today's foremost composers of jazz.