The timbre of the harp is inherently otherworldly, as if sent from the heavens. It’s no wonder that this magical sound invites contemplation. In his latest release, Contemplation, Ranie Ribeiro has crafted a soundscape with his harp that takes listeners on a sonic journey. The biggest challenge any harpist faces is making their music sound […]
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Early Life and Musical Education Pierre Boulez was born on March 26, 1925, in Montbrison, France. His father, Léon Boulez, was an engineer, and his mother, Marcelle Calabre, came from a family of merchants. Raised in a strict, Catholic household, Boulez showed an early aptitude for mathematics, and his parents initially hoped he would follow
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Pontea is a remarkable musician who channels her life’s energy into her voice and hands, crafting healing musical notes. In her latest release, Channeled (Live & Improvised at Meraki Cocoon), she has created a soothing soundscape through a live, improvised recording session at Meraki Cocoon. This six-part EP showcases Pontea’s voice more as an instrument
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A kind of darkness that gives you goosebumps—not merely because it is gloomy or somber music, but because it is unknown. It is too different from anything you’ve heard before, and the result creates a feeling of fear—a fear of the unknown. Söm Sâptâlahn, A Sonic Ritual by itchy-O When Igor Stravinsky was commissioned to
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Imagine a soft rock band, but instead of an electric rhythm guitar, you hear the intricate syncopations of a Cuban-influenced classical guitar. Now instead of the soaring lead guitar, there’s the ethereal resonance of the Santoor—a mystical Iranian zither with a bright yet hypnotic timbre. At this point, forget what I said about a soft
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Aredia takes listeners on a sonic journey into a realm of fantasy with their album Tales from Aredia. This instrumental EP blends classical, folk, nordic, and rock influences, creating a unique fusion of styles. Spanning five tracks, the album weaves a Nordic and folk-inspired atmosphere with the intensity of metal and rock, all grounded in
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Ratyński’s Snug as a Gun is a sentimental overflow of emotions poured onto a classical guitar. This short instrumental EP consists of two pieces: the main theme in the second track, “Snug as a Gun,” and a prologue that sets the stage, aptly named “One Minute Dance.” The performance and composition are remarkable. The music feels
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The singing of birds and the sound of a water stream, accompanied by a soothing cello, set the prelude for The Residents’ new album, Doctor Dark. The cello line develops into a string accompaniment, playing a melodic pattern that reappears multiple times throughout the album. This serene introduction is soon disrupted—brass instruments enter with harsh
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Dolly Suite is one of the brightest and most delicate pieces by the French composer Gabriel Fauré. This collection consists of six short piano duets for four hands. The performance by the Eranova Ensemble has perfectly captured the delicacy and charm of these pieces. The Chinese duo of Michelle Yip and Cao Hui have been performing
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Ester Mägi (1922–2021) was one of Estonia’s most distinguished composers, often referred to as the “First Lady of Estonian Music.” Her contributions to classical music were profound, with compositions that beautifully fused traditional Estonian folk elements with classical forms. Throughout her long and fruitful career, Mägi composed a vast repertoire of works, ranging from chamber music
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