Young Thomas Arne goes to extreme lengths to conceal his musical talent from his family.
byCharles Burney1726-1814
Extracts from Literature
At a Solemn Musick
John Milton shows his appreciation for noble words and music in uplifting harmony.
byJohn Milton1632-1704
Music and Musicians
Glorious John
JB Cramer was one of the finest pianists of his day, though his reverence for Mozart made his own music more popular in the drawing room than the concert hall.
Music and Musicians
The Free-Wheeler
Composer Ethel Smyth buys a new-fangled ladies’ bicycle, and scandalises the neighbours.
byEthel Smyth1858-1944
Music and Musicians
Ode to (English) Joy
Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony was commissioned by a fiercely independent Britain, and Beethoven was excited to oblige.
Music and Musicians
Anne Ford Thicknesse
A young English girl in Dr Johnson’s London struggles to share her gift for music.