Articles for author: Editorial Team

December 26, 2025

Editorial Team

Quiet Mastery: Sergei Babayan at the 2025 Montréal Bach Festival

Sergei Babayan walked to the piano Thursday evening and played Bach’s Aria from the Goldberg Variations. Extraordinarily slow. Almost suspended in time. Then thirty-five more pieces unfolded across two hours. At the end, as an encore, he played the Aria again—the same notes, but heard entirely differently because of what had come between. The opening Aria moved at a pace that felt almost expressionistic. Babayan wasn’t interested in Bach’s proportions or historical accuracy. He was interested in what happens when you let a single line breathe without rushing. Each note arrived as if from a distance. The touch was light,

December 7, 2025

Editorial Team

When Two Musical Worlds Clash and Create Something New

There’s a particular kind of magic that happens when a jazz musician finally understands that Bach was improvising all along. On Tuesday evening, December 02 2025, at Studio TD, pianist Paul Lay and his trio—Clemens van der Feen on double bass and Donald Kontomanou on drums—didn’t just perform Bach through a jazz lens. They made the case that these are actually the same thing. The Festival International Bach Montréal‘s decision to program a jazz trio might have seemed unconventional, yet it paid off. By trusting that Bach’s music could sustain multiple approaches, the festival acknowledged something essential: that tradition remains

November 30, 2025

Editorial Team

Orliński Returns to Montreal: Redefining the Countertenor

There was an unmistakable sense of anticipation in Salle Pierre-Mercure on Monday evening as Jakub Józef Orliński took the stage alongside pianist Michał Biel at the early dates of the Festival International Bach Montreal 2025. Seven years had passed since the Polish countertenor’s first Montreal appearance in 2018—a performance that had left audiences mesmerized at the Church of Andrew and St. Paul. Yet the artist returning to us this November was not simply repeating past glories. Instead, Orliński presented something more ambitious: a recital designed to dismantle, once and for all, the narrow expectations placed on the countertenor voice. The

December 28, 2024

Editorial Team

Festival Bach Montréal 2024: Highlights, Surprises, and Reflections

When the Festival Bach Montréal 2024 concluded this December, it left behind a tapestry of sounds and experiences as intricately woven as the composer’s most elaborate fugues. For nearly a month, the city— and indeed beyond stretching to Québec and Ottawa—reverberated with the legacy of Johann Sebastian Bach, reimagined through a rich program that mixed time-honored traditions with contemporary approaches. This year’s edition offered a remarkable journey that began with open-armed accessibility and culminated in moments of shimmering grandeur. The festival, which has become a touchstone for Bach aficionados in North America since its modest six-day inception in 2005, has

September 16, 2024

Editorial Team

Exploring the Silent Language of Classical Music Notation

Music, in its purest form, is an ephemeral art, existing only in the moment of its performance. However, throughout history, musicians and composers have sought ways to capture these fleeting sounds, to preserve and communicate their ideas across time and space. The result of this endeavor is music notation—a silent language that serves as the bridge between a composer’s imagination and the performer’s realization. In classical music, notation is more than just a set of instructions; it is a complex system of symbols that conveys not only pitch and rhythm but also dynamics, expression, and interpretation. This article delves into

September 9, 2024

Editorial Team

The Power of Conducting: Beyond Just Waving a Baton

To the casual observer, the conductor of an orchestra might appear to be merely a figure standing in front of musicians, rhythmically waving a baton to keep time. However, the reality is far more complex. The conductor’s role is a blend of artistry, leadership, and deep musical understanding. Conducting is not just about keeping the ensemble in sync; it’s about interpreting the music, inspiring the musicians, and shaping the overall performance. This article explores the nuanced and multifaceted art of conducting, delving into its history, responsibilities, and the profound impact a conductor has on the music we hear. The History

September 2, 2024

Editorial Team

Jazz and Classical Music Fusion – Exploring the Harmony

The worlds of jazz and classical music, though seemingly distinct, have intersected in remarkable ways throughout history. While classical music is often associated with structured compositions and centuries-old traditions, jazz is celebrated for its spontaneity, improvisation, and vibrant energy. Yet, these two genres have not only coexisted but have also influenced and enriched each other in profound ways. This article explores the fascinating intersection of jazz and classical music, tracing the roots of both genres, their early interactions, and the innovative fusion that continues to shape modern music. The Roots of Jazz and Classical Music Classical Music’s Foundations Classical music,

August 26, 2024

Editorial Team

Rediscovering Ancient Music: From Gregorian Chants to Renaissance Polyphony

Music is often regarded as a universal language, a powerful medium that transcends time, space, and culture. In the rich tapestry of Western music, the roots run deep, tracing back to the sacred halls of medieval monasteries and the grand cathedrals of the Renaissance. The journey from the austere beauty of Gregorian Chants to the intricate harmonies of Renaissance Polyphony is not merely a progression in musical complexity but a reflection of profound shifts in religious, cultural, and artistic paradigms. This article delves into this fascinating transformation, uncovering the essence of ancient music and its lasting influence on the Western

June 28, 2024

Editorial Team

Rethinking Classical Music Education for the 21st Century

Grace Kang, Royal College of Music, February 15, 2015 Classical music education has long been rooted in centuries-old traditions, emphasizing the works of composers like Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. While these foundations are undoubtedly essential, the 21st century presents unique challenges and opportunities that call for a reevaluation of how we approach teaching classical music. In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, cultural shifts, and diverse musical landscapes, it is crucial to rethink classical music education to make it more relevant, inclusive, and accessible. Embracing Technology and Creativity in Music Education Technology has revolutionized nearly every aspect of our

June 25, 2024

Editorial Team

How the Romantic Era Revolutionized Classical Music and Art

The Romantic Era, spanning from the late 18th to the early 19th century, was a period of profound transformation in the world of classical music and art. This article delves into the key characteristics, influential figures, and lasting impact of the Romantic movement, which sought to express deep emotion, individualism, and the sublime in its works. Origins and Characteristics of the Romantic Era The Romantic Era emerged as a reaction against the rationality and order of the Enlightenment and the Classical period that preceded it. Artists and composers of the Romantic period sought to break free from the constraints of