In the spring of 1815, Franz Schubert was immersed in the period that is commonly referred to as the “year of miracles,” when he composed approximately 150 lieder. At his 18 years, he tried, experimented, and laid the foundations for a new genre, surely without being aware of it. He was aware, however, that he wanted to make songs his own way, although he valued the style of [...]

There are many factors that determine what music we like. Among them, anticipation: it is more possible that we will like music that we listen to for the first time if we can anticipate what will happen, either because it has points of connection with other known works (of the composer himself or of the same period, for example), or because we identify patterns.

Is Ignaz Moscheles a name you know? Perhaps related to Beethoven? If so, then you are on the right track. Ignaz was twenty years old and studying at the Prague Conservatory when he found a copy of Beethoven's Sonata No. 8 for piano, the “Pathétique” which had been published five years earlier in 1799. He fell in love with it and became a true fan of Beethoven. In 1808, he [...]

In literature, art, and even everyday life, tears are often associated with rain. How many times have we seen in films how a rain-soaked burial emphasizes the grief for a loss? How many times have rain drops slipping through the window glass compared to tears falling down a cheek? Images that bind rain and tears are present in poetry and, consequently, in Art Song [...]

If things had gone as planned, Manuel Palau Boix would have continued with his parents' business and devoted himself to the olive oil trade. In fact, he was trained for this task. However, despite not having any precedent in the family (but sorrounded by the musical atmosphere of Valencia), he chose to dedicate himself to music. In secret, he studied, and when his family moved [...]