It would be cruel to call Johann Pachelbel a one-hit wonder (especially as we have over 290 pieces by him here on 8notes), but his brilliant and hypnotic Canon in D has certainly penetrated popular culture as few other classical works have achieved, becoming a soundtrack in commercials and movies and a favorite choice of brides and grooms-to-be. But as a source of inspiration its influence goes beyond that and has led to the piece being referred to as ‘the godfather of popular music.’
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Beethoven's famous Ode to Joy is much more than a good tune—it forms a part of a much bigger work, one that pushed the boundaries of music, in the process paving the way for some of the great works of the late-Romantic era. Continue reading...
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. Continue reading...
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. Continue reading...
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. Continue reading...
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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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. Continue reading...
Christmas trees, the crib, turkey, endless shopping, Santa Claus and, of course, that song. Jingle Bells is the Christmas anthem par excellence. As comforting as a glass of mulled wine or a mince pie, it had, nevertheless, a rocky start before it became a beloved Christmas classic. We've gathered together some of the more intriguing pieces of trivia around this famous tune, see how many you've heard about. Continue reading...
Maurice Ravel’s Boléro is probably the composer’s most famous work and, for that matter, one of the most familiar in the orchestral repertoire. Beloved in its original form, it has also made its way into popular culture in pop covers, adverts, on the big and small screen and even as the music for a winning routine by a pair of British Olympic ice skaters... Continue reading...
Erik Satie (186–1925) wrote his celebrated Trois Gymnopédies in the 1880s whilst living and working in Montmartre, Paris. Unassuming though they may seem, these works were quietly radical, establishing him as one of the most important composers of his generation. Continue reading...