Holst’s seven movement suite ‘The Planets’ had a difficult genesis, completed in the midst of a global conflict by a composer who barely had enough time to compose. And the finished result was not initially universally well received, with some conductors considering it too 'difficult' for audiences. Nowadays, however, it is one of the most familiar and beloved works in the orchestral canon, a source of inspiration for other composers and a very popular choice amongst our members here on 8notes. Here is its fascinating story.
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Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, or to give it its epic official title, Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor 'Quasi una fantasia,' Op. 27, No. 2, is one of the composer's best loved piano works and one of the top ten pieces here on 8notes. Known especially for its sublime opening movement, the work also marks the transition to a whole new era of music making.
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Music history abounds with disastrous premieres, but few come close to that of Handel’s ‘Music for the Royal Fireworks.’ Featuring a royally hobbled orchestra, fire, water and some maimings, things did not go as well as the composer had hoped. More than 250 years later, however, it is considered one of the Handel's best works...
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Danny Boy, the globally recognised folk music classic, has a curious history. Like most folk tunes it can trace its history deep into the 19th century and beyond. Yet in its present form it is little more than a century old. Quintessentially Irish, it is not entirely from that country. Widely covered by an array of musicians, its lyrics have never entirely stuck.
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Amazing Grace is one of the most popular pieces in any genre here on 8notes (and we have over 70s versions of it from beginner piano, through to Saxophone Quartet). It is a piece with a remarkable history. Based on a poem written by a slaver, it became associated with the abolitionist movement; originating in the UK, it was largely ignored there for 100 years; a Christian anthem, it took on a life outside the church, becoming a seminal influence on pop musicians.
Here is the full story...
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Coming after the musical richness of Christmas, New Year may seem like the tuneless poor relation. New Year, however, has plenty of tunes of its own. We’ve collected together our favourites so you can see in the New Year in musical style!
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In 1958, U.S. singer, songwriter and guitarist Ritchie Valens released a new single, ‘Donna.’ Written as a tribute to a highshcool sweetheart, it reached number two in the U.S. charts. When looking for a song to go on the B-side of the record, Valens had recorded a cover for a song he had known from his youth. That piece was ‘La Bamba.’ This B-side recording would become the most influential of his career, turning a little-known folksong into a cultural phenomenon.
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If you are looking for a carol with angelic voices, heartwarming sentiment and, above all, a great tune that works toward a tremendous climax, O Holy Night has it all. We're not surprised that it's the most played and downloaded carol here at 8notes. But intriguingly, the piece has been on the receiving end of a fair share of criticism and controversy over the years.
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Por Una Cabeza is the most celebrated tango by Argentine composer Carlos Gardel. Written in 1935 when Gardel was at the height of his composing powers and celebrity, it was even included in a film in which the composer himself starred. Though one of the most beloved examples of the tango form, however, the year of its composition would also prove to be one coloured by tragedy.
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If you come to 8notes.com looking for music for one particular instrument or by one particular composer, or if there are parts of the site that you regularly use but require a few clicks to get to, we've now made things a whole lot easier for you.
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