Playback doesn't work. Simply.

From adopting a conductor's mindset to reducing reliance on keys, in this post I share crucial tips for improving sight-reading skills. The role of music theory, the strategic use of tempo, and practical insights for effective practice.

"In the quest for artistic identity, embrace imitation as a natural step. Transform your influences into a unique musical language, and let authenticity guide your creativity. "

"In 'A Dream Within A Dream,' I explore the subtle nuances of human emotions, painting a vivid portrait through harmonies and melodies. Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's timeless poem, the composition is a delicate dance between reality and illusion. Each note resonates with the raw essence of human experience, from the suspended harmonies that create anticipation to the imitative echoes that deepen the emotional connection. The finale, a harmonious convergence of voices, mirrors the contemplative theme of the poem. This musical journey invites listeners to embrace the complexity of feelings, where the power of expression lies in the subtle art of 'showing' rather than 'telling.' Join me in deciphering the language of emotions through 'A Dream Within A Dream,' where music becomes a vessel for the soul."

In the world of music, improvisation has the power to captivate and astonish audiences. But have you ever wondered why classical music, which was once steeped in improvisation, no longer embraces this art form? Join me as we embark on a journey through time to uncover the mysteries behind the decline of improvisation in classical music. From its birth in ancient history to the modern challenges of copyright and tradition, we'll explore the factors that led to the fading of improvisation in classical music. Yet, there's hope on the horizon as musicians rediscover the joy of improvisation and break free from the constraints of tradition, ushering in a new era for classical music.

"Fais-do-do," my latest composition for two violas, bridges the rhythmic world of Cajun with the melodic richness of traditional Persian music. Inspired by the unique fusion of Talla Rouge, a viola duo from the US, the piece weaves playful Cajun sounds with intricate Persian melodies. Navigating the diverse musical landscape, it challenges conventional boundaries, harmonizing distinct melodic dialects and emphasizing improvisation. This 15-minute musical journey, divided into seven sections, reflects the convergence of American and Middle Eastern cultures. Stay tuned for its debut in September 2023!

At the heart of Beethoven's enduring relevance is his revolutionary approach to music, a legacy that extends far beyond the confines of classical music. While his monumental contributions to the classical genre are celebrated, it's essential to recognize his impact on diverse musical landscapes. The song "Roll Over Beethoven" resonates as a testimony to his influence, affirming his ability to captivate listeners across various musical spectrums.

The enduring allure of J.S. Bach's music… From Beethoven's contrapuntal brilliance to Pärt's minimalist spiritual depth, journey through melodies that resonate with Bach's spirit and understand why his legacy continues to inspire generations of composers.

Marina Boselli is an euphonium player with whom I had the pleasure of collaborating during the composition of my Suite Per Euphonium. We met by chance, on Facebook, she had just published some pieces by emerging composers that she had performed, and we got in touch […]

Can data science and machine learning algorithms accurately predict hit songs? A recent study by Herremans et al. (2014) demonstrates this, and [...]

Okay, a thought in the wild today.

There are two main ways to learn a new song:

1) by reading sheet music;

2) by listening to a recording.

They are both very different ways of learning, and they both have pros and cons - I try to teach both. However, one thing that myself and my colleagues agree on is discouraging students from learning ONLY from video tutorials […]

Music has always been an essential part of human culture, and the art of tuning musical instruments has been an evolving practice for centuries. The earliest attempts at tuning were based on natural harmonics and simple ratios, such as the Pythagorean tuning system. However, as musical instruments became more complex, tuning systems had to adapt and change to accommodate them.

Recently we talked about the history of counterpoint from the Middle Ages to the present day, and I received a lot of feedback from people asking me what my favorite fugues are.

However, I made it a rule not to mention, even once, the name of J. S. Bach in this article (there, I just did!), and to share with you 5 examples of spectacular fugues, with a final twist! Ready set go!

Today I am going to talk a bit about my Sonata for violoncello, composed in 2022 and commissioned by the CellosMagics International Cello Festival in Valencia, Spain. This work represents a fusion of the classical Spanish Baroque and traditional Andalusian folk music, with a lot of influences from the classical music repertoire.

Counterpoint is a musical technique that involves the combination of multiple melodic lines, or voices, into a cohesive harmonic structure. This technique has a rich history that spans centuries, from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.

The origins of counterpoint can be traced back to the medieval period, where it was used in the liturgical music of the Catholic Church. This music, known as plainsong or Gregorian chant, was based on a monophonic melody that was sung by a choir of monks. Over time, composers began to experiment with adding additional melodic lines to the plainsong, creating a more complex and harmonically rich sound. This early form of counterpoint was known as organum, and it laid the foundation for the development of counterpoint in the Renaissance.

The cello is a powerful and expressive instrument, and when played unaccompanied, it can create a truly mesmerizing experience […]

What I tried to do with that piece, which is now almost two years old, is still the same story: to integrate some stylistic elements that I would say are 'historical', both in relation to the formalisation of the Baroque style and the praxis associated with it, within a new framework, that is, to the extent that these elements interact with each other through the transfiguration of the musical matter […]

I always thought that the term contamination applied to music was naïve to say the least. What does it actually mean to contaminate? To contaminate, we must necessarily start from something pure and then dirty it, bastardise it with something else. What I mean is that the term already betrays a value judgement in the relationship between what was there before and what there is - or should be - today. But does this purity exist in music? Is there a style, a form, a reference that is virgin, flawless, inviolate?

In the 1980s, the first algorithms capable of composing music based on a series of preset rules were introduced, and today a Google Doodle can make any melody sound “bachian” directly from your smartphone, but what no computer has so far been able to compose is […]