Society

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Classical Music Takes to the Slopes
It was announced on January 21st that violinist Vanessa Mae has qualified to represent Thailand at the Sochi Games, which begin in February and she has been confirmed by the world governing body as a contender. The life-long skier, competing
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Best Music for Kissing ?
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, all thoughts turn to love and associated gestures of affection. Maybe you will be treated to a nice romantic dinner, a bouquet of flowers, or delectable sweets. But with some degree of certainly,
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Sheet Music Apps for Non-Dinosaurs!
I admit I’m a dinosaur. I come from the time when we did a lot of cut and pasting —and I don’t mean highlighting and punching command X and C. We used real paper, with scissors and tape to organize
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The Microsoft of Pianos
Steinway & Sons
It is hardly surprising that innovations in the field of instrument design frequently originated in small workshops run by dedicated artisans determined to realize a personal vision. Take for example Heinrich Engelhard Steinweg, who started to build pianos in his
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Curtis Institute of Music
Our second destination in our world tour of the world’s great music colleges sees us stopping off in the USA, in the state of Philadelphia. The Curtis Institute of Music is renowned for its exceptional level of musical tuition, and
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Top 5 Tracks
New Year’s Resolutions
Oscar Wilde sarcastically suggested, “Good resolutions are simply checks that people draw on a bank where they have no account.” Of course it might also be said that making resolutions is a cleansing ritual demanding personal honesty, and that breaking
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The Liszt Academy of Music
Based in Budapest, the Liszt Academy is one of the most renowned music colleges in Europe, and the world. Founded in 1875 by the composer-pianist himself, it has gone on to become a centre of musical excellence. I talked with
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Music and Religion:
Ave Maria: Hail Mary
Perhaps the most popular of all Marian Prayers, the “Ave Maria” (Hail Mary) originated in the gospel of Luke. Historically, the text is divided into three parts and opens with a salutation of the Angel Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin.
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