Inside the score

How Kaija Saariaho Changed the Way We Hear Music

What happens when your understanding of music turns upside down? Discover how Kaija Saariaho created a musical language that blends Spectralism with acoustic experimentation—and reshaped my entire perspective on sound.

By Nadya Miryanova

Reading time estimated : 6min read

Do Orchestras Still Sound Different?

Once upon a time, you could tell where an orchestra came from just by listening. German orchestras sounded rich and heavy; French ones, bright and biting; American ones, sleek and…

By Andrew Mellor

Reading time estimated : 18min read

Ralph Vaughan Williams, Composer for the people

Ralph Vaughan Williams believed music should belong to everyone. Jack Pepper opens his new Pepper’s Portraits series with the story of a composer who lived — and wrote — for…

By Jack Pepper

Reading time estimated : 10min read

Tracing the journey of Chopin in Paris: 5 iconic locations that marked the life (and death) of the great composer.

Frédéric Chopin, a central figure in the romantic musical world of Paris. From the Salons Pleyel to the Nouvelle Athènes neighbourhood, follow the path of a legendary 19th-century composer through…

By Clément Serrano

Reading time estimated : 10min read

A Pianist’s Guide to Chopin’s Forms: Nocturnes, Mazurkas, and Beyond

Explore Chopin’s main piano forms. From dreamy Nocturnes to heroic Polonaises, discover how Chopin reinvented every musical genre he touched — and how today’s pianists keep that spirit alive on…

By Ben Laude

Reading time estimated : 9min read

From Menuhin to Yunchan Lim: How Legendary Performances Are Captured on Film

Legendary musical films aren’t just about virtuosity—they’re about timing, intimacy, trust, and the unique alchemy between artist, director, and moment. This journey through the archives explores why some performances transcend…

By Charlotte Gardner

Reading time estimated : 14min read

A Grand Voice, A Bold Life: 10 Jessye Norman Highlights

Opera superstar, political activist, and master storyteller—Jessye Norman’s life overflowed with surprises. This week marks her birthday, and we’re honoring her legacy with ten irresistible tidbits to remember her by.

By Alix Haywood

Reading time estimated : 5min read

Listen Closer: Dvořák’s “Songs my mother taught me”

Some pieces of music reveal new layers the closer you listen. As we celebrate Antonín Dvořák’s anniversary this week, his Songs my mother taught me reminds us how behind gentle…

By Alix Haywood

Reading time estimated : 4min read

Leonard Bernstein, in 9 Unexpected Stories

As the world celebrates Leonard Bernstein’s birthday, we look back at the many sides of the charismatic maestro—composer, conductor, political voice, and entertainer—through 9 memorable anecdotes.

By Alix Haywood

Reading time estimated : 7min read

Listen Closer: Debussy’s Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune

Marking Debussy’s birthday on August 22, we dive into his Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune. From its wandering flute solo to lush orchestral textures, the opening measures unlocked a revolution…

By Alix Haywood

Reading time estimated : 3min read