Music and Poetry

Considered one of the greatest musical geniuses who ever lived, the 265th birthday of Mozart was commemorated on 27th January.

The exact date of Ludwig van Beethoven's birth is unknown. He was born in Bonn and his christening is documented on 17th December 1770. Bonn was in the territory of the electorate of Cologne, ruled by a Prince Archbishop, who was one of three such prelates who could vote in Imperial elections of the Holy Roman Empire.

I suppose many of us are old enough to remember the 1960s and the protest movements against racial and social inequality and opposition to the war in Vietnam, which swept across the USA and eventually, gathered support all over the world.

A recent conversation with a musician and friend of mine, Romeo Giacomotto, on the subject of the accessibility and appreciation of classical music, or rather the lack of it, inspired me to write this.

Music is an integral part of our lives. There is music for all occasions: sacred music in church, or during a religious procession. Music could be performed and sung during happy occasions such as a wedding, and less happy occasions such as a funeral.