Andrew Olsen
Andrew holds a PhD in Musicology. He has a wondering and wandering mind—when the wanderlust strikes, you'll find him exploring museums, galleries, and attending concerts. Andrew is keenly interested in art history, literature, opera, and other exciting topics. As an independent scholar, he delves into metamodernism as a current and developing theory-philosophy. Additionally, his work investigates the intersectional and intertextual relationships among art, literature, and music. He is a proud cat and believes where there is tea (or coffee), there is hope. He likes to keep his hands busy with knitting and Tunisian crochet in his free time. Aside from his computer, his favorite writing instruments are a well-balanced pencil or a quality fountain pen to write with in his numerous notebooks.
Articles by Andrew Olsen
Understanding Richard Wagner in 5 CompositionsRichard Wagner was one of the greatest composers of the Romantic Era. He strove for a total synthesis of the arts, known as a Gesamtkunstwerk.
What Is the History of the Piano?Today, the piano is one of the world’s most common instruments. Discover the history of the piano from ancient to modern times.
Today, the piano is one of the world’s most common instruments. Discover the history of the piano from ancient to modern times.
10 Rules for Collecting and Handling Rare BooksHumans like collecting things and rare books are among the top contenders. Here are ten guidelines for keeping your collection in top condition.
Humans like collecting things and rare books are among the top contenders. Here are ten guidelines for keeping your collection in top condition.
Beethoven’s 5 Most Influential SymphoniesDiscover how Beethoven broke with Classical Era expectations while revolutionizing the symphony, forging an alternative path for the form.
Discover how Beethoven broke with Classical Era expectations while revolutionizing the symphony, forging an alternative path for the form.
8 Women Composers Who Shaped the Musical WorldDiscover eight women composers who have shaped the musical world and gave women in music a voice.
Discover eight women composers who have shaped the musical world and gave women in music a voice.
The Music of the Romantic Era (with Examples)The Romantic Era was filled with passion and unbridled expression. The arts—especially music—would never be the same again.
Understanding Franz Liszt in 5 CompositionsApart from his cult-like status, Franz Liszt was one of the Romantic Era’s most influential composers and performers whose impact can still be heard today.
Apart from his cult-like status, Franz Liszt was one of the Romantic Era’s most influential composers and performers whose impact can still be heard today.
4 Must-Read Works by Edgar Allan Poe (& Why You Should Read Them)Edgar Allan Poe was a master of Gothic literature. Although his stories are filled with gloom and mystery, they also contain universal truths.
Understanding Philip Glass in 5 CompositionsDelve into five compositions spanning Philip Glass’s compositional career to understand how the avant-garde minimalist master changed the musical landscape.
Delve into five compositions spanning Philip Glass’s compositional career to understand how the avant-garde minimalist master changed the musical landscape.
Baroque Music: Contrast and DramaInstrumental music gained prominence over its vocal counterpart, leaving the Renaissance behind. “Drama” and “contrast” are the two key phrases that summarize Baroque music.
Understanding Beethoven in 5 CompositionsDiscover five compositions that illustrate how Beethoven changed the course of music and opened new opportunities for those that followed.
Discover five compositions that illustrate how Beethoven changed the course of music and opened new opportunities for those that followed.
The Mystery of Beethoven’s Immortal Beloved: 6 Possible CandidatesDiscover a love letter filled with passion and heartache; 200 years later, Beethoven’s Immortal Beloved may have been identified…
Discover a love letter filled with passion and heartache; 200 years later, Beethoven’s Immortal Beloved may have been identified…