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Notable black figures in the world of opera during the 18th and 19th centuries

The field of opera libretto writing has been traditionally dominated by white, male composers. However, there were some notable black figures in the world of opera and born in the 18th and 19th centuries who made significant contributions in the field of performance and composition. William Henry Brown (1815-1884) was an African American actor, singer,… Read More

Italian librettist and poet, Felice Romani

Giuseppe Felice Romani (1788-1865), also known as Felice Romani, was an Italian opera librettist of the 19th century. He was born in Milan and began his career as a lawyer before turning to literature and eventually opera libretto writing. Romani’s most famous works include the librettos for Bellini’s “Norma” and “I Puritani,” as well as… Read More

Thoughts on Ukraine

What scene is this?—is this indeed humanity—these butchers’ shambles? There they lie, in the largest, in an open space in the woods, from 200 to 300 poor fellows—the groans and screams—the odor of blood, mixed with the fresh scent of the night, the grass, the trees—that slaughter-house! – from Specimen Days by Walt Whitman (1819–1892)  … Read More

One day birthday sale March 12

It’s our 15th anniversary and we’re having a one day sale on new and renewal six month, 1 year, and 1 year studio teacher subscriptions. This Saturday, use code IPABDAY when you purchase a new or renewal subscription and check out at https://www.ipasource.com for 15% off your purchase! This sale applies to new and renewal… Read More

Josef Gabriel Rheinberger, organist and composer

Josef Gabriel Rheinberger, born in Lichtenstein March 17, 1839, was a respected pianist, organist, and composer. Rheinberger was involved in the performances of Wagner‘s “Tristan und Isolde” and “Die Meistersinger” by the Royal Opera. Josef Rheinberger began serving as an organist in a Lichtenstein church at the age of 7.  Rheinberger attended the Munich Conservatorium,… Read More

IPA Paired – Repurposing music for productivity

IPA Paired is a happy hour blog series by the IPA Source office staff – business manager Nora and tech manager Eric. While skillful at keeping IPA Source running well, Nora & Eric have no formal music background, unless you consider their time in high school band!   Today’s post was inspired by the New… Read More

Ask IPA Source: “The Requiem Mass – Complete Text” and “The Ordinary of the Mass – Complete Text compared

An IPA Source customer asks: What is the difference between “The Requiem Mass – Complete Text” and “The Ordinary of the Mass – Complete Text“? Is one of them more extensive than the other? Bard answers: The Ordinary is the invariable part of the Mass such as the Kyrie, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei are part… Read More