‘April showers bring May flowers’ and all the loveliness of spring in its glory. Now is the perfect time to refresh your home by bringing that wonderful spring feeling inside with the natural beauty of fresh green foliage. Plants connect us to nature and add life and freshness to a home; they make rooms warm […]
Author: BHF_Blogger
Fall in Love with Linen
The history of linen goes back thousands of years to Egypt where it was used to make clothes that kept its wearers cool and fresh in warm weather. Throughout history its light weight and crisp look made it both practical and attractive. In keeping with that tradition, BHF is pleased to introduce its Brittany Linen […]
Styling Inspiration for Side Tables
When it comes to interior design, don’t sideline your side tables. These furnishings are not merely places for the remote, a stray magazine, or a cup of coffee. Rather, they are integral pieces for creating visual interest, providing a balanced look, and juxtaposing different stylistic themes. To get you started on creating a well-styled table, […]
Beethoven
Beethoven’s hearing loss was gradual, but he never gave up playing the piano. By 1814, however, he couldn’t hear anything and gave his last performance with the piece “Piano Trio, No. 7.” I can feel his desperation when I listen to this music, and I ask myself, “Have I ever been so desperate about something […]
La Foila
La Foila means “madness.” Jean-Baptiste Lully was the first composer to formalize this style of composition in the mid-Baroque era, and other composers followed with variation symphonies. Even though this is Baroque music, the style is ‘madness’ compared to traditional compositional methods. The trio in this video are harpsichord, Baroque violin and viola da gamba, […]
Schumann
Robert Schumann, composer and music critic, wrote as a critic under two pseudonyms: Eusebius and Florestan. Eusebius appears to be sensitive while Florestan is impetuous. In “Fantasiestücke Op. 12,” which consists of eight pieces for piano, Schumann reflects these two personalities, repeatedly contrasting and harmonizing. Think about what someone with both facets would be like […]
Schubert
I must not show my tears flowing; I just restrain myself, mourning within my heart. Then my confidence is restored, and I display my brilliant techniques. Soon, though, I hang my head in shyness and want to run away to the back row in my embarrassment. Nevertheless, I guess Schubert’s music has become a comfort […]
chubert’s Arpeggione
Among Schubert’s compositions is one called “Arpeggione Sonata.” Nowadays, musicians play this piece on a cello; however, when the music was originally composed, it was played on the arpeggione, which looks like a cello with six strings. Can you think of any instrument that has six strings? Right, the guitar. Playing the arpeggione is like […]
Poulenc
Francis Poulenc belonged to Les Six who composed music in the avant-garde and surrealistic style, yet his music is not mysterious or difficult to understand. His melodies are fine and beautiful, light and free. They are attractive because they evoke a few tears. Even though “Nocturne” was inspired by night, I usually listen to this […]
Haydn
“When you see a gentleman dressed up in a suit, don’t you think he’s cool? When you see a lady who is dressed in a suit, in a simple way without too many accessories, don’t you think she’s cool? They seem restrained, but they certainly look tidy and professional. This grace and style we refer […]