Andrew Olsen
Verified Author

Andrew Olsen

South Africa

@andrew-olsen

AuthorScholar
PhD Musicology
Member since Feb 15, 2024
South Africa
21 published articles

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.

Areas of Expertise

MusicMusic HistoryReligious StudiesOperaMetamodernism
franz schubert portrait

Understanding Franz Schubert in 5 Compositions

Franz Schubert (1797-1828) is considered the bridge between the Classical and Romantic eras in music. Although he was never financially rich, he left a rich musical history.

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understanding frederic chopin compositions

5 Chopin Pieces That Explain His Genius

A focused guide to Frédéric Chopin’s compositions, explaining his melodic style, genre experiments, Gothic harmonies, and why his piano works still define Romantic music.

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understanding richard wagner compositions

Understanding Richard Wagner in 5 Compositions

Richard Wagner was one of the greatest composers of the Romantic Era. He strove for a total synthesis of the arts, known as a Gesamtkunstwerk.

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Man plays piano in Prague’s Airport

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.

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rules collecting handling rare books

10 Rules for Collecting and Handling Rare Books

Humans like collecting things and rare books are among the top contenders. Here are ten guidelines for keeping your collection in top condition.

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beethoven most influential symphonies

Beethoven’s 5 Most Influential Symphonies

Discover how Beethoven broke with Classical Era expectations while revolutionizing the symphony, forging an alternative path for the form.

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Vermeer and Gentileschi music scenes

8 Women Composers Who Shaped the Musical World

Discover eight women composers who have shaped the musical world and gave women in music a voice.

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music romantic era

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.

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understanding franz liszt compositions

Understanding Franz Liszt in 5 Compositions

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.

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edgar allan poe works must read

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.

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understand philip glass compositions

Understanding Philip Glass in 5 Compositions

Delve into five compositions spanning Philip Glass’s compositional career to understand how the avant-garde minimalist master changed the musical landscape.

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baroque music contrast drama

Baroque Music: Contrast and Drama

Instrumental music gained prominence over its vocal counterpart, leaving the Renaissance behind. “Drama” and “contrast” are the two key phrases that summarize Baroque music.

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