The fourteenth century has been dubbed the calamitous’. And in a political sense, this position is justifiable. Yet a focus on its calamities might blind the reader to some of its musical triumphs.
All in Music
Medieval Music: Ars Antiqua
The history of Medieval music is one of remarkable uniformity. From the earliest notations of the ninth century to the Ars Antiqua of the thirteenth, music in the West progressed at such a slow pace, that the works dating from the end of this period are distinguishable from those at its beginning only by a few minor stylistic and technical advances.
Gustav Mahler, The Double Man
For some, he was a God, for others, a tyrant. He was loved and loathed in equal measure, and often for the same reasons. So who was Gustav Mahler? And can we get to the bottom of this double man?
Jon Rose
In the following article, published by Limelight Magazine in September, 2012, I explore the eccentric musicality of Australian avant-garde maverick, Jon Rose.
Pachelbel's Canon
In this article, which Limelight Magazine published in September 2013, I discuss the lasting legacy and influence of one of Classical Music’s most enduringly popular pieces, Pachelbel’s Canon in D.
Jordi Savall's Jerusalem Project
In spite of its long and violent history, Jerusalem has been known through the ages as “city of peace”. When offered the daunting job of capturing its complex history in music, early music superstar Jordi Savall was quick to accept – but how did he do it? Find out in this article Limelight Magazine published in 2014.
Ennio Morricone - interview
The following is a transcript of an interview I had the pleasure to conduct of Ennio Morricone, the late great Italian film composer, author of scores to films such as the Good, the Bad and the Ugly. It was published by Limelight Magazine in 2011.
Vivaldi's Four Seasons
In the following article, which Limelight Magazine published, I explore the eternal charm of Antonio’s Vivaldi’s group of violin concerti, The Four Seasons, and why it’s spawned countless versions over the last three-hundred years, including a re-imagining by Max Richter.
David Helfgott
This article, published in Limelight Magazine’s August 2013 edition, examines the life and legacy of Australian pianist David Helfgott.
Copland's Appalachian Spring
There’s no piece that recalls the vastness of the American prairie more readily than Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring, but what exactly is ‘American’ about it? And did Copland really invent the American sound? Find out in the following piece that was published in Limelight Magazine’s June 2014 edition.