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Posted by: David Plylar
This year we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Arnold Schoenberg’s birth. The Library of Congress is the home to nearly all of Schoenberg’s music for string quartet, and over the course of two concerts given by the superb Quatuor Diotima, we will explore most of what we have, including: String Quartet in D major (1897) …
Posted in: Birthdays, Composers, Concerts and Events, Musicians
Posted by: David Plylar
*** SPECIAL START TIME OF 7 p.m. FOR THIS YEAR’S FOUNDER’S DAY CONCERT!!!*** Each year on Founder’s Day (October 30th) we celebrate the legacy of Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge, the visionary patron whose gifts of the Coolidge Auditorium and an endowment to support a concert series in that space have helped make Concerts from the Library …
Posted in: Birthdays, Composers, Concerts and Events, Musicians, New Music, Special Collections, Vocalists
Posted by: David Plylar
You can’t beat the next two weeks of Concerts from the Library of Congress programming, during which we will offer eight musical experiences that showcase a breadth of artistry and perspectives. Here’s a quick run-down so you can make your plans: Wednesday, October 23, 2019, 7pm Montpelier Room, Madison Building “Diversity and the Birth of …
Posted in: Birthdays, Commissions, Composers, Concerts and Events, Interviews, Jazz, Musical Theater, Musicians, New Music, Theater, Women in Music, Women in Theater
Posted by: David Plylar
Have you ever forgotten the pleasures of an early romance, or been unable to recall a tune that is just at the back of your mind? Or, perhaps like late Liszt, have you ever forgotten your keys? Such is the fate of a great deal of wonderful music, and prompted by the occasion of what …
Posted in: Birthdays, Composers, Musicians, Special Collections
Posted by: David Plylar
Happy Birthday, György Ligeti! The great composer was born this day in 1923, and since his passing in 2006 his music has continued to inspire. The Library of Congress has a special relationship with one of Ligeti’s works in particular: Ramifications for string orchestra or twelve solo strings. Commissioned by the Serge Koussevitzky Music Foundation …
Posted in: Birthdays, Composers, Special Collections
Posted by: David Plylar
Last week on May 7, Brahms and Tchaikovsky shared a birthday—an annual event since Tchaikovsky waltzed into the world in1840, seven years after Brahms. While the composers may not have cared much for one another, at this great historical remove we can appreciate the music of both men without worrying about offending the other camp—there …
Posted in: Birthdays, Composers, Musicians, Sheet Music, Special Collections
Posted by: David Plylar
There comes a time in every anniversary year when the candles must be blown out—this year it is a necessity, as 200 candles each for Richard Wagner and Giuseppe Verdi constitute a fire hazard, and the Library does not want to host its own “immolation” scene. But Wotan to your seats—Concerts from the Library of …
Posted in: Birthdays, Composers, Concerts and Events, Conservation, Curators, Film Music, Musicians, Podcasts, Special Collections, Staff
Posted by: David Plylar
On June 16, 1858, the great Belgian violinist, composer and conductor Eugène Ysaÿe was born. A well-known icon to most violinists, he was a major transitional figure in the development of modern violin performance practice. In addition to his compositional work, Ysaÿe was also an advocate of transcription, and made interesting forays into that world. …
Posted in: Birthdays, Composers, Musicians, Special Collections