Lyndon Pike, Author at 2MBS Fine Music Sydney

Sonny Rollins: A towering figure in the world of jazz

Jazz Magazine

Walter Theodore ‘Sonny’ Rollins, born on 7 September 1930 in New York City, emerged as a towering figure in the world of jazz as a saxophonist, composer, and bandleader. Growing up in the vibrant musical landscape of Harlem, Rollins was influenced by what he heard in iconic venues such as the Savoy Ballroom and the Apollo Theatre.

On this Day: September 27, 1827 – Franz Schubert finishes his song cycle Winterreise

As It Happened Classical

Franz Schubert's Winterreise is not only a musical masterpiece but also a work steeped in the profound emotions of the Romantic era. Composed in 1827, a mere year before Schubert's untimely death at the age of 31, Winterreise is a song cycle for voice and piano, set to 24 poems by Wilhelm Müller, telling the story of a young man who, after being rejected by his beloved, sets out on a winter journey.

CD Review: Hunger by Bungarribee

Barry O'Sullivan CD Reviews Jazz

Driven by genre-fusing ardour, with the inclusion of warped, shaped sounds, the ethnic intrusions and Eastern tangents of vocalised rhythmic syllables (Konakol), with instruments plus electronics, Bungarribee jazz quartet leans on solid ground while moving in mysterious ways between music of the jazz-infused avant-garde and classical. Embracing different genres, grooves and intensities, they have released a lovely recording that embraces openheartedness and positive expression.

Melodious, Irresistible and Unique

Classical Magazine

By 1866, when he was 47, Jacques Offenbach, although born in the Rhineland, had achieved his ambition to become a celebrated French composer. He began his campaign, not with a bang but a whimper, by persuading the Paris Opéra-Comique to produce his first operetta, Pascal et Chambord.

Born on this day: Clara Schumann (13/09/1819)

Born On This Day Classical

Clara Schumann was one of the most distinguished pianists and significant female composers of the Romantic era. She was born in Leipzig, Germany in 1819 to Friedrich Wieck, a piano teacher, and Marianne Wieck, a singer. Her father recognized her musical talent early on and began training her to be a child prodigy.

High Five: Hamed Sadeghi

Barry O'Sullivan Magazine World Music

Born in Iran, Hamed Sadeghi is an acclaimed multi-award winner Persian-Australian tar player and composer known for his innovative blend of Persian classical music with Western contemporary and jazz music. Hamed has performed on a variety of projects as well as performing solo on the tar.

The poetry of Die schöne Müllerin

Classical Fine Music Magazine Magazine

As we celebrate the 200th anniversary of Die schöne Müllerin, the collaboration between the poet Wilhelm Müller and composer Franz Schubert, we should recognize that every German schoolboy knows the enchanted opening line by heart: ‘Das Wandern ist des Müllers Lust!’ (Roving is the miller’s delight!).

Mark Wigglesworth on Dmitri Shostakovich

Classical Fine Music Magazine Magazine

British conductor Mark Wigglesworth has conducted many of the world’s leading orchestras including the Berlin Philharmonic, London Symphony, and New York Philharmonic. Wigglesworth has recorded the complete Shostakovich symphonies with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic, to critical acclaim

The other Kreutzer

Classical Magazine

When I came across a work by a composer called Kreutzer in the library at 2MBS Fine Music, I assumed that this might be the same Kreutzer after whom Beethoven had named one of his most famous violin sonatas. To my surprise, this particular Kreutzer was another composer altogether!

High Five: Steve Barry

Barry O'Sullivan Jazz Magazine Uncategorized

Dr Steve Barry is a multi-award-winning pianist, composer, improviser, and lecturer at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Born and raised in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and now living and creating on Gadigal land, Barry works across the music industry as a performer, accompanist, educator, and consulta