Classical Cousins
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Kreisler’s "Syncopation" (1925) – A Classical Cousin
Recently, I dreamed I was playing the second movement of Tchaikovsky’s violin concerto, on stage, in front of a professional violinist, whom I was trying to “prove myself” to (!!). I did tolerably well, which is the surprising thing, considering I never learned the piece (though always wanted to). My violin Ever since then, I Continue reading
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Clara Schumann’s Lieder – A Classical Cousin
Virginia Woolf’s A Room of One’s Own has me currently entranced with its gentle, yet poignant questions about women’s history – not just in fiction, but in culture and arts generally. According to a Washington Post quiz (which, given its loaded questions, ought to be taken with a pinch of salt), I come under the Continue reading
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Bruch’s Violin Concerto – A Classical Cousin
In the spring of 1866, Max Bruch’s first violin concerto was debuted by celebrity violinist Joseph Joachim. Its auspicious beginnings paved the way for its permanent success; the concerto is still popular (here it’s played by my favorite violinist, Gil Shaham). Bridging a gap wider than 150 years, Bruch’s passionate melodies still have the ability Continue reading
About Me
Hi, I’m Marian—I talk about classics, history, and other books on this blog, as well as on YouTube.
Currently Reading
Recent Posts
- What I’m Reading – Morning Coffee Edition
- Oddly Specific Things I Love in Books (and a Few Movies)
- The Tenant of Wildfell Hall – A Long Overdue Review
- My Favorite Films and Music of 2025
- Ten Books I’d Like to Read (and Possibly Own)
Classics Considered 