Slithering into Fortune: Happy Chinese Year of the Snake

by Hermione LAI 

Get ready to slither into the most exciting, vibrant, and mystical year ahead! The Chinese New Year is almost here, and we’re embracing the wisdom, charm, and elegance of the snake. This year is all about shedding old skin, stepping into fresh opportunities, and moving forward with grace and determination.

This year promises to be filled with transformation and growth, and whether you are looking for big changes or small wins, there is a magical energy in the air. The snake may be mysterious, but it is also very powerful, resourceful and ready to lead us towards a new beginning. 

The Wood Snake

In the Chinese zodiac, the snake occupies the sixth position, and it is associated with wisdom, charm, elegance, and transformation. People born in the Year of the Snake are supposed to be intuitive, strategic, and intelligent. In 2025, the Year of the Snake starts on 29 January and ends on 16 February. 2025 is the year of the Wood Snake, associated with growth, creativity, and expansion.

People born under the influence of the Wood snake tend to be highly creative. Highly innovative and artistic, they have a natural ability to create new ideas and come up with solutions. Individuals also exhibit a strong sense of nurturing and caring, making them more emphatic and concerned about others. And since wood can bend without breaking, Wood Snakes are uniquely capable of adapting and can go with the flow when necessary. 

Love Life

It has been predicted that individuals born under the zodiac of the snake will experience a particularly vibrant and fulfilling love life. Their natural charm and allure will make it easy for them to attract members of the opposite sex, leading to a year filled with romantic opportunities and excitement. Wood Snakes tend to be more reserved in the beginning stages of a relationship, so it may take time for attraction to turn into something more lasting.

However, it is advisable to exercise caution and avoid indulging in their romantic pursuits. Excessive behaviour can complicate relationships and lead to unintended consequences, such as unwanted pregnancies. By setting boundaries and using their intelligence and judgment, Snakes can enjoy romance without facing complications. Your best matches are the Rooster, Ox, and Dragon, but you should absolutely stay away from Monkey and Tiger. 

Money

2025 looks quite promising for Wood Snakes in terms of wealth, income, and family growth. There might be opportunities for financial growth through strategic investments, planning, or business ventures. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to take a financial leap, such as investing in stocks, real estate, or starting a business, this may well be a good year to move forward, but only after careful consideration and planning.

It has been predicted that 2025 will be particularly beneficial for individuals in the communication sector and that collaborations with foreign companies may lead to additional income. However, Wood Snakes can be drawn to indulgent spending, especially on luxury items. Be mindful of your financial habits in 2025, especially when it comes to unnecessary purchases. Set a clear budget and stick to it, ensuring that you prioritise your financial goals over momentary desires. 

Health

Even though the physical energy might be high, the Wood Snake might be vulnerable to stress and mental fatigue in 2025. Sometimes, individuals born under that sign tend to overthink and strategise, leading to excessive worrying. Please be careful, as emotional health might be impacted.

It’s always a good idea to incorporate relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises into your daily routine. Allow yourself moments of downtime to decompress from the mental and emotional pressures you face. And if you are prone to anxiety, you might find that stress manifests physically, such as tension headaches, digestive issues, or muscle strains.

2025 will likely be a wonderful year if you are born under the sign of the Snake, as you will experience significant growth and transformation driven by a balance of strategic planning, emotional awareness, and a deepening of both personal and professional connections. You will navigate all challenges with patience and resilience.

Happy Chinese New Year! May the Year of the Snake bring you wisdom, prosperity, and endless joy!

Life of Chopin: The Controversial Chopin Biography by Liszt

by Emily E. Hogstad, Interlude

A Mysterious Envelope Arrives.

On 14 November 1849, Ludwika Jędrzejewicz opened an envelope.

Ludwika Chopin Jędrzejewicz

Ludwika Jędrzejewicz was having a bad month. Her marriage was in shambles because she had left Poland to be at her brother Frédéric Chopin’s deathbed.

She had just attended his final illness and funeral and was going through his papers and other personal effects.

She was even preparing to smuggle his heart in a cognac bottle underneath her coat so it could be buried in Poland.

It turns out that the envelope had been sent by no one other than Franz Liszt.

Inside was a questionnaire full of various inquiries about Chopin’s life. Liszt wanted the answers because he was interested in writing a book about Chopin’s life.

On top of the inconsiderate timing, Liszt had included personal questions about her brother’s love life, such as his multi-year liaison with authoress George Sand.

It is believed that the gesture irritated her – or at the least overwhelmed her. She didn’t know what to do with the envelope, so she gave it to Jane Stirling, the wealthy woman who had been serving as Chopin’s concert agent and secretary and who had subsidised Jędrzejewicz’s travels and Chopin’s large funeral.

The fastidious Jane Stirling returned Liszt’s questionnaire to him, but she brushed over some facts in the process. Ultimately, Liszt never used Stirling’s answers.

The First Liszt/Chopin Meetings

Franz Liszt in 1870

Franz Liszt had known Chopin for many years.

We don’t know when exactly they met, but in December 1831, Chopin wrote a letter to his best friend back in Poland suggesting that he had met Liszt. Liszt would have been twenty and Chopin almost twenty-two at the time.

A few months later, Liszt was in the audience for Chopin’s Parisian debut, which happened at the Salle Pleyel in February 1832.

“We remember his first appearance in the salons of Pleyel, where the most enthusiastic and redoubled applause seemed scarcely sufficient to express our enchantment for the genius which had revealed new phases of poetic feeling and made such happy yet bold innovations in the form of musical art,” Liszt wrote years later in his biography. 

Frédéric Chopin

The two young men became friends and eventually near-neighbours, living a few blocks apart.

They also made a splash performing together in Paris. (Their debut as a duo happened in 1833 at a benefit concert for the bankrupt Harriet Smithson, the actress who Hector Berlioz had written his Symphonie Fantastique and who had since become his fiancée.)

However, they went through their rough patches, too. In 1835, Liszt asked Chopin if he could borrow his apartment while Chopin was away. Chopin agreed. When he returned home, he found out that Liszt had used it for an amorous encounter with the great pianist Camille Marie Pleyel, who had just separated from her husband on account of her infidelities.

On a professional note, there was a certain amount of jealousy, too. Chopin once wrote to a friend, “I should like to rob [Liszt] of the way he plays my studies.” However, he also protested against the way that Liszt added improvisatory elements to a performance of one of his nocturnes. Chopin was so upset that Liszt had to apologise. 

Liszt and Chopin’s Romantic Interests

Portrait of Marie d’Agoult by Henri Lehmann, 1843

In 1836, Liszt and his lover, the Countess Marie d’Agoult, hosted a party that would prove fateful to Chopin.

The countess was a great fan of Chopin and extended an invitation to him. She also invited another friend, the radical writer Aurore Dupin, better known by her pen name George Sand, who was arguably the most popular writer in Europe.

Although Chopin was initially put off by the strong-willed Sand, the two eventually fell in love and were a couple for ten years.

Not long after Chopin and Sand paired up, Liszt and the Countess Marie d’Agoult had a protracted and acrimonious breakup.

His next long-term partner was a woman named Carolyne zu Sayn-Wittgenstein, an unhappily married noblewoman who fell in love with Liszt and remained his partner for forty years. Sayn-Wittgenstein was an extremely prolific author and letter writer, and she encouraged Liszt to also focus on writing, both prose and music.

The Origins of the Chopin Biography

Carolyne zu Sayn-Wittgenstein

It is believed that after Chopin’s death, Liszt and Sayn-Wittgenstein worked together on the manuscript of the Chopin biography.

The biography began appearing in installments in La France Musicale in 1851.

It turns out that the book was a bit of a disaster. The worshipful Jane Stirling, for one, wasn’t satisfied with how Liszt had described her former boss’s musicianship.

Meanwhile, his Polish friends and family were upset that a non-Pole had published a biography before them, gotten the subtleties of Chopin’s Polish identity wrong, and sucked up all the oxygen in the room when it came to the subject of a Chopin biography. It would be difficult, they believed, for a work by one of them to be taken more seriously than one by Franz Liszt, the internationally renowned musical celebrity…and they were probably right.

George Sand offered her measured thoughts about Liszt’s biography of her ex: “a little exuberant in style but filled with good things and very beautiful pages,” she allowed.

In 1879, Liszt and Sayn-Wittgenstein returned to the project, creating an even longer version, this time, with additional emphasis on Polish politics and identity.

Sayn-Wittgenstein was apparently the driver behind many of the changes, and unfortunately the changes – and her turgid writing style generally – has proven to be unpopular with modern scholars and historians. 

The Biography’s Legacy

Life of Chopin by Franz Liszt

Of course, given Liszt’s fame, some of the facts in his biography were distributed in other later biographies.

One of the ideas that gained traction was Chopin’s perceived aristocratic nature.

For instance, it was reported in Liszt’s book that Chopin’s education had been financed by Prince Radziwill (it had not been) and that the friends who he spent the most time with were members of the Polish aristocracy (they were not).

Conclusion

Today, the historians brave enough to wade into the messy, complicated subject of Liszt’s Chopin biography generally believe that while the biography is a helpful document for understanding how Liszt and his Parisian contemporaries viewed Chopin, there’s much about it that’s misleading or even flat-out wrong.

That said, as long as you keep all of that in mind, it’s definitely worth a read, as the English translation has long been in the public domain. So why don’t you download a copy and see what you think?

Intimate and Irresistible Schubert Piano Favourites

By Hermione Lai, Interlude

The piano music of Franz Schubert remains deeply beloved for its emotional depth, melodic beauty, and innovative use of harmony. Schubert blended lyricism with harmonic exploration, and his gorgeous and highly expressive melodies are enriched by a harmonic language overflowing with chromaticism and surprising modulations.

Franz Schubert

Schubert composed extensively for the piano, with his oeuvre ranging from intimate miniatures to expansive sonatas. Actually, his piano sonatas are central to his piano repertoire. He composed 21 sonatas, combining lyrical, song-like melodies with intricate harmonic progressions. As some commentators have noted, “Schubert bridged the clear formal structures of Classical music with more exploratory and expressive Romantic tendencies.”

Schubert also composed several sets of character pieces, works that reflect his gift for melody and mood. Each work encapsulates a distinct emotional landscape, ranging from deeply introspective to playful. We also find shorter, more whimsical pieces that draw from folk-like rhythms and melodies, giving them a sense of charm and immediacy. To commemorate Schubert’s birthday on 31 January, we decided to dedicate a blog to his 10 most popular piano works.

Impromptu in G-flat Major, Op. 90, No. 3 (D. 899) 

Let’s get started with one of Schubert’s most popular and best-loved piano compositions, the Impromptu in G-flat major, Op. 90, No. 3 (D. 899). What a stunning exploration of lyrical elegance and expressive depth. Just listen how Schubert weaves together moments of tranquillity and exuberance!

From the opening notes, the piece introduces a melody that seems to shimmer and flow effortlessly, casting a spell of quiet beauty. The theme is delicate but imbued with a quiet longing, its long and sweeping phrases unfolding as if in a dream. But beneath its serene surface, Schubert crafts subtle harmonic shifts that add layers of complexity and intrigue, creating a sense of ongoing motion.

Schubert’s Impromptu in G-flat Major, Op. 90, No. 3 (D. 899)

The work takes a more playful turn in the middle section. Syncopated rhythms and rapid cascading figures inject a sense of sparkle and vitality. The music suddenly comes alive, even hinting at a joyful dance before returning to the opening’s more introspective and lyrical atmosphere.

Schubert effortlessly navigates between lyrical beauty and impetuous energy, with moments of delicate intimacy and sudden surges of emotion creating an engaging character. As with much of Schubert’s music, there is a sense of improvisation as each phrase feels spontaneous, yet it is carefully crafted. This gorgeous Impromptu is an intimate journey through the full range of human emotions, wrapped in Schubert’s unforgettable signature harmonic richness and melodic inventiveness. For me, it’s a musical miracle!

Sonata in B-flat Major, D. 960 

Franz Schubert composed his B-flat Major Sonata, D. 960, during the final months of his life in 1928. It is a profound and introspective work that showcases the composer’s exceptional ability to express deep emotional complexity through his music. This sonata is often regarded as a summation of his compositional style, blending lyrical beauty, harmonic richness, and a kind of emotional vulnerability. It is a work that speaks with a quiet but unmistakable intensity, reflecting both the joy and the melancholy of Schubert’s final years.

Schubert’s Sonata in B-flat Major, D. 960

The sonata is structured in four movements, each offering its own distinct emotional landscape while contributing to the larger narrative of the piece. The grand and restless “Allegro” is filled with tension and lyrical beauty, while the second movement “Andante sostenuto” offers a deeply introspective and meditative contrast. The “Scherzo” injects a playful and complex energy with darker undertones, the concluding “Allegro” reflects Schubert’s creativity and looming mortality.
It’s amazing how Schubert balances a sense of sweeping grandeur with profound intimacy in D. 960. The sonata is sometimes described as an elegy, filled with an almost palpable sense of nostalgia, resignation, and yet, at times, quiet optimism. It represents a musical reflection on the fragility of life and the passage of time, and it is regarded as a crowning achievement of Schubert’s career. It is a late masterpiece, one of the most emotionally profound and structurally sophisticated works in the piano repertoire.

Moments Musicaux, Op. 94 No. 3 

Schubert composed the “Moments Musicaux,” actually not his title, in 1827 when he was already dealing with his illness. Despite his health problems, he continued to compose music full of emotional depth, and each piece in the set captures a fleeting moment. The third piece of the set in F minor has an air of contemplation, almost like a musical sigh, and it is often seen as a window into Schubert’s more personal and reflective side.

Schubert’s Moments Musicaux Op. 94, No. 3

Op. 94 No. 3 is scored in a straightforward ABA structure. The opening section in F minor has a melancholy feel, as the mood is calm but carries an undertone of quiet reflection or remembrance. As the key changes to A-flat Major, the mood lightens, and Schubert offers a brief moment of relief. The opening section returns, but with some variations. The overall mood is still melancholy, but there is a sense of acceptance now as if returning to something familiar but with a fresh perspective and deeper understanding.

The piece has an air of contemplation, like a short reflection on a fleeting emotion. It is not overly dramatic but rather quiet and introspective. The music moves through subtle shifts in mood, balancing melancholy with moments of warmth, all while maintaining a gentle and understated elegance. It surely is one of the 10 most popular piano works by Franz Schubert.

Wanderer Fantasy D. 760 

Franz Schubert composed his Fantasie in C Major, nicknamed the “Wanderer Fantasy”, in 1822. It is a vast and ambitious piece that pushes the boundaries of both form and expression. With its blend of lyrical beauty, harmonic richness, and technical complexity, the “Wanderer Fantasy” is a deeply emotional and highly intricate work.

The title “Wanderer Fantasy” is actually referencing the “Wanderer motif,” which appears in many of Schubert’s songs and instrumental works. The image of the wanderer evokes themes of longing and transcendence, and Schubert’s own feeling of alienation brought on by relative obscurity and financial struggles is thought to resonate within the music.

Schubert’s Schubert’s Wanderer Fantasy D. 760

The work unfolds in four movements, but it is considered a single large-scale entity unified by recurring motifs. The “Wanderer motif” appears throughout the piece in different guises, harmonically, rhythmically, and contrapuntally transformed. The emotional trajectory is highly varied, with sudden shifts in mood and the portrayal of tension and release. Schubert’s harmonic language is unpredictable, as frequent modulations shift between distant keys, creating a sense of movement and unpredictability. Without a doubt, this is one of Schubert’s most popular piano works.

Impromptu in E-flat Major, Op. 90, No. 2 (D.899) 

For our next selection, let us return to the set of Impromptus Op. 90. The E-flat Major piece of the set is known for its grandeur and lyrical warmth. It is often interpreted as one of the most elevated works in Schubert’s piano repertoire. Less introspective than the G-flat Major No. 3, it nevertheless possesses its own unique charm and emotional depth.

The lyrical and flowing theme in E-flat Major is characterised by long and sweeping phrases, and it almost feels orchestral. Schubert introduces subtle contrasts through modulations, enhancing the emotional expressiveness of the piece. The central section is scored in the minor key and sounds more agitated and complex. It is filled with chromaticism and harmonic tension, and the contrast between major and minor and between the lyrical and dramatic, is quintessentially Schubertian.

The return to the opening brings back the original lyrical warmth but it feels much enriched as it is now heard through the emotional contrast of the middle section. There is a gentle and peaceful coda that revisits elements from the opening, but it has become more introspective. Schubert’s expressive lyricism, his sensitivity to harmonic colour, and his mastery of form are all on full display in this work, making it one of the standout pieces in the Op. 90 set and a favourite in the piano repertoire.

Impromptu in A-flat Major, Op. 142 No. 2 (D.935) 

Published more than a decade after Schubert’s death, the set of four Impromptus D. 935 actually dates from the year after he had completed his “Unfinished Symphony.” Although these pieces are labelled “Impromptus,” they reach far beyond mere improvisatory charm. They are highly structured and emotionally profound, and demonstrate Schubert’s ability to blend technical brilliance with lyrical depth.

The Impromptu in A-flat Major (Op. 142 No. 2) stands out for its rich, song-like themes, its subtle use of counterpoint, and its dynamic contrasts. The piece has a relaxed, almost conversational quality, but beneath its surface lies a sophisticated exploration of form and harmony, making it one of the gems of Schubert’s piano repertoire.

The piece is a perfect balance of lyricism and elegance, with an effortless flow that disguises its underlying harmonic complexity. The piece moves from the warmth of the opening theme to the lively contrast of the B section before returning to the familiarity of the opening melody, enriched with new nuances. The coda provides for a peaceful resolution. Schubert blends spontaneity with deep emotional resonance and structural sophistication; it’s a miniature masterpiece!

Sonata in A Major, D. 959 

Like D. 960, the Piano Sonata in A Major, D. 959 was composed in 1828, shortly before his untimely death in the same year. It is part of a pair of monumental piano sonatas as both reflect Schubert’s deep maturity as a composer. Both display profound emotional depth, innovative harmonic progressions, and an intimate, lyrical style. D. 959 stands out for its elegance and sense of balance, juxtaposing light-hearted and classical elements with moments of profound lyricism and subtle harmonic complexity.

This sonata stands out for its lyrical richness and melody beauty. The harmonic language is rooted in Classical tradition, however, Schubert pushes all the boundaries. Shifts between major and minor modes and unconventional key relationships greatly enhance the emotional depth of the work. Schubert combines Classical forms like sonata, menuetto, and rondo with innovative developments and expressive contrasts. Despite moments of grandeur, the sonata retains an intimate, personal character, with subtle nuances and dynamic contrasts that invite deep reflection.

Surely one of the 10 most popular piano works by Franz Schubert, D. 959 is a beautiful example of his late style, combining lyricism, harmonic sophistication, and thematic inventiveness. With its graceful menuetto, elegiac second movement, and jubilant finale, this sonata is one of Schubert’s crowning achievements. Its warmth, depth, and emotional range continue to captivate pianists and audiences alike.

Moments Musicaux, Op. 94 No. 6 

I think we can safely feature one more Moments Musicaux, specifically Op. 94 No. 6 in A-flat Major. It is a delightful work that blends lyrical beauty, subtle harmonic twists, and an almost improvisatory character. It reflects Schubert’s deepening sense of introspection and his mastery of melody, yet it retains a certain lightness that is almost playful at times.

The melody has a singing, almost vocal quality. Its long, lyrical phrases are reflective of Schubert’s ability to craft deeply expressive lines. The melody is sweet and flowing but not without moments of chromaticism that lend a bittersweet edge to the otherwise peaceful character of the piece. However, it isn’t a melody that reveals all of its meaning immediately; instead, it invites the listener to explore its varied shades that often mirror a poetic, emotional landscape.

Franz Schubert

Schubert also provides a particularly engaging harmonic language. While the A-flat major key gives the piece a rich, warm colour, Schubert subtly shifts between major and minor modes and introduces some unexpected harmonic turns. These moments provide emotional depth without disrupting the overall calm atmosphere. Although it is not overtly dramatic or technically demanding, it feels like a brief but meaningful moment in time.

Sonata in G Major D. 894 

As with all Schubert’s late piano sonatas, D. 894 is often noted for its intimate, almost introspective character. It does not showcase a grandiose or virtuosic techniques but emphasises inner depth and provides a subtle personal connection with the performer and listener. With its lyrical melodies, rich harmonic textures, and emotional depth, this sonata blends classical form with the emerging Romantic sensibilities of Schubert’s time.

Robert Schumann called the G-Major Sonata “a poem in the form of a sonata.” This poetic reference highlights Schumann’s view that Schubert’s style was not only about structural mastery but also about emotional expression and lyricism. To Schumann, Schubert’s music seemed to convey an inner world of reflection and feeling, much like the expressions found in poetry.

Ländler D. 366

Let us conclude this blog on the 10 most popular piano works by Franz Schubert, with some delightful short pieces often associated with a folk dance. The “Ländler” is a traditional Austrian dance that was a precursor to the waltz, a dance with a slightly rustic feel. Schubert composed a substantial number of “Ländler” throughout his life, either as part of larger piano works or as standalone pieces. These pieces show Schubert’s deep connection to Austrian folk music, which was a key influence in his compositions.

Schubert’s Ländler D. 366

Schubert’s “Ländler” are beautiful examples of how a simple folk dance can be transformed into something rich, nuanced, and emotionally resonant. With their infectious rhythms, graceful melodies, and subtle harmonic depth, Schubert takes what might be seen as a humble dance form and elevates it into a moment of emotional reflection. These miniatures are windows into the emotional life of the composer, tinged with both joy and a quiet sense of melancholy.

I hope you enjoyed this little survey of the most popular piano works by Franz Schubert. Which ones are your favourite, and could you let us know which one should have been included?

Unleashed Passion: Olga Scheps

by Georg Predota  January 4th, 2025

The highly acclaimed pianist Olga Scheps was born on 4 January 1986 in Moscow, but she moved to Germany at a young age. She won several local competitions and played her debut performance with orchestra at the age of 14. Since then, she has gained widespread recognition for her delicate yet powerful touch and deep emotional connection to the music.

Olga Scheps

Scheps is particularly praised for her lyrical phrasing, refined dynamic control, and her ability to navigate complex works with both technical precision and expressive depth. Her skilful blending of elegance and sensitivity provides for performances that are both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.

As a critic wrote, “her versatility, along with her ability to convey the emotional essence of each composer, has solidified her as one of the leading pianists of her generation.” To celebrate her birthday on 4 January, we decided to feature 5 of her most outstanding performances.

Frédéric Chopin: Ballade No. 3, Op. 47 

Olga Scheps brings a distinct artistic voice to Chopin’s music. Known for her ability to create a profound emotional connection with the listener, her performances are marked by elegance and restraint but also by a sense of passionate intensity. She doesn’t shy away from the dramatic moments in Chopin’s works, but she never allows them to overwhelm the lyrical beauty of the pieces. I suppose we could call her approach thoughtful, as she seeks to reveal the inner essence of the music rather than relying on showy gestures.

Scheps has been widely praised for her Chopin interpretation. She is often noted for her ability to communicate the full emotional range of Chopin’s works. As a critic wrote, “her delicate phrasing, virtuosic execution, and deep emotional understanding of Chopin’s style have made her a leading interpreter of his music today.”

Ludovico Einaudi: Una Mattina

Olga Scheps brings a deep emotional connection to Ludovico Einaudi’s music, skilfully balancing its meditative calm with moments of emotional intensity. Her use of rubato enhances the lyrical nature of the melodies, making her performances feel intimate and personal. Technically, she excels in executing the repetitive motifs of Einaudi’s minimalist style with precision and fluidity, avoiding monotony while maintaining a natural flow.

Scheps also demonstrates exceptional sensitivity to tone and dynamics, playing with clarity and delicacy and adapting her touch to bring out both the subtle harmonies and emotional peaks of the music. Her recordings of Einaudi have received positive reviews, as she underscores the fine balance between simplicity and expressiveness, “making her performances of Einaudi’s works both captivating and moving.”

Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37 

In her Beethoven interpretations, Scheps is highly praised for her clarity of playing, her emotional depth and the intellectual rigour of her approach. Beethoven’s wide range of emotional extremes and technical challenges is a natural fit for Scheps, whose playing blends expressive lyricism with precise technique.

She is particularly praised for her ability to balance the grandeur of Beethoven’s works with an intimate, thoughtful approach, bringing both strength and sensitivity to the compositions.

Scheps easily captures the full range of Beethoven’s emotional and intellectual landscapes. Her ability to handle the complexities of Beethoven’s music while maintaining a sense of lyricism and expressiveness makes her, according to critics, “one of the most compelling interpreters of the composer’s works today.”

Erik Satie: 3 Gnossiennes

Schep’s refined and sophisticated reading of Erik Satie has been appreciated by critics and audiences alike. According to critics, “she is able to capture the essence of Satie’s minimalist style without making the music feel dry or overly repetitive.” Her performances are frequently praised for their clarity, sensitivity, and lyrical beauty, and they stand out for their poise, emotional depth, and sensitive touch.

Franz Schubert: Wanderer Fantasie, D. 760

I have left the best for last, as Scheps’ interpretation of Franz Schubert is highly praised for its elegance, emotional depth, and sensitivity. The complex emotional landscapes of Schubert’s music are particularly well-suited for Scheps’ temperament, for her refined touch and expressive phrasing. She has the uncanny ability to penetrate the soul of Schubert’s music, capturing both its delicate beauty and underlying melancholy.

A critic writes, “there is a profound understanding of the music’s subtle harmonic shifts, which she navigates with sensitivity and intelligence. Whether in the wistful beauty or lyrical expansiveness of Schubert’s music, Scheps’ interpretations of Schubert are always filled with natural grace and expressive honesty.”

It’s All in the Stars

12 Greatest Composers of the Zodiac

By Hermione Lai, Interlude

I must admit that I occasionally check my horoscope. Many times, I look upon my daily predictions with a playful suspension of disbelief, but occasionally, it seems to fit really well. I know as a fact that many of my classmates also consult horoscopes on a regular basis, almost like searching for a spiritual connection.

In Western astrology, everything in the cosmos and here on Earth is tightly interconnected, and the movement of the celestial bodies determines outcomes here on Earth. Sun, moon, planets and even comets are observed across a circular map called the “zodiac.” That map divides the night sky into twelve segments named after various constellations. That’s just a fancy word for “a togetherness of stars,” and they are often interpreted as images of animals.

Venice Astrological Clock

Astrology suggests that the position of celestial bodies at the time of birth can provide insight into the strengths and weaknesses, the natural inclination, and even the potential career path of individuals.

Some recent studies have shown that there is a correlation between brain function and astrological signs and that these signs can affect personalities and behaviour. We thought it might be fun to put this theory to the test by looking at the characteristics of the 12 Greatest Composers of the Zodiac.

Aries (The Ram)

Johann Sebastian Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G Major, BWV 1049 

Aries, the Ram, is indeed a very powerful sign, and the Sun transits this constellation between 20 March and 21 April. This astrological sign is ruled by Mars, the planet of war and energy, and people born under the sign of Aries, are said to be energetic, unstoppable, bold, devoted and encouraging. On a bad day, however, they tend to be proud and self-centred, stubborn, reckless, jealous, bossy and impulsive.

Elias Gottlob Haussmann: Johann Sebastian Bach, 1746

Johann Sebastian Bach was born on 31 March, and he could certainly be the Aries poster child. He was always fighting with authorities, and as he once said, “they caused a life of envy and hindrance.”

As we know, Bach had anger management issues, but he also had the capacity for tenderness. He had normal flaws and failings, which made him very approachable, but he had this unfathomably brilliant mind and a capacity to hear music and then deliver music that was beyond the capacity of pretty well any musician before or since. In short, Bach was unstoppable in his determination and his work ethic; he was a true Aries.

Taurus (The Bull)

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Nutcracker Suite Op. 71a 

Between 20 April and 20 May, the Great Bull of Heaven charges across the celestial sky. This powerful constellation is ruled by Venus, the planet of love, attraction, beauty, satisfaction, creativity and gratitude. Individuals born under this sign are supposedly firmly grounded and have the ability to see things from a practical and realistic perspective. Their tender nature makes them excellent cooks, gardeners, lovers, and artists.

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Born on 7 May 1840, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was indeed a keen gardener who “loved our Russian nature more than any other.” He had a fantastic personal garden in Klin, and he loved flowers. I am not sure if Tchaikovsky was a good cook, but he loved to eat “kulebyaka,” a kind of pie filled with fish and rice. And when it comes to the pleasure of the flesh, he certainly had an active sex life.

Tchaikovsky was artistically supremely gifted, with his music reflecting the rollercoaster ride of the human experience. Tchaikovsky tellingly wrote, “I have found nothing to ease my troubled soul. But I would go mad were it not for music.” Tchaikovsky took the criticism to heart, and he was prone to extended bouts of guilt, depression and self-pity.

Gemini (The Twins)

Richard Wagner: “Ride of the Valkyries” 

This third astrological sign, with the sun crossing the constellation of Gemini between 21 May and 21 June, represents mythological twins. While most signs have one very prominent trait, Gemini represents two different personalities in one. They are sociable, communicative and ready for fun, with a tendency to suddenly get serious, thoughtful and restless.

Richard Wagner

Richard Wagner was born on 22 May, and he was described as “the constant union between profound reflection and ebullient spontaneity. With him, excessive thinking had not dulled his vital spark, and whatever life’s vicissitudes, he never ceased to philosophise, combining a calculating, metaphysical intellect with the joy and eternal youth of a truly creative temperament.”

Wagner was quick to anger, quick to tears, quick to laughter, and quick to frenzy. He was highly intelligent and tended to be overly analytical. Gemini apparently struggled with commitment, and Wagner left his share of bludgeoned relationships in his wake. He loved to be the life of the party, and if we can trust contemporary reports, he just couldn’t stop talking. All in all, it seems that Richard Wagner fits the characteristics of being born under the tropic of Gemini rather well.

Cancer (The Crab)

Gustav Mahler: Song of the Earth, “Farewell” 

The sun crosses the astrological sign of Cancer between 22 June and 23 July. Individuals born under that sign are supposedly nesting people who take great pleasure in the comforts of home and family. Cancers are maternal, domestic, and love to nurture others. They are happiest when their home life is serene and harmonious.

Gustav Mahler, 1892

Cancers value tradition, and they tend to wear their hearts on their sleeves. Frequently, they are more attached to the romantic ideal than to reality, and Gustav Mahler, born on 7 July, did enjoy an occasional feeling of optimism and euphoria. An astrologer wrote that if “Cancer was a nightmare, it would be one with family dynamics in it, highly psychological.”

Gustav Mahler was desperately in love with his wife Alma, and he had a couple of sessions with Sigmund Freud. He was incredibly possessive and jealous, not to mention clingy. As he wrote, “How much I love you, you my sun, I cannot tell you that with words. I can only lament to you my longing and love.” With these brief astrological predictions in mind, Mahler seems to fit the tropic of Cancer like a glove, don’t you think?

Leo (The Lion)

Claude Debussy: “Clair de Lune” 

If your birthday falls between 24 July and 23 August, you are born under the astrological sign of the Lion. As Leo season in the Northern Hemisphere starts at the height of Summer, the sun is the planetary ruler. People born under that sign radiate solar confidence and heart-felt courage.

The most famous composer born under the sign of Leo on 22 August is Claude Debussy. He had a highly complex personality, and he was not a socially outgoing or bold person. His lover Marguerite Vasnier writes: “He was very quick to take offence and extremely sensitive. The slightest thing put him in good humour or made him sullen or angry. He was very unsociable and never hid his displeasure as he did not often allow himself to be with strangers.”

Claude Debussy by Marcel Baschet, 1884

Debussy had a sullen attitude towards life and was remarkably sensitive, uncomfortable, and quick to defend. As Debussy later explained, “That’s the way I’m made.” Once we add depression, two marriages, attempted suicides, secret affairs and an incident with a revolver, we find a personality always chasing for some elusive form of contentment. Debussy was essentially an introvert who hid behind his extroversion.

Virgo (The Maiden)

Antonín Dvořák: Symphony No. 9 “From the New World” 

Virgo, the Goddess of innocence and purity, gives her name to the astrological sign crossed by the sun between 24 August and 23 September. People born under that sign are always looking for goodness in humankind, and predictably, disappointment is not far behind.

Dvořák in 1870

Their deep sense of humanity informs a personality that is said to be analytical, kind, hardworking and practical, but they tend to be highly critical of themselves and others. If they are disappointed once too often, they will distance themselves from other people. They would rather be out in nature than anywhere else, adoring the wilderness and nature’s creatures.

The poster child for the sign of Virgo might well be Antonín Dvořák, born on 8 September.

Nature played a major role in his life and his work. He took several nature walks each day, did a lot of gardening, planted trees, and kept pigeons. Nature was a powerful source of inspiration for Dvořák, and his “Symphony from the New World” evokes a sense of grand, unfolding vistas.

Libra (The Scales)

Franz Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 

Libra, which falls between 24 September and 23 October, is the only zodiac sign not represented by a living creature. Instead, it depicts the weighing scales of the Greek goddess of justice. Associated with balance, individuals are said to be obsessed with symmetry and strive to create equilibrium in all areas of life.

Franz Liszt in 1870

This particular astrological sign is ruled by Venus, the planet that governs love, beauty and money. Libras adore high art, intellectualism, and connoisseurship. Frequently, they surround themselves with objects and environments that reflect their exquisite tastes. Supposedly, they love harmonious partnerships with fashionable mates and also make for excellent designers, decorators, art critics, and stylists.

My personal pick for this sign is Franz Liszt. He certainly fits the art critic category, and he used his hair to good effect. During the early part of his life, he was well known for his virtuosic displays, lavish tastes and a long line of “arm candy.” However, he was loyal to his friends and generous in support of young talent. Once you take away his flashy onstage persona, Liszt was almost painfully shy and devoutly religious in later life.

Scorpio (The Scorpion)

Niccolò Paganini: Caprice No. 24 in A minor 

Scorpio is the eighth sign of the zodiac and is said to govern the period from about 24 October to 21 November. Scorpios possess intense personalities and strong, passionate emotions. Seductive and beguiling, Scorpio is the sign most closely associated with sex. It’s not all about sensual pleasures, however, as Scorpios crave physical closeness and spiritual illumination.

My favourite Scorpio composer, Niccolò Paganini, was born in Genoa on 27 October.

Nicolo Paganini, by Richard James Lane

He was a born leader with extraordinary drive and determination. Once he made up his mind to study the violin and discover new and hitherto unsuspected effects that would astound people, nothing would stand in his way.

He became obsessed with fame and money, and his relentless ambition translated into increasingly bizarre behaviour. With Paganini, it’s rather difficult to distinguish between fact and myth, and rumours abound. One thing for sure, Paganini was always concerned about appearances and the need to project success and self-satisfaction. This particular Scorpio demanded unconditional respect and attention.

Sagittarius (The Archer)

Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 14, Op. 27, No. 2 “Moonlight”

Sagittarius is not an archer in the conventional way. Rather, he is actually a centaur, a creature notoriously wild, lusty, and violent when intoxicated. He rules the nightly sky between approximately 23 November and 22 December. Individuals born under this sign are curious and energetic, and their philosophical view motivates them to wander around the world in search of the meaning of life.

Joseph Willibrord Mähler: Beethoven, 1804–1905 (Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde in Wien)

Since centaurs are half-man and half-horse, one can almost sense the contradictions governing this creature’s personality. There is no better example of a Sagittarius composer than Ludwig van Beethoven, who was baptised on 17 December. Beethoven wasn’t particularly well educated, but his strength of character produced powerful effects on those around him.

Supremely idealistic and eternally in search of tranquillity and freedom, he showed utter disdain for discipline and authority. Often impatient and tactless, he thought exceedingly highly of himself in artistic matters. And while he did accord the greatest respect to other artists, he had very little use for common humanity. And let’s not forget that as a true Sagittarian, he felt the presence of God in the beauty of nature.

Capricorn (The Goat)

Alexander Scriabin: Poem of Ecstasy 

The astrological sign Capricorn, which rules the skies between 22 December and 20 January, is governed by the planet Saturn. People born under this sign are said to exhibit strong and distinctive personality traits. Among the strengths, Capricorns are ambitious, determined, hard-working and very well organized. Yet, they can be overly critical, insufferable know-it-all, sarcastic, condescending, and always expecting the worst.

Alexander Scriabin

Alexander Scriabin was squarely born under the tropic of Capricorn, and his personality seems to reflect that fact. Described as a bizarre blend of the pragmatic and the preposterous, Scriabin did have affectionate family ties and a pedantic way of organising his schedule and travels.

Scriabin suffered from hallucinations, and he was certainly narcissistic. Convinced of his personal power and self-importance, he envisaged something apocalyptic, whereby the whole of humanity would be intoxicated by his music and mesmerized by his God-like magnetism and omnipotence. I am not entirely sure that this would accurately describe the average person born under the tropic of Capricorn, but they do generally set rather high standards for themselves.

Aquarius (The Water-bearer)

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: The Magic Flute, “Queen of the Night aria” 

The sun transits Aquarius, the water-bearer, between January 21 and February 20. It is said that Aquarius is the most humanitarian astrological sign and that people born under this sign are revolutionary thinkers who support the power of the people. Free-spirited and eccentric, it is easy to spot an Aquarius by their unusual hobbies and nonconformist attitude.

Although the Aquarius can be shy and quiet, they can also be eccentric and highly energetic. They love being around good friends and like to help others, but can be highly temperamental and uncompromising. People born under the sign of Aquarius, it seems, have very complex and nuanced personalities.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

This seems certainly true of the most famous Aquarius composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, born on 27 January. Much has been written about the possibility of a personality disorder in the sense that he always needed to be nurtured and supported by others and that Mozart found it very difficult to be alone. We do know that he had violent temper outbursts, and recently, it has been suggested that Mozart might have suffered from Tourette’s syndrome. Whatever the case may be, Mozart’s music is just as nuanced and complex as his personality.

Pisces (The Fish)

Frédéric Chopin: Nocturne in C-sharp minor, Op. Posth. 

The sun transits the constellation of Pisces between 19 February and 20 March, and as the final sign of the Zodiac, it absorbs the hopes and fears of all other signs. Individuals born under this sign have a mystical, intuitive, and transcendental dynamic.

Pisces are selfless, spiritual, and very focused on their inner journey. They are sensitive seekers who have the potential to bring a soulful, healing energy to their relationships and communities. Common wisdom suggests that Pisces are compassionate and empathetic and wired to offer spiritual and artistic gifts to the world. These are the poets, musicians, painters.

Portrait of Frédéric Chopin by Maria Wodzińska

And that brings us to Frédéric Chopin, born on 1 March. Judging by his compositions, Chopin could well be the musical poster child for this particular astrological sign. Ruled by sensitivity and emotions, this visionary fish was a kind and gentle artist who shared his experiences in music. He was easily wounded emotionally, but he was empathic and compassionate. I don’t know if, as astrologers predict, Chopin was clairvoyant, but he certainly fits the personality profile rather well.

Now you know my personal much-loved composers for every astrological sign; what are your favourites?