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Classical music at the movies

Ride of the Valkyries in Apocalypse Now
Ride of the Valkyries in Apocalypse Now

Classical music has long been the secret sauce of filmmaking, adding the extra level of punch, drama or humour that can take an indifferent scene to the next level. It has also been a fountain of inspiration for those composers writing original music for the movies (read more about John William’s use of Holst's 'The Planets’ here, for example).

Whether is be a serious symphony accompanying a battle scene or a light waltz in a romantic comedy, classical music provides context and amplifies the drama. Here then are some of the best cinema moments where classical music has made us laugh, cry or just say, "Hang on, I've heard that before!" Continue reading...

What is the meaning of Bella Ciao?

Bella Ciao from Money Heist
Bella Ciao from Money Heist

Bella Ciao (literally ‘Goodbye Beautiful’) is an Italian folk song symbolic of resistance, freedom and rebellion. In its present form it is often associated with partisan Italian anti-fascist fighters during World War 2, even though its origins are much older, probably stemming from protest songs sung by women working in the rice fields of northern Italy in the late 19th century. Its later use in wider culture, especially in the 2017-18 Spanish series 'Money Heist' made it phenomenally popular, making our 25+ versions of it here on 8notes amongst our most sought-after sheet music. Continue reading...

What is the story behind Monti's Csardas?

A Traditional Csárdás Dance in Hungary
A Traditional Csárdás Dance in Hungary

Csárdás is by some margin the most popular work by Italian composer Vittorio Monti (1868–1922). Originally written for violin, it has nevertheless been widely adapted for other solo instruments and combinations, (over 20 versions of Csárdás can be found here). The story of its composition is a reflection of the cultural zeitgeist of the time, where composers became fascinated by folk music from their own and other countries.
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Who wrote Mozart’s Requiem?

Mozart and Salieri as depitcted in the film Amadeus
Mozart and Salieri as depitcted in the film Amadeus

Mozart’s last composition, his Requiem Mass K.626, is not just celebrated for being a work of profound genius, it is also forms the centre-piece of one of music’s greatest mysteries. Commissioned by the dark emissary of an anonymous figure, Mozart died before he could complete it. Miraculously, after his death the finished work, apparently entirely by Mozart, was presented to the public. Involving an eccentric count, a suspected murder and a deceitful wife, the story of how this was achieved is very strange indeed... Continue reading...

Who wrote Albinoni's Adagio?

Albinoni and Giazotto
Albinoni and Giazotto

One of the best-known works purportedly from the baroque period, Albinoni’s Adagio in G minor has been phenomenally popular since its ‘rediscovery’ at the end of World War Two. As well as appearing frequently as a soundtrack on the big and small screen, it has been adapted for many instrumental combinations, 40 of which can be enjoyed here on 8notes.

Whilst the title of this work would seem to make it’s authorship clear, its history is a controversial one, since the piece may, in fact, be the greatest hoax in musical history. Continue reading...

The Story of La Bamba, the unlikely B-side hit

A Mexican festival scene
A Mexican festival scene

In 1958, U.S. singer, songwriter and guitarist Ritchie Valens released a new single, ‘Donna.’ Written as a tribute to a highshcool sweetheart, it reached number two in the U.S. charts. When looking for a song to go on the B-side of the record, Valens had recorded a cover for a song he had known from his youth. That piece was ‘La Bamba.’ This B-side recording would become the most influential of his career, turning a little-known folksong into a cultural phenomenon. Continue reading...

Do Key Signatures Really Sound Different?

Key Signature Emojis
Key Signature Emojis

The idea that certain keys can be associated with certain moods or feelings has long been debated in music. Some composers, such as Scriabin, have even come to hear keys in terms of colour, a phenomenon known as ‘synaesthesia.’ Others have been skeptical, pointing out that since the advent of modern tuning (i.e. 'equal temperament') all keys have effectively been the same. Whether we experience this phenomena ourselves or not, however, knowing how composers thought about keys can helps us better understand the works that they wrote. Continue reading...

Five surprising facts about ‘The Star Spangled Banner’

The Star Spangled Banner and Fort McHenry  1812
The Star Spangled Banner and Fort McHenry 1812

The Star Spangled Banner is the national anthem of the United States of America. The country’s powerful politics and pop culture have made it familiar round the world, so we may feel that we know it well. A look into its history reveals, however, a few surprising facts about this rousing song. Continue reading...

Memphis and St.Louis Blues - Two Handy hits that changed music forever

W.C. Handy, composer of Memphis and St.Louis Blues
W.C. Handy, composer of Memphis and St.Louis Blues

The composer W.C. Handy (1873–1958) is sometimes described as ‘The Father of Blues’, one of the most important musical styles of the the twentieth century. Of the many pieces that earned him this title, two stand out, his Memphis Blues and St. Louis Blues. Continue reading...

8 Animal-themed pieces of Classical Music

The Carnival of the Animals
The Carnival of the Animals

Composers have written many works inspired by the natural world. Animals, with their varying sizes, shapes and personalities have often provided the most fertile inspiration of all. Here are eight of our favourite classical works inspired by creatures on land, sea and air.
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