William Butler Yeats (1865-1939) was an Irish writer and (later in life) politician. He was a very important figure in 20th century literature (particularly poetry), and many of his poems have been set to music. He was heavily influenced by the work of other poets such as Keats, Wordsworth, and Blake, and his poetry was often inspired by his fascination with the supernatural and occult (he even collaborated with "spirit" writers on some works), symbolism/allusion, and the abstract. He wrote in a more "traditional" style than many of his contemporaries did, preferring to use standard forms rather than free verse. The poem "Down by the Salley Gardens" was published as part of Yeats' first collection of poems: "The Wanderings of Oisin and Other Poems" (1889). Originally he called the poem "An Old Song Re-Sung", noting that this poem was "an attempt to reconstruct an old song from three lines imperfectly remembered by an old peasant woman in the village of Ballisodare, Sligo, who often sings them to herself". It is possible that the song was the ballad "The Rambling Boys of Pleasure", which contains some similar words and phrases. What or where were the "Salley Gardens"? The word "salley" is a form of the word "sallow" - another name for a willow tree. It is possible that the "gardens" were near the Irish town of Sligo, on the banks of the river at Ballysadare. The trees here were cultivated as material for roof thatching. Here is the poem in full. Read on for examples of how composers set it to music! Down by the Salley Gardens Down by the salley gardens my love and I did meet; She passed the salley gardens with little snow-white feet. She bid me take love easy, as the leaves grow on the tree; But I, being young and foolish, with her would not agree. In a field by the river my love and I did stand, And on my leaning shoulder she laid her snow-white hand. She bid me take life easy, as the grass grows on the weirs; But I was young and foolish, and now am full of tears. Discover the Sound Garden shop Online products and courses for all ages Settings Listen to these different settings of the Yeats poem, and see how each composer used music to tell the story! Herbert Hughes/Benjamin Britten - In 1909, Herbert Hughes used the melody of the traditional air (type of song) "The Maids of Mourne Shore". This become the most well-known melody, used by other composers and arrangers after Hughes. In 1943, Benjamin Britten used this text/tune combo for one of his Folk Song settings, and his setting has become popular in its own right. John Ireland Rebecca Clarke Ivor Gurney Special Mention This version uses the Hughes melody, sung in a non-classical Irish folk song style Immerse Yourself in Classical Music

German-born French composer Jacques Offenbach is best known for his operettas, of which he composed almost 100! He was also a skilled cellist, which was how he got started in the world of music. Ultimately, he wanted to be known as a composer who played the cello, rather than the other way around. Even if you have never heard of Offenbach before, you have certainly heard some of his music, such as the "Can-Can" from "Orphée aux enfers" (Orpheus in the Underworld). Les contes d'Hoffmann: Les oiseaux dans la charmille (The Doll Song) The opéra fantastique "Les contes d'Hoffmann" is one of Offenbach's best-known works, and is a staple of the operatic repertoire. The poet Hoffmann is the central figure of the story. He is challenged to tell florid stories about his three loves, the first of whom is a wind-up doll named Olympia. She sings one of the most showstopping arias in all of opera! Visiting Paris? You can stand outside the very building where Offenbach composed this work! La Belle Hélène: Overture La belle Hélène is an opéra bouffe (a type of French comic opera) which parodies the story of Helen of Troy and her elopement with Paris in the legend of the Trojan War. The overture is often performed on its own in orchestral concerts; however, it is not (entirely) Offenbach's work. The most frequently performed version is an arrangement by Eduard Haensch, prepared for the Austrian premiere of the work in 1865. La Périchole: Act I: Ah! quel dîner je viens de faire "La Périchole" is another opéra bouffe, based on the 1829 play "Le carrosse du Saint-Sacrement by Prosper Mérimée. The title character is based on 18th century Peruvian street entertainer and (famously) the mistress of Spanish military officer Manuel de Amat y Junyent. One of the highlights of the work is La Périchole's "tipsy" aria "Ah! quel dîner", where she sings about the great night she had! Discover the Sound Garden shop Online products and courses for all ages Orphée aux enfers: Act II: Galop Infernal (Can-Can) "Orpheus in the Underworld" was Offenbach's first full-length opera. After the first two-act performance, it was revised in a four-act opéra féerie (fairy-tale opera) version. It is a comic modified retelling of the legend of Orpheus and Eurydice. It was highly successful and broke box-office records, and has been performed regularly in France and internationally ever since. In the late 19th century, the Moulin Rouge and Folies Bergère cabarets used the music of the "Galop infernal" excerpt of the opera to accompany the can-can dance. Ever since, this music and the dance have been inseparable! Grand concerto pour violoncelle et orchestre ("Concerto militaire"): II. Andante The manuscripts for Offenbach's difficult cello concerto have only recently been discovered after the work fell into obscurity, and it has now re-entered the cello repertoire. It's nickname of "concerto militaire" is confirmed by the prominent timpani and snare drum parts. Offenbach performed the first movements in 1847, but it is unknown whether he ever performed the complete work. After some mistakes were made initially putting the rediscovered manuscripts together, the full concerto has now been recovered, performed, and recorded. The melodic lines of the piece show Offenbach's skill as a composer for voice, and the challenging, technical passages show the other side of him as a virtuoso cellist. Immerse Yourself in Classical Music

Music has been an integral part of human culture for centuries. (Western) classical music is a genre which many people consider particularly important for its rich and lengthy history, the potential influence on development and creativity, and its contribution to the world we live in today. There are many ways to introduce listeners of all ages to its different facets: theory, history, performance, and more! Music history is an important element of music education; knowing the composers, contexts, and the backgrounds to the musical works one is hearing can really help to add new dimensions to the listening experience! In this blog post, we've compiled a list of ten classical music history topic ideas that can be tailored to all ages and levels of experience as you discover the fascinating world of classical music. What can you do with these topic ideas? You can use the internet, books, and other resources to find information about the topic. You can use music streaming platforms to find relevant musical works. You can use relevant Sound Garden products and resources - we've linked some in this article! If what you need doesn't exist yet, get in touch and we may be able to develop something new! You can book a 1:1 video call with Sound Garden founder Kayla Collingwood for a bespoke Classical Music Immersion learning experience! No music theory or music performance knowledge needed (but always encouraged)! Topics The life and music of [insert composer name here] Classical music of the [insert era here] Classical music works inspired by [insert topic here] 10 important instrumental works: [subgenre] 10 important vocal works: [subgenre] The history of [insert classical music instrument here] Classical music in art and media Classical music for [insert personal development/wellness topic here] Classical music from [insert country/culture/region here] New ideas and technology in classical music works The life and music of [insert composer name here] Learning about specific composers can help you to understand what inspired them, to recognise particular qualities and patterns in their music, and to discover what types of music you resonate with (you might find that you particularly like some features of a certain composer's work)! To get you started, you can check out our 100 Composer Profile Templates and pick one of the featured composers! This set of templates also includes templates for the profiles of your choice of living composers - who will you discover? For children, we have the Composer Activity Guide and Classical Inspirations series, which take an in-depth, age-appropriate look at famous composers and their works! Visit the shop to find out more! Classical music of the [insert era here] Classical music is traditionally divided into several different eras: Early Music (Ancient/Medieval/Renaissance), Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and post-20th Century (sometimes split into 20th and 21st Century). Each different era covers a period of time during which Western culture was going through certain societal shifts, composers were writing for the capabilities of certain instruments which were available, and what was valued aesthetically fit a certain overarching theme. Of course, over so many decades and centuries, there were many changes - sometimes huge pendulum swings! - which took place during each era. However, by listening to a range of works from each era, you'll get a feel for some basic principles which were frequently used in the music of that time. Want a full 101 crash course on classical music history throughout the ages? Check out the Introduction To Classical Music online course! Classical music works inspired by [insert topic here] Classical music works have been inspired by many different things! For example, human experiences such as love and death, nature elements such as the weather and the sea, or characters such as the gods of Antiquity or figures from folklore tales. As you listen to such works, see if you can hear the influences in the music! Are the influences easy to identify? How did the composer use music to represent something else? What do you think this shows about their perception of what they were trying to represent? 10 important instrumental works: [subgenre] Classical music is often divided into instrumental and vocal works (although this is a simplification!). It is then further divided into subgenres of those works, mainly based on which types and groupings of instruments are used. For example, in instrumental music, there are subgenres such as symphonies, chamber music, concertos, and works for solo instruments. 10 important vocal works: [subgenre] As mentioned above, classical music is often divided into instrumental and vocal works. Subgenres of vocal music include work types such as opera, oratorio, art song, and choral music. Be sure to explore the different voice categories which exist in solo and choral vocal music, too! The history of [insert classical music instrument here] Every musical instrument has its own story and is unique in timbre (sound qualities) and how it is played. Some people really love to listen to the sound of an oboe, while others prefer the piano. By delving into the history and works of a particular instrument, you'll learn not only about which instruments you love to listen to, but also about some of the amazing works written for the capabilities of that instrument, and maybe even some great performers who specialise in that instrument! Classical music in art and media Classical music has influenced (and been influenced by) and been featured in many other forms of art and media. This may include popular media such as movies, TV, video games, etc., or more traditional art forms such as the visual arts, literature, and dance. Have you recognised classical music in other forms of art or media? Classical music for [insert personal development/wellness topic here] Many people have found classical music to be a valuable tool for improving their lives, and in many cases science offers explanations for this. For example, the rhythms and patterns found in many classical music works can contribute to improved focus, different levels of intensity/tempo (speed)/types of instruments/etc can contribute to different emotions and states (for example calm or excitement), and singing in a group can alter your heart rate. Our "Classical Sessions for..." series seeks to combine classical music with such topics. Visit the shop for more info! Classical music from [insert country/culture/region here] Although Western classical music developed mainly in Europe and from European traditions, this does not mean that everyone had the same experiences, spoke the same language, or lived in the same communities! European history is full of the displacement of various people groups, the rise and fall of civilisations and powers, wars and border changes, the influence of one culture on another, and many other aspects which resulted in music being infused with the unique qualities of the cultures which surrounded composers. New ideas and technology in classical music works As technology has advanced, so too has music. For example, over time new instruments or instrument varieties have been invented, music has been composed using different systems of notation and with different theoretical underpinnings, and traditionally "classical" music has been infused and crossed with instruments and qualities from other musical genres and traditions. There is also a much broader scope for creating and distributing immersive performances, with inventions such as video and sound recording. What else can you discover? Immerse Yourself in Classical Music

Now that we've established our base range of products, we can start adding to them! This is the second product in our "Composer Activity Guide" range, for children ages 0-6 (with their parents and carers)! The Composer Activity Guides are designed to introduce young children to classical music figures through words, music, and activities. They consist of two types of content: Information pages Activity pages Information pages are laid out with a simple text for parents/carers to read. You may choose to read the information page to the child or relay any relevant details in your own way as they engage with the music and activities. At the bottom of each information page, you will find the title of a classical music work for you and your child to listen to. You can use your favourite streaming service to find the musical works, or just bookmark this page - you will find all the selected works further down! Activities are designed to be initiated and guided by an adult, with the intention of ultimately inspiring the child to continue exploring, playing, and learning independently. We trust that you will utilise both the information and the activities in a way which works for you and your child at their unique developmental stage! After each information page, you will find two stages of activities: Stage 1 is generally most suitable for ages 0-3. Stage 2 is generally most suitable for ages 3-6. This product is currently available as a digital download. How it works: Purchase the product. You will receive a link to download. Print and go! Return to this blog post to listen to the musical excerpts. Ready to buy? Playlist Bought the guide, or just want to listen to some Liszt? Here's our playlist with all the referenced works! Note that some larger works are broken down as multiple tracks. Années de Pèlerinage: Première année: Suisse Liebesträume Hungarian Rhapsodies Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 Schwanengesang (No. 7: Ständchen) Schubert: Ständchen Grandes études de Paganini (No. 3: La Campanella) Paganini: La Campanella Chants polonais (No. 1: Zyczenie) Chopin: Zyczenie Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-flat major Ce qu'on entend sur la montagne A Faust Symphony Mephisto Waltzes (No. 1) Learn more about Sound Garden

Take our quiz to see how many you can get right! Once you get your results (including a Liszt pun), scroll down to listen to some of Liszt's works! Totentanz La Campanella Mephisto Waltz Hamlet (Symphonic Poem) Hungarian Dance No. 5 Enfant, si j'étais roi Missa coronationalis Learn more about Sound Garden

Many composers have been inspired by the seasons in their work. Have a listen to our 8 selections inspired by autumn! Below these selections, you will find autumn/fall activities for our four age groups: Adults (18+), Youth (12-18), Childhood (6-12), Early Childhood (0-6). The Four Seasons: L’autunno (Autumn) Antonio Vivaldi Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) was an Italian composer, violinist, teacher, and priest. He is considered to be one of the greatest composers of the Baroque era. The Four Seasons (Italian: Le quattro stagioni) is a group of four violin concerti (plural of concerto = a work for solo instrument/s and orchestra). They are based on poems (probably written by Vivaldi himself). They are some of the earliest examples of "programme music" - where the music is telling a particular story. Each of the four concerti are divided into three movements, or sections. In "Autumn", the movements and their inspirations based on the poems are as follows: I. Allegro: Peasants singing/dancing after the autumn harvest. II. Adagio molto: The peace and sleep after the party ends. III. Allegro: Hunters with their horns, guns, and dogs. Chanson d'automne (Autumn Song) Reynaldo Hahn Reynaldo Hahn (1874-1947) was a composer, conductor, music critic, theatre director, and singer. He was born in Venezuela, but moved to France as a young child. He was a child prodigy singer and pianist. At the age of eight, Hahn composed his first songs, and he began studying at the conservatoire in Paris at the age of ten. The "Chanson d'automne" is the first of seven songs in the Chansons grises (Grey Songs) song cycle (set). All the poems in the cycle are by the celebrated poet Paul Verlaine. English translation of the poem: The long sobs of the autumn violins injure my heart with their monotonous lethargy. All choking and pale when the hour sounds, I remember the old days and I weep; And I go where the bad winds blow, they toss me to and fro, like a dead leaf. November Woods Arnold Bax Arnold Bax (1883-1953) was a British composer, poet, and author. Unlike most of his contemporaries, he also had other sources of income, which enabled him to follow his musical career as he saw fit. He was heavily inspired by Celtic and Nordic legends and traditions, particularly in the early years of his career. "November Woods" is an example of a symphonic poem/tone poem - a piece of orchestral music which illustrates or evokes the content of another source, such as a poem, short story, novel, painting, or landscape. According to Arnold Bax, however, the piece is not programme music: "[It] may be taken as an impression of the dank and stormy music of nature in the late autumn, but the whole piece and its origins are connected with certain rather troublous experiences I was going through myself at the time....". The Seasons: Fall John Cage John Cage (1912-1992) was an American composer, music theorist, artist, and philosopher. His work "The Seasons" is a ballet for solo piano or orchestra. It was commissioned by the Ballet Society in New York, with original choreography by Merce Cunningham. Cage was inspired by the indigenous North American Indians' concept of the seasons: winter is associated with serenity, spring with creation, summer with preservation, and fall/autumn with destruction. "The Seasons" was the first of Cage's compositions to use what he called the gamut composition technique - where he selected particular notes, chords, and other groupings of sounds to highlight. He also used mathematical proportions in this work. Discover the Sound Garden shop Online products and courses for all ages The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires: Otoño Porteño Astor Piazzolla Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992) was a 20th century Argentinian tango composer. He moved to a rough New York City neighbourhood with his family as a child, and had to learn to take care of himself as his parents worked long hours. When he was at home, he loved to listen to his father's records of the tango orchestras, and was exposed to jazz and classical music from an early age. "The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires" was written for Piazzolla's five-piece ensemble of violin, piano, electric guitar, double bass, and bandonéon (a type of accordion). Piazzolla himself was a talented bandonéonist, having begun playing when his father spotted the instrument in a pawn shop. "Otono Porteño" is the last of the seasons featured in this work, and highlights the bandonéon, with the other instruments also being featured individually as the piece goes on. It has been performed in a variety of different instrumental arrangements. Ceremonial - An Autumn Ode Tōru Takemitsu Tōru Takemitsu (1930-1996) was a Japanese composer and writer. Through his father's music collection, he was exposed to many kinds of music, many of which would have been off-limits in his home country. At age 14, he was conscripted into the army. During this time he was exposed once again to new genres of music, and determined that he wanted to become a composer. Takemitsu loved experimenting with sound and silence, and creating unusual combinations of musical elements. He later began including traditional Japanese instruments in his compositions - "Ceremonial - An Autumn Ode" was the last of his works to do so (it is written for shō and orchestra). This work was written to highlight shō musician Mayumi Miyata. Takemitsu was often inspired by nature - particularly gardens and water, and in this case the season of autumn. Autumn Gardens Einojuhani Rautavaara Einojuhani Rautavaara (1928-2016) was a Finnish composer. His early works were examples of serialism: a technique using a precise series of musical elements to compose. Later, his music became more neoromantic (an artistic movement where music became more emotional, rather than being based on principles such as logic or realism). "Autumn Gardens" is an orchestral work divided into three movements: I. Poetico II. Tranquillo III. Giocoso et leggiero Rautavaara on this piece: "I have often compared composing to gardening. In both processes, one observes and controls organic growth rather than constructing or assembling existing components and elements. I would also like to think that my compositions are rather like ‘English gardens’, freely growing and organic, as opposed to those that are pruned to geometric precision and severity." The Seasons: Autumn Thea Musgrave Thea Musgrave (1928-present) is a Scottish composer. She often highlights historic figures in her operas and other musical theatre works, such as Mary, Queen of Scots, Harriet Tubman ("Harriet, the Woman called Moses"), and Simón Bolívar. Her orchestral works often show her fascination with ‘dramatic-abstract’ musical ideas, and some of her works are also inspired by the visual arts. "The Seasons" was conceived after a visit to New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, where Musgrave came across Piero di Cosimo’s "Caccia Primitiva", inspiring the idea that images related to the four seasons could be a metaphor for the cycles in the life of man. The Academy of St Martin's in the Fields commissioned the work in 1988. In "Autumn", one of the main musical motives includes hunting horns. The overall themes of this season's musical representation are storms, violence, and destruction. Later, the medieval sounds of the mourning "Dies irae" pattern ring out. Our first activity for the week is for the little ones (and parents/carers as required!): Autumn Tree Handprint Design What you'll need: - Paper plate - Paper in autumn/fall colours - Coloured card (for the tree trunk) - Pencil/pen - Child-friendly scissors - Glue What to do: - Using a pencil, trace the child's hand and arm onto the coloured card. Cut out and glue onto the paper plate. - Draw leaf shapes onto the coloured paper. Cut out, arrange, and glue onto the plate. - Add extra decorations as desired! Make a washi tape leaf design! What you'll need: - Coloured card - Several different washi tape designs - Child-friendly scissors - Pencil - Glue/tape What to do: - Fold the coloured card in half width-wise. - On the front of your card, draw a large leaf shape. Cut out. - On the inside of the card, stick down strips of washi tape so that when you close the card, the interior of the leaf template is filled with the washi designs. - Once your work is complete, spread glue around the inside edges of the card and close. Let dry. Done! Clay leaf bowls are a great craft for older children and teens. Perfect for holding keys, trinkets, or phones! Note that you may have to wait a couple of days before you can paint your bowl. What you'll need: - A large leaf - Air drying clay (unless you are clay experts and have access to a kiln!) - Acrylic paints - Acrylic varnish - Rolling pin - Knife - Paper towel - Paper bowl - Paintbrushes What to do: - Take a lump of clay and roll it out with a rolling pin. - Place the leaf so that the veins are going into the clay. Use the rolling pin to push it in enough to make an imprint (but so that you can still remove the leaf easily). - Use the knife to cut around the edges of the leaf. Smooth down the edges as needed. Remove the leaf. - Lay a sheet of paper towel inside of the paper bowl. Carefully lift the clay leaf off your work surface. Place it inside the bowl and gently press it down so it curves according to the shape of the bowl. - Once the clay is dry (check clay instructions), you can decorate it using your acrylic paints. Let dry and then add varnish. Let the varnish dry and you're done! Make a pumpkin painting! What you'll need: - Canvas or wooden board - Pumpkin (or a picture of one) - Pencil - Paintbrushes - Acrylic paints - Varnish/gloss (optional, if you know what you're doing!) What to do: - Sketch the outline of a pumpkin onto your chosen surface. Use the real pumpkin/picture for reference. - Paint and finish as desired - search YouTube/elsewhere online for tips if you're new to painting! Learn more about Sound Garden

You may be wondering "who is the composer of Spring" - that well-known piece of music for violin, string orchestra, and harpsichord that many of us know from our childhoods, from film or television, or from other media. Well, you've come to the right place - we'll tell you who that was in just a moment! Before we answer that question, did you know that many composers have been inspired by the seasons in their work? Have a listen to our 8 selections inspired by spring! Below these selections, you will also find spring activities for our four age groups: Adults (18+), Youth (12-18), Childhood (6-12), Early Childhood (0-6)! The Four Seasons: La primavera (Spring) Antonio Vivaldi The answer to your question is: Antonio Vivaldi! Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) was an Italian composer, violinist, teacher, and priest. He is considered to be one of the greatest composers of the Baroque era. The Four Seasons (Italian: Le quattro stagioni) is a group of four violin concerti (plural of concerto = a work for solo instrument/s and orchestra). They are based on poems (probably written by Vivaldi himself). They are some of the earliest examples of "programme music" - where the music is telling a story without the direct use of words/text. Each of the four concerti in this work are divided into three movements, or sections. In "Spring", the movements and their inspirations based on the poems are as follows: I. Allegro: The arrival of spring, birds singing, streams flowing, springtime storms. II. Largo e pianissimo sempre: A goatherd sleeps in a flowery meadow, with his dog at his side. III. Danza pastorale. Allegro: Nymphs and shepherds dancing. Samson et Dalila: Printemps qui commence Camille Saint-Saëns Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921) was a French composer, organist, conductor, and pianist. He was very successful at school, and was regarded as a musical prodigy. As a young man, he was very interested in the modern music of the day, especially works by Schumann, Liszt and Wagner. His own work was quickly recognised by other top composers, and he greatly influenced the next generation of composers. "Samson et Dalila" is the only one of his operas which obtained and kept a place in the international repertoire. Based on the Biblical story, Saint-Saëns composed the role of Dalila for the famous mezzo-soprano singer and composer Pauline Viardot. The aria "Printemps qui commence" ("Spring begins") is from the first act of the opera. Dalila sings how spring is blossoming and so too is love, but she has been left all alone, desperate for her lover's return. Discover the Sound Garden shop Online products and courses for all ages Two Elegiac Melodies, Op. 34: II. Våren (Last Spring) Edvard Grieg Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) was a Norwegian composer and pianist. He was an important figure in helping Norway to form a musical and national identity of their own. Throughout his life, he struggled with respiratory illnesses and infections, and was frequently admitted into medical centres. He was a strong advocate of human rights, even cancelling concerts in protest against injustice. Grieg composed "Two Elegiac Melodies" (1880) for string orchestra. The two movements are instrumental arrangements Grieg made of two of his 12 Melodies, Op. 33, for voice and piano, which are settings of texts by the Norwegian poet and journalist Vinje. Composer David Lang (b. 1957) also wrote a piece based on the text of "Våren". Lang says that "the original poem is a moving description of an old man watching winter change into spring, not knowing if he will live to see another". 2 Pieces for Small Orchestra: I. On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring Frederick Delius Frederick Delius (1862-1934) was a British composer. He was born to a Dutch-German family who were wool merchants, but he was not personally interested in commerce. He was sent to the United States in 1884 to manage an orange plantation, but quickly returned to Europe. However, due to the influence of African-American music, he decided to pursue a career as a composer. The support of other composers, such as Grieg, meant that his family eventually accepted this decision. "On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring" is a tone poem - a piece of orchestral music which illustrates or evokes the content of another source, such as a poem, short story, novel, painting, or landscape. The first theme is an exchange of cuckoo calls. The second theme is based on a Norwegian folk song, "In Ola Valley". The cuckoo calls return before the end of the work. Three Browning Songs, Op. 44: I. The Year's at the Spring Amy Beach Amy Beach (1867-1944) was an American composer and pianist. She was very much a child prodigy, and began composing at age four. Her family struggled to keep up with her talents and behaviour, which were consistent with a possible place on the autism spectrum. Her works received a largely positive critical response, though some critics went to extraordinary lengths to relate her work and success to her sex. Beach was most popular for her songs; "The Year's At the Spring" from Three Browning Songs, Op. 44 is one of her best-known. The poem is by Robert Browning, and is part of his very controversial work "Pippa Passes". The text is as follows: The year’s at the spring, And day’s at the morn; Morning’s at seven; The hill-side’s dew-pearl’d; The lark’s on the wing; The snail’s on the thorn; God’s in His heaven– All’s right with the world! Want to know more about Amy Beach? Check out our product Classical Inspirations: Amy Beach (for ages 6-12)! Trittico botticelliano: I. La Primavera Ottorino Respighi Ottorino Respighi (1879-1936) was an Italian composer, violinist, and teacher. As a child, he did not show much interest in music until about the age of 8, though he received lessons from an early age. He then took very quickly to a variety of instruments, and began studying violin and viola at the conservatory in his native Bologna in 1891, also completing his first compositions here. He loved languages, and learned to speak eleven languages fluently in his lifetime. The "Trittico botticelliano" (1927) is a work for chamber orchestra, based on famous paintings by the artist Botticelli. "La Primavera" ("Spring") is based on the controversial painting "Primavera". It depicts the progress of spring, reading from right to left, through a group of representative classical mythological figures. Le sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring) Igor Stravinsky Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971) was a Russian composer, pianist, and conductor. As a child, he did not enjoy school life , but he took to music at an early age. At around eight years old, he attended a performance of Tchaikovsky's ballet "The Sleeping Beauty", which inspired a lifelong interest in ballet composition. Stravinsky partnered with ballet impresario Sergei Diaghilev for the creation of some of his most famous works. Diaghilev was the founder of the Ballets Russes company, and commissioned composers to create new works. One of these commissions was "The Rite of Spring", choreographed by Vaslav Nijinsky. "The Rite of Spring" is divided into two sections: Adoration of the Earth: rituals celebrating the advent of spring The Sacrifice: a young girl is chosen as a sacrificial victim and dances herself to death. The work was not received well by the public. According to musicologist Richard Taruskin: "It was not Stravinsky's music that did the shocking. It was the ugly earthbound lurching and stomping devised by Vaslav Nijinsky". It is now one of the most recorded classical works. Flowering Jasmine Georgs Pelēcis Georgs Pelēcis (1947-) is a Latvian composer and musicologist. His work is considered to be "new consonant" music, where the intention is for the musical language to be pleasurable and to be understood by both the performers and the audience - a response to the intellectualism which was so prominent in the 20th century in particular. The idea is "if you have something to say, just say it!" In his own words: "I invite my listeners to be aware that the evolution of music has not only been a progression, but also a long sequence of losses. These losses are painful to me...I try to save and regenerate as much as I can. For the average listener, as indeed for me, the scope of classical music...is a paradise that invites us into the most sumptuous realms that the mind of a composer can imagine. The imagination of a composer contemplates and rejoices in a certain ideal, that of sonic perfection in all its dimensions. But what has chased composers from this Garden of Eden? I rather fear that they have often escaped from their own master. As for me, no one has chased me out. So I remain there and I am happy. I see myself as a gardener, part guardian and part creator of the beauty in our communal musical paradise." Activities As the plants SPRING into life, why not make a flower potion with your little one? Fill up a plastic tub with water, collect some flowers (and other bits!), and mix them around with a wooden spoon! Grab some other utensils and practice scooping, pouring, and more! Head to our "Freebies" page (under the "Products" tab) and download our free About The Music/Visualise It worksheet. Choose one or more classical music works from our 8 Classical Music Works about...Spring playlist (on our blog), fill out the left hand side of the worksheet, and get creative with the right hand side! Which kinds of flowers might match the music? Can you create an animation or video inspired by the classical music works on our "8 Classical Music Works about...Spring" playlist? You can use software/programmes such as Canva, Powtoon, Animaker, Pencil2D, or Stykz to get started! What you'll need: - A tin, glass jar, or other container - Soy wax - Candle wick - the height of the container, plus a little extra length - Essential oils of your choice (optional) - Dried flowers - Popsicle sticks - Wooden skewer What to do: - Measure out enough wax to fill up your container twice. - Melt the wax over a low heat (use a double boiler if available), stirring frequently, until fully melted. - Dip the bottom of the wick in the melting wax (or use superglue/hot glue) and use a popsicle stick to press the dipped part down. Place other popsicle sticks to hold it in place. Let set for 5 minutes. - Once the wax has melted, add in around 25 drops of your chosen essential oil (optional) for a tin-sized candle. Mix. - Let cool for a few minutes, and then slowly pour the wax (you can hold the wick, but don't pull on it). Add in dried flowers as you go. Use the skewer to adjust their placement. - Adjust the popsicle sticks to keep the wick in place. Let cool for 4 hours at room temperature. Trim the wick as needed. Learn more about Sound Garden

Our Living Composer for March is Sam Russell - a UK-based guitarist and composer, who specialises in metal and neo-classical music. Sam first became interested in music while at school; he took his first lessons during his lunch break on a 3/4 sized guitar. After a few years' break, Sam recommenced music lessons, trying his hand at drums, bass, and finally coming back to the guitar. He became more interested in rock and metal music during secondary school, and so he began learning the electric guitar. He was heavily influenced by guitar players such as Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and Yngwie Malmsteen. Sam then moved to university to study astrophysics. While at university, he joined a band, with whom he spent four years playing shows across the north of the UK. He then attended the British Institute of Modern Music for a year before moving back to London, where he started teaching guitar. While teaching, Sam continued to study and develop his playing. He recorded Bach’s 1st and 2nd cello suites on electric guitar, and also released an album of original metal songs - "Impetuous Desire". Following the release of his album, he became increasingly interested in studying classical composition, studying counterpoint and composition with George Bellas. He wrote a collection of duets for electric guitar and cello, and also wrote and released a few pieces arranged for orchestra. The end of 2020 represented a time of large compositional output, and Sam has been releasing various compositions over the last few months (with many more to come!). Find out more about Sam: https://www.samrussell.co.uk Discover the Sound Garden shop Online products and courses for all ages Sam's compositions: Minuet and Trio Theme and Variations for Electric Guitar and Orchestra Ternary Ideas Sam's top 5 classical music picks: Vaughan Williams: The Lark Ascending Tartini: Devil's Trill Sonata Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 14 "Moonlight" Patrick Cassidy: Vide Cor Meum (from the film "Hannibal") Bach: Cello Suites Learn more about Sound Garden

Announcing: Classical Inspirations: Amy Beach! Classical Inspirations is a series designed to introduce children to classical music figures - connecting the past to the present, integrating different topics of learning, and offering an opportunity for immersion in another world! Our first product of the series centres around American composer Amy Beach. Through reading, listening, and completing a range of activities, your child will learn about the composer's life, about the context in which she lived and composed, and about some of her works. The content is designed to be used by independent readers, or with adult assistance. We hope this product will grow with you and your child! Here's some of the feedback we've been getting so far: "Really great!" "Really interesting!" "Wonderful - the first of its kind that we've experienced and we do a lot of online learning programs!" "We really enjoyed the music and activities!" This product is currently available as a digital download. How it works: Purchase the product. You will receive a link to download. Print and go! Return to this blog post to listen to the musical excerpts. Ready to buy? Playlist Bought the product, or just want to listen to some of Amy Beach's music? Here are all the featured works! Three Piano Pieces, Op. 128 I. Scherzino: A Peterboro Chipmunk II. Young Birches III. A Humming-bird Children's Album, Op. 36 I. Minuet II. Gavotte III. Waltz IV. March V. Polka Four Sketches, Op. 15 I. In Autumn II. Phantoms III. Dreaming IV. Fire-flies Three Browning Songs, Op. 44 I. The Year's At The Spring II. Ah, love, but a day III. I send my heart up to thee Symphony in E Minor, Op. 32 ("Gaelic Symphony") I. Allegro con fuoco II. Alla siciliana - Allegro vivace III. Lento con molto espressione IV. Allegro di molto Further Listening Listen to more of Amy's works and the works that inspired her! Learn more about Sound Garden

With Valentine's Day coming up this weekend, here are some of our favourite classical music works inspired by love! Monteverdi - L'incoronazione di Poppea: Pur ti miro This love duet between the Emperor Nero and his mistress Poppea is found at the very end of the opera, once Poppea has been crowned Empress, and after plenty of deceit, betrayal, jealousy, and death throughout the rest of the story. The role of Nerone (Nero) may be sung by a countertenor male or a mezzo-soprano/contralto female voice. It was originally composed for a castrato (castrated) male voice. The guitar-like instrument with a really long neck which features in this work is called a theorbo, and is part of the lute (instrument) family. POPPEA and NERONE I gaze at you I tighten closer to you I delight in you I am bound to you I no longer suffer I no longer die Oh my life, Oh my treasure. I am yours You are mine My hope, say it, say, The idol of mine, Yes, my love, You are mine, tell me so The idol of mine, Yes, my love, Yes, my heart, my life, yes. I gaze at you I tighten closer to you I delight in you I am bound to you I no longer suffer I no longer die Oh my life, Oh my treasure. Schumann - Myrthen: Widmung The love story of Robert Schumann and Clara Wieck is legendary in classical music history. Both talented musicians, they had to keep their relationship secret for some time as Clara's father did not approve of Robert. Eventually, they were able to marry in 1840. Robert composed a song cycle (set of songs) called "Myrthen" as a wedding present to his new wife. The first song, "Widmung" (Dedication), is Robert's love song to his better half! The text is by Friedrich Rückert. You my soul, you my heart, You my bliss, O you my pain, You my world in which I live, My heaven you, in which I float, O you my grave, into which I gave my sorrow forever! You are rest, you are peace, You are bestowed on me from heaven. Your love for me gives me my worth, Your eyes transfigure me in mine, You raise me lovingly above myself, My good spirit, my better self! Discover the Sound Garden shop Online products and courses for all ages Elgar - Salut d'amour Elgar composed this piece in 1888 for his fiancée Caroline Alice Roberts as an engagement gift. His beloved was fluent in German, so he called it "Liebesgruss" (Love's greeting). It had a French dedication: "à Carice" (CAR-oline Al-ICE) - two years later, Carice was the name the couple gave to their daughter. The piece was first published in editions for violin and piano, cello and piano, solo piano, and small orchestra. Eventually, the piece was re-titled "Salut d'amour" so more copies of the score would sell in France and elsewhere in Europe. Mahler - Symphony No. 5: IV. Adagietto The Adagietto from Gustav Mahler's fifth symphony (1901-1902) is the most frequently performed of his works. According to a letter from his wife Alma to conductor Willem Mengelberg, Mahler left a poem for her with this work. The poem translates as follows: In which way I love you, my sunbeam, I cannot tell you with words. Only my longing, my love and my bliss can I with anguish declare. Unfortunately, Alma and Gustav's love was not to last. They married in 1902, and one of the conditions of their marriage was that Alma (a composer herself) give up composing. Eventually, due to an unhappy marriage and the stifling of her art, she fell into depression and also had an affair. Gustav found out about the affair, and attempted to reconcile with Alma. He began encouraging her composing and helping to prepare some of her works for publication, but died soon after. The Adagietto became commercially popular in the 1970s due to its use in the film "Death in Venice". It was also used in the commemorative events following the September 11 attacks in the United States. Tchaikovsky - Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture Tchaikovksy's "Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture" is an example of a "symphonic poem" - a piece of orchestral music which tells a story. It is based on three main strands of the Shakespearean tale - Friar Lawrence (religion/mysticism/fate), the feuding Capulet and Montague families, and the love between Romeo and Juliet. If you have ever played the first game of The Sims franchise, you may recognise the love theme (listen at 8:58)! When two Sims kissed, this is the music that played! It has also been featured in many TV shows, films, and other popular media. Learn more about Sound Garden

Take our quiz to find out, and then scroll down to listen to some of the featured composers' works! Francesca Caccini Barbara Strozzi Isabella Leonarda Fanny Mendelssohn Clara Schumann Pauline Viardot Amy Beach Florence Price Nadia Boulanger Unsuk Chin Discover the Sound Garden shop Online products and courses for all ages Learn more about Sound Garden

This month's Living Composer is Gregg Wager - an American composer, author, critic, and pianist. Gregg was born in Adrian (Michigan, USA), but grew up in Fresno and Sacramento (California, USA). He began piano lessons at the age of five, and received his first lessons in music composition from his piano teacher, Yuriy Oliynyk, when he was eight. He studied as a composition student at the University of Southern California. While there, he completed his first string quartet, and also performed as a pianist in many theatrical productions. Upon graduation, he was awarded the Departmental Award in Composition. He stayed at the university for an additional year as a graduate student, and finished a master's degree in composition at the California Institute of the Arts. Gregg released his first vinyl LP "Adjacent Lines and Equal Parts" in 1985, capturing the interest of reviewers such as Joan La Barbara for Musical America/High Fidelity: "Gregg Wager's Adjacent Lines and Equal Parts for solo piano starts with a single pitch struck repeatedly to explore the overtones that ring out, and proceeds through music that nods fleetingly at composer/keyboard wizards Frederic Rzewski and Terry Riley before rushing on to find its own very individual voice [. . .] It is an important first album for this young composer and pianist". He then became active in the Independent Composers Association in Los Angeles, performing mostly his own works for solo piano, but also "In Space and Time" for 24 players. Upon earning a PhD in musicology at Free University Berlin (Germany), he composed his second string quartet and "Astralis" for guitar and orchestra, most of which was performed in Berlin. In New York City, he worked as an Adjunct Professor in Composition at State University New York at Purchase (New York, USA). Most recently, he is composing operas, including "Where is Frank Mallory…" and "Spectral Evidence Rhapsody". Find out more about Gregg: https://www.angelfire.com/music2/greggwager/index.html Gregg's compositions: Adjacent Lines and Equal Parts Music for Playback I (album - tracks and album available for purchase via Bandcamp) Two-Part Inventions and Fugues (album - tracks and album available for purchase via Bandcamp) Discover the Sound Garden shop Online products and courses for all ages Gregg's top 5 classical music picks: Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125 Stockhausen: Licht (note: the complete work is a set of 7 operas named after days of the week - the video below is from the second act of "Donnerstag" (Thursday)) Bach: Das Wohltemperierte Klavier (The Well-Tempered Clavier) Chopin: Études (Op. 10 and Op. 25) John Cage: Freeman Études Learn more about Sound Garden