Before diving into the Romantic Period, it is important to take stock of how the music world had changed over the last two centuries. Through much of music history to this point, the Church had been the primary benefactor of the great composers. As the Church's influence began to wane, particularly in the German States, … Continue reading Virtuosity
Category: Playlists
The Friday Symposium: Christmas Edition
A symposium is a tightly choreographed social gathering where men drank together, conversed, and enjoyed themselves in a convivial atmosphere. Last year's Christmas Playlist was such a hit, I decided to make two more. Taking a break from all things classical, here's a playlist of classic songs that have been jazzed up. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5uNOhC94LrIoRNuEx6P6yp A traditionalist … Continue reading The Friday Symposium: Christmas Edition
The Friday Symposium: A Schubertiade
A symposium is a tightly choreographed social gathering where men drank together, conversed, and enjoyed themselves in a convivial atmosphere. As chronicled here, Mozart exploited his remarkable talents to become the first freelance composer in history. As such, he was beholden only to those who paid for his compositions and not to any one church … Continue reading The Friday Symposium: A Schubertiade
A Thanksgiving
The Te Deum hymn traces its origins back to the 4th Century and is traditionally attributed to St. Ambrose, who is said to have written it for the baptism of the future St. Augustine in 378. The Te Deum melody is one of the oldest in the Gregorian tradition and has inspired composers throughout history. … Continue reading A Thanksgiving
Boo! A Gertus History of Music’s Playlist for Halloween
Classical music really doesn't do Halloween and, frankly, no other genre does it well. Here is a playlist of some of the creepiest music composed over the last 700 years or so. If you are tired of The Monster Mash (and, frankly, who isn't), here's an alternative. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1CLHE40V0i7YVUasTdw323
A Gertus History of Music 