One of the greatest and most influential classical composers died in Vienna 200 years ago today. Among his many achievements, Franz Joseph Haydn was the first to compose four-part music for two violins, a viola and a cello on a regular basis, making him the “Father of the String Quartet”. He was [...]

From George Frideric Handel’s sacred oratorio Messiah:
“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and hath redeemed us to God by His blood, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory and blessing. Blessing and honour, glory and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, [...]

Joseph Haydn’s The Seven Last Words of Jesus Christ, String Quartet Op. 51, Sonata IV: Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? (My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?), performed by Kreativ Ensemble.
The seven words (or sayings) of Jesus on the Cross:

Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do (St Luke 23:34)
Verily, I say [...]

Mozart’s Piano Concerto no. 20 in D minor, K. 466, is one of the most stirring and dramatic pieces he ever composed. Not surprisingly, it was one of Beethoven’s favourites.
Here the first (Allegro) movement is performed by the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Pierre Boulez. The pianist is the renowned Maria Joao Pires.

Felix Mendelssohn was born on this day in 1809. His fortunes in popular esteem have had their ups and downs.
He was thought of as a genius during his lifetime, then thought of as too old-fashioned by the late-Romantic, Austro-Germanic musical scene, but hailed in Victorian England. During World War II, Nazi Germany tried [...]

Handel’s Messiah, “For unto us a child is born”, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra and Tenebrae Choir, conducted by Sir Colin Davis.
For to us a child is born,
unto us a Son is given,
and the government shall be upon His shoulder;
and His name shall be called
Wonderful,
Counselor,
The Mighty God,
The Everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace.
(Isaiah 9:6)

I’ve been feeling unwell for a few days and, although I was looking forward to spending several hours blogging today, I’m still not up to it. (Nothing serious, I hope: just a bad headache and fatigue.)
It’s a good day to listen to Bach’s Magnificat. This is the first part of his choral masterpiece, [...]