What Are Strings Made Of? The Basics of Orchestral String Construction

As a string musician, part of understanding your instrument and the sound you want to create includes understanding the strings you put on that instrument. From gut strings to steel core to synthetics, the composition of orchestral strings have changed through the centuries — and will continue to change as long as technology is used […]

piano

Piano History: What are the different types of pianos?

The piano was invented around 1700 in Italy by harpsichord maker Bartolomeo di Francesco Cristofori, who worked with the Florentine Court of the Grand Prince Ferdinando de’ Medici. Cristofori named his invention gravicèmbalo col piano e forte, which means “harpsichord with loud and soft.” It was later shortened to “fortepiano” and finally to just “piano.” […]

Leonard Bernstein

Leonard Bernstein’s unknown, never-recorded string quartet “rediscovered,” to be performed

A Making Music exclusive An unknown, never-performed, and never-recorded work for string quartet composed by Leonard Bernstein — perhaps the most talented and successful classical musician in American history — later this year will have its world premiere at Tanglewood, the music venue that had a 50-year association/connection to the famed conductor, composer, musician, and […]