Mordents Magazine reviews “Songs for Our Times”, an album release by poet Chinwe D. John and composers Stuart MacRae and Bernard Hughes. The challenges facing the classical music world, and the perceived need for a larger supporting audience, were the driving force behind the latest project from Chinwe D. John. “Songs for Our Times”, represents the unique response of this Nigerian-American physician and poet. The album of art songs, released in October 2023, as the liner notes highlight, was created as a dedicated effort towards preserving and promoting classical music – singling out declining ..read more

I’ll begin with Love. My first introduction to classical music, came from my father’s vinyl and  CDs, which he played on Sundays after Mass. The recurring albums were Verdi’s Aida; the  Giulio Cesare recording featuring Beverly Sills and Norman Treigle; The 1976 recording of  Handel’s Messiah under the baton of Sir Neville Marriner, and a Mario Lanza LP. He would always return to these records, and in time, I came to love them, and others which he played. I  would be amiss not to mention that it was he who introduced me to the magic of Mozart and the orchestra St. Martin-In ..read more

Dive into our comprehensive review of tonebase cello courses, and find the perfect course to elevate your playing skills. Introduction There’s no doubt about it – online music education is undergoing a transformative evolution.  With the recent rise in the popularity of remote learning, the opportunities for aspiring musicians to learn, practice, and refine their skills from practically anywhere in the world have only grown. Still, some challenges persist, especially when trying to strike a balance between convenience, expert guidance, and maintaining the depth of musical education.  ..read more

The world of classical music has been graced with numerous luminaries, but two names always shine brightest: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven. Born just 14 years apart, the duo brought monumental changes to the classical music landscape, with each leaving an indelible mark. This article dives deep into the similarities and intersections of their lives and works. Early Lives and Upbringings Mozart, hailing from Salzburg, Austria (1756), and Beethoven, from Bonn, Germany (1770), had notably distinct upbringings. Mozart, under the tutelage of his father, Leopold, quickly rose to f ..read more

Music, an intricate tapestry of sound and silence, has been humanity’s most profound source of expression and inspiration for centuries. It transcends borders, languages, and cultures, serving as a universal language that binds us all. Over the years, many maestros, composers, and musical aficionados have eloquently captured the essence of music in words. From Beethoven’s reflections on passion to modern artists musing on the transformative power of a tune, the world is rich with musical wisdom. In this collection, we have carefully curated 100 of the most poignant and memorable music quotes t ..read more

The tranquil beauty of “Silent Night” has enchanted listeners for over two centuries. Its evocative lyrics, paired with a serene melody, make it one of the most revered and widely sung Christmas carols globally. Join us as we delve into the story of its creation and the poignant lyrics that resonate across time and borders. via GIPHY Origins: A Song Born from Serenity Contrary to its worldwide recognition now, “Silent Night” had humble beginnings. Composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber, with lyrics by Joseph Mohr, it first echoed in the small church of St. Nicholas in Oberndorf, Austria. Bo ..read more

In the vast ocean of classical compositions, Franz Schubert’s “Ave Maria” stands as a lighthouse of emotion and devotion. A masterpiece composed in 1825, its poignant melody coupled with profound lyrics continues to reverberate through time. Join us as we journey through its lyrical depth and uncover the story behind this timeless hymn. The Birth of a Masterpiece Franz Schubert, though more known for his symphonies and chamber music, poured deep emotion into “Ave Maria.” Contrary to popular belief, Schubert didn’t initially set out to pen this composition for the traditional Latin prayer. It b ..read more

The Timeless Elegance of “How Great Thou Art”: A Lyrical Exploration Among the pantheon of Christian hymns, “How Great Thou Art” stands tall and proud. Its profound lyrics and melodic beauty have transcended time, culture, and language. Let us embark on a journey through its history, understanding the elements that make this hymn a cherished gem. The Swedish Genesis: A Poetic Onset In the quiet corners of 19th century Sweden, lay minister Carl Boberg was moved by nature’s grandeur to pen the poem ‘O Store Gud‘. This piece, inspired by the awe-evoking aftermath of a thunderstorm, was the precur ..read more

Find out everything you need to know about the website’s course offer in our tonebase review. Recent years have seen a real boom in online music learning platforms, and for good reason.  Websites such as Zebra Keys, GuitarCompass, and InsidePiano have made it easier than ever for people to pick up valuable music skills from the comfort of their own homes, at their own pace and convenience. Compared to in-person practice sessions, remote lessons are also considered a more affordable option for learning how to play an instrument. Founded in 2017, tonebase (and yes, it’s written with a small ..read more

A review of everything tonebase for guitar has to offer: from its lesson library to other resources such as blogs, podcasts, and PDF toolkits. It’s official — the online music education market has never been bigger, or its offer more varied.  If you’re looking for remote music lessons, you can now build your skills with the help from over a dozen of music education platforms: GuitarCompass, Zebra Keys, InsidePiano, Jamorama… Not to mention the millions of tutorials you can find on YouTube. Out of this host of recently launched educational platforms for musicians, tonebase, specializing in ..read more