The Turandot Stage Takes Shape

  Celebrating the birthday of Arcangelo Corelli, born 17th Februry 1653 (d 8 January 1713). This is a gorgeous rendition of  the Сoncerto grosso, Op.6 No.4, in D major, on You Tube, performed by Enrico Onofri and Riccardo Minasi, violins,  Balazs Mate, violoncello and conducted by Jordi Savall.

The Scherzo from Brahms’ Trio in E flat major for piano, violin and horn, opus 40. The melody is thought to have been used by him 12 years earlier in his newly discovered Albumblatt in A minor for piano which will receive its world premiere performance this weekend on BBC Radio 3

  Sergei Prokofiev and William Shakespeare were born on April 23rd in 1891 and 1564 respectively. Here’s a tribute to both these men of genius. Valery Gergiev conducts the London Symphony Orchestra playing the Dance of the Knights from Prokofiev’s ballet Romeo and Juliet.

  Celebrating the birth anniversary of Franz Liszt, born October 22nd, 1811. Pianist Valentina Lisitsa plays the Hungarian Rhapsody No 2.

  Strictly speaking, we only get to celebrate Rossini’s birth anniversary every 4 years. Gioachino Antonio Rossini was born on February 29th 1792 (d 1868). He had a reputation as a bon vivant as you can tell from his portraits –but found the time to compose 39 operas – which are still amongst the most often performed…