Claude Debussy had strong links with the visual arts and the literature of his time. His music is unmistakably French, and 150 years after his birthday, sounds as refined and exquisite as ever.
He was quickly offended and irritated, and musicians often feared him. But eccentric Romanian conductor Sergiu Celibidache was able to draw in audiences. In July, he would have celebrated his 100th birthday.
Born in Los Angeles in 1912, composer John Cage turned the world of music on its head. He sought to free his work from the influence of his will, opening it to randomness. And he proved that silence can also be music.
What inspires top classical performers, composers and conductors? What reflections do they have on their performances and careers? Go backstage at some of Europe's best concert halls with this series of interviews.
Vladimir Ashkenazy talks shop with DW but admits that some aspects of music making are beyond explanation.
Ray Chen, already a renowned violinist at just 23, wants to convince young people that classical music is cool. Part of the "Junge Wilde" program at Konzerthaus Dortmund, he goes to schools to talk to youth.
Marin Alsop became Principal Conductor of the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra this month. Her premiere concert comprising works of three centuries is just one sample of the repertoire to mark her work with the orchestra.
Often it's the volatile divas and heroic tenors with their High C's that grab the attention. But this time leading European opera critics recognized a down-to-earth baritone who gravitates towards anti-hero roles.
Nike Wagner's family tree includes both Richard Wagner and Franz Liszt. The author and festival director talked with DW about the intriguing and at times paradoxical legacy of Franz Liszt.
Leading German concert violinist Arabella Steinbacher has won top international awards for her moving performances. Deutsche Welle spoke with the star ahead of her concert with the National Youth Orchestra of Iraq.
Steve Reich has been called 'the greatest living composer.' The American musician performed two of his works at the 2011 Beethovenfest and talked with DW about how his compositions fit into the musical canon.
Bite-size opera for the youngest guests on the Green Hill
A festival steeped in tradition tests new waters, opens up to the future and increasingly reveals the past. Richard Wagner continues to exite, polarize and always generate discussion.
"Eigensinn," or strong-mindedness, is the motto of this year's Beethovenfest in the composer's city of birth. It's a motto that speaks to Beethoven fans, but also invites visitors to think about the meaning of art.
Deutsche Welle presents highlights recorded live at the 2011 Beethovenfest, including a complete cycle of Beethoven's sonatas for piano and violin and a performance headed by legendary American composer Steve Reich.
Deutsche Welle presents highlights recorded live at the Beethovenfest, including star performers and up-and-coming talent like percussionist Martin Grubinger and the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen. Download for free!
Deutsche Welle presents live recordings, including Beethoven's symphonies, performed by an exciting and critically acclaimed young orchestra: the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen and star conductor Paavo Jarvi.
The ophicleide is a mix between tuba and bassoon. And the glass harmonica is just the thing for scoring a scary B-movie. Exotic precursors to modern music instruments are on display in Leipzig.
From June 7 to 17, the Leipzig Bachfest hosts 125 events in 35 locations in and around Leipzig. Tradition may be the watch word for the programming, but the festival is anything but local and provincial.
Leipzig has long been a city of music, drawing not only Johann Sebastian Bach but a host of other famous musicians and composers as well. Now, a musical tour through the city honors them.
