Dr. Fuddle's Musical IQ Test 18


Answers to Musical IQ Test 17

1. d. Both B and C
2. c. Edward Grieg
3. a. The skill of performance
4. b. Johann Sebastian Bach
5. d. There is no proper answer to this question










Dr. Fuddle's Musical IQ Test 17

Answers to Musical IQ Test 16

1. a. Ludwig van Beethoven
2. b. Franz Schubert
3. c. Johann Sebastian Bach
4. a. a symbol on the top staff mostly indicating the notes above middle C
5. c. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart


MEET KATHY



“I think we should see if there's away in," Antonio said, walking over to stand beside Tyler, who shuddered at the thought of entering the dark manor.
"Are you out of your mind? We can't go in there. That's criminal trespassing!"
Kathy reprimanded. "Besides, I heard there was a murder in there a long time ago."
"That's just a rumor," Leonard replied.
"Maybe there're a few ghosts having a party in there besides Mrs. Harrington,"Antonio added, just to annoy Kathy. “No disrespect intended, Tyler.”
“Well,as a matter of fact,” Tyler began, “now that you mention it...”
“Oh great!” Kathy said. “Now you're going to tell us you've seen ghosts, too?”
“I did," Tyler said, getting up enough nerve to tell the rest of his story. "I saw a man sitting at a grand piano playing mom's piece. And I could see through him. But there were others, too, dressed from a long time ago, really old-fashioned.”
“I’m out of here!!” Kathy screamed, making a beeline for the driveway.
Leonard went after her and ushered her back to the others.
She liked his arm around her shoulders.
“Stop worrying,Kathy," he said. "Besides there won't be a way to get in. And even if there is, let’s check it out. I want to prove to everyone once and for all there’s no such thing as ghosts."
The gathering clouds hovered thicker and blacker above the deserted street. The friends followed Tyler and Antonio around the corner up onto the back porch. "No one will ever know we're doing this except us," Tyler said. He shivered, thinking of the hundreds of old stories about this mansion--the kinds of stories grandmothers told from their front porches on dark summer nights when there was nothing else to do. But of course, he didn’t let on to the others about his fears.
Antonio tried to open the back door, but it was locked.
“Okay, see?” Kathy said. “Time to go home.”
Then a strong gust of wind blew and they all heard it clearly. Though just a tiny click, it seemed like an explosion. Antonio tried the ornate door knob once again and this time found the door was unlocked.
“Hey, it opened—just for us. Let’s go in,” Tyler said, making a move.
"Are you crazy?" Kathy said. "Some derelict could be camping out in there waiting to kill us! Let's get out of here!"

The Heiligenstadt Testament ...


is a letter written by Ludwig van Beethoven to his brothers Carl and Johann at Heiligenstadt (today part of Vienna) on 6 October 1802.

It reflects his despair over his increasing deafness and his desire to overcome his physical and emotional ailments in order to complete his artistic destiny. Beethoven kept the document hidden among his private papers for the rest of his life, and probably never showed it to anyone. It was discovered in March 1827, after Beethoven's death, by Anton Schindler and Stephan von Breuming, who had it published the following October.

A curiosity of the document is that, while Carl's name appears in the appropriate places, blank spaces are left where Johann's name should appear (as in the upper right corner of the accompanying image). There have been numerous proposed explanations for this, ranging from Beethoven's uncertainty as to whether Johann's full name (Nikolaus Johann) should be used on this quasi-legal document, to his mixed feelings of attachment to his brothers, to transference of his lifelong hatred of the boys' alcoholic, abusive father (ten years dead in 1802), also named Johann.
Lockwood, Lewis (2003). Beethoven: The Music and the Life. New York, NY: W. W. Norton & Company. ISBN 0-393-32638-1.




THE HEILIGENSTADT TESTAMENT


For my brothers Carl and Johann Beethoven

Oh you men who think or say that I am malevolent, stubborn, or misanthropic, how greatly do you wrong me. You do not know the secret cause which makes me seem that way to you. From childhood on, my heart and soul have been full of the tender feeling of goodwill, and I was even inclined to accomplish great things. But, think that for six years now I have been hopelessly afflicted, made worse by senseless physicians, from year to year deceived with hopes of improvement, finally compelled to face the prospect of a lasting malady (whose cure will take years or, perhaps, be impossible).

Though born with a fiery, active temperament, even susceptible to the diversions of society, I was soon compelled to isolate myself, to live life alone. If at times I tried to forget all this, oh, how harshly was I flung back by the doubly sad experience of my bad hearing. Yet it was impossible for me to say to people, "Speak Louder, shout, for I am deaf". Oh, how could I possibly admit an infirmity in the one sense which ought to be more perfect in me than others, a sense which I once possessed in the hightést perfection, a perfection such as few in my profession enjoy or ever have enjoyed. – Oh I cannot do it; therefore forgive me when you see me draw back when I would have gladly mingled with you.

My misfortune is doubly painful to me because I am bound to be misunderstood; for me there can be no relaxation with my fellow men, no refined conversations, no mutual exchange of ideas. I must live almost alone, like one who has been banished. I can mix with society only as much as true necessity demands. If I approach near to people a hot terror seizes upon me, and I fear being exposed to the danger that my condition might be noticed. Thus it has been during the last six months which I have spent in the country. By ordering me to spare my hearing as much as possible, my intelligent doctor almost fell in with my own present frame of mind, though sometimes I ran counter to it by yielding to my desire for companionship.

But what a humiliation for me when someone standing next to me heard a flute in the distance and I heard nothing, or someone standing next to me heard a shepherd singing and again I heard nothing. Such incidents drove me almost to despair; a little more of that and I would have ended my life. It was only my art that held me back. Oh, it seemed to me impossible to leave the world until I had forth all that I felt was within me. So I endured this wretched existence, truly wretched for so susceptible a body, which can be thrown by a sudden change from the best condition to the worst. Patience, they say, is what I must now choose for my guide, and I have done so - I hope my determination will remain firm to endure until it pleases the inexorable Parcae to break the thread. Perhaps I shall get better, perhaps not; I am ready. - Forced to become a philosopher already in my twenty-eight year, oh, it is not easy, and for the artist much more difficult than for anyone else. Divine One, thou seest my inmost soul thou knowest that therein dwells the love of mankind and the desire to do good. Oh, fellow men, when at some point you read this, consider then that you have done me injustice. Someone who has had misfortune may console himself to find a similar case to his, who despite all the limitations of Nature nevertheless did everything within his powers to become accepted among worthy artist and men.

Dr. Fuddle's Musical IQ Test 16

Answers to Musical IQ Test 15

1. c. Bach
2. d. Mahler
3. d. cello
4. c. Frederick Chopin
5. a. a rapid scale produced by sliding fingers or hands from one note to another










Vivaldi, Autumn




by



Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) is known for his inspirational songs called "The Four Seasons". "Spring" ("La primavera"), "Summer" ("L'estate"), "Autumn" / "Fall" ("L'autunno") and "Winter" ("L'inverno") are some of the his most popular creations and they were written to go along with four sonnets called, of course, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.

MEET ANTONIO


Tyler could see Antonio standing outside down the block, near an open garage. They shared the exact same birthday and felt like non-identical twins, except his Latin friend looked much older than he did. Compared to Tyler, Antonio was athletically built. The party always started when Antonio arrived with his striking good looks and ready-for-anything attitude. Lately, though, he was going through a rebellious, spiked hair stage and hanging out with guys very unlike Tyler. This was exactly what he was doing at that moment.

As Tyler and Christina approached, Christina covered her ears. The sound of raucous behavior and dissonant music upset her. Tyler grasped her hand. He already regretted bringing her here.
"Hey, Antonio, what’s up?" Tyler asked. The music stopped. Several boys snickered at the sight of the conservative boy and his little sister.
Antonio joined Tyler and Christina. "Hey, Tyler!" he said. "I didn't expect to see you here!"
"Tell them to get lost," a rough voice yelled.
"Knock it off," Antonio said. "They’re my friends."
Tyler appreciated Antonio’s sticking up for them, knowing it wasn’t the easy thing to do. But he didn’t understand why Antonio wanted to hang out with these guys, especially since they seemed to be getting meaner lately. They didn’t used to be, but they were turning into bullies. A couple of them had even been suspended from school.
"It's happened!" Tyler said.
"What’s happened?"
The biggest of the boys in the garage came out. He leered at Antonio and said in a fake sing-songy voice, "Why don't you just run along now and play with your little friends? Maybe you can play a game with the girlie who can't talk and her freaky little doll." The other boys laughed.

Tyler glared at them, picking Christina up and wiping away her tears.
"I told you to knock it off!" Antonio said in his face.
"You'll never be good enough to stay in our band anyway."
Antonio looked stricken.
"He’s better than you’ll ever be!” Tyler yelled. “Come on, Christina, don’t pay any attention to these jerks.” Before turning away he said to Antonio, “Will you meet us later?"
"Sure, just give me a few minutes," Antonio replied. "But what's this all about?"
"You'll find out soon enough.” Tyler lowered his voice. “Just meet us in thirty minutes at the corner of Oak and Willow."


[excerpt from Dr. Fuddle and the Gold Baton]

Franz Schubert, Impromptu in A-flat Major, Op. 90, Nol. 4, performed by Krystain Zimerman





Zimerman studied at the University of Music in Katowice under Andrzej Jasinki. His career was launched when he won the 1975 Warsaw International Frederick Chopin Piano Competition. He has toured widely and made a number of recordings. Since 1996 he has taught piano at the Academy of Music in Basel, Switzerland.

Zimerman is best known for his interpretations of Romantic music, but has performed a wide variety of classical pieces as well. He has also been a supporter of contemporary music.

Dr. Fuddle's Musical IQ Test 15


Answers to Musical IQ Test 14

1. c Mendelssohn
2. d Liszt
3. c Niccolò Paganini
4. c four
5. c John Cage







King's College Cambridge 2011 Hallelujah Chorus, Handel Messiah




In many parts of the world, it is the accepted practice for the audience to stand for this section of the performance. The tradition is said to have originated with the first London performance of Messiah, which was attended by King George II. As the first notes of the triumphant Hallelujah Chorus rang out, the king rose to his feet and remained standing until the end of the chorus. Royal protocol has always dictated that when the monarch stands, everyone in the monarch's presence is also required to stand. Thus, the entire audience and orchestra stood when the king stood during the performance, initiating a tradition that has lasted more than two centuries.

Lang Lang Gone Mad!

Lang Lang inserting a martial-arts display in between bouts with the Prokofiev on the piano





Sergei Sergeyevich Prokofiev (23 April 1891[2] – 5 March 1953)was a Russian composer, pianist and conductor who mastered numerous musical genres and is regarded as one of the major composers of the 20th century. His best-known works include the March from Love for Three Oranges, the suite Lieutenant Kijé, the ballet Romeo and Juliet, and Peter and the Wolf. He also composed amongst many other works five piano concertos, nine completed piano sonatas and seven symphonies.

Dr. Fuddle's Musical IQ Test 14

Answers To Musical IQ Test 13

1. a. Henry Purcell
2. d. George Gershwin
3. d. None of the above
4. b. the ability to identify a note without any other musical support
5. a. Modest Mussorgsky







Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 With Hubble Images

Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92, was completed in 1812. The instant popularity of the Allegretto, 2nd movement, resulted in its often performed separately from the complete symphony and may have been his most popular orchestral composition.



Kirill Troussov (18 years old) plays Paganini Caprice 24, LIVE(1999)




Kirill Troussov gained international fame 2009 in Paris, when he stood in for Gidon Kremer in a performance with the Orchestre National de France directed by Daniele Gatti at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées broadcast live by Radio France. The reactions of audience and critics were equally enthusiastic. Kirill Troussov is regularly engaged as a soloist, chamber musician at the Verbier Festival, the Menuhin Festival in Gstaad, the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival, the Ludwigsburger Schlossfestspiele and the Kronberg Academy where he also gives materclasses. Born in St. Petersburg in 1982, Kirill Troussov took his first violin lessons at the Rimsky-Korsakov-Conservatory at the age of four. He made his debut at the age of six in the St. Petersburg Philharmonie. A year later he was invited to perform with the Russian National Orchestra under the direction of Arnold Katz in Moscow. He studied with Zakhar Bron and Christoph Poppen. His artistic career was accompanied by mentors like Igor Oistrakh and Lord Yehudi Menuhin. Kirill Troussov plays the Antonio Stradivari “Brodsky” (1702), on which Adolph Brodsky performed the world premiere of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto on 4th December 1879.

"Oh Happy We" from Leonard Bernstein's Candide, peformed by Signature Event Singers



Signature Event Singers is an ensemble comprised of Megan Mashburn, Soprano; Thomas Trotter, Tenor; and Sandra Lutters, Piano. One of Atlanta's best-loved vocal ensembles.

Dr. Fuddle's Musical IQ Test 13


Here are the answers to Musical IQ Test 12!

1. a. Bonn, Germany
2. b. famous Russian pianist and composer
3. b. the end
4. c. Richard Wagner
5. a. a self-contained section of a composition














Dr. Fuddle's Musical IQ Test 12


Here are the answers to November 4th's Musical IQ Test 11

1. a. sharps, flats or natural signs used to raise, lower or return a note to its normal pitch.
2. c. Johann Sebastian Bach
3. d. Both b and c
4. c. Sergei Prokofiev
5. c. 9







The music Handel wrote that is most performed during Christmas is...

The Messiah. The creation of Handel's Messiah was actually brought about by Handel's librettist, Charles Jennens. In a letter to his friend, Handel, Jennens wrote that he wanted to create a scriptural anthology set to Handel's music. Jennens' desire quickly turned into reality when Handel composed the entire work in only twenty-four days. Jennens wished for a London debut in the days leading to Easter, however, a doubtful Handel anticipated such a wish would not be granted. A year after the work was completed, Handel received an invitation to perform his music in Dublin to which he joyously agreed. Learn more about the creation and history of Handel's Messiah.



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What piece did Handel compose that is most performed during Christmas?


Check tomorrow's post for the answer.



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Dr. Fuddle's Musical IQ Test 11


Here are the answers to October 28th's Musical IQ Test 10

1. b. George Gershwin
2. d. 10
3. b. Johann Sebastian Bach
4. b. without accompaniment
5. c. Tomaso Albinoni






Dr. Fuddle's Musical IQ Test 10


Here are the answers to October 21st's Musical IQ Test!

1. d. a transitional figure of Classical to Romantic Eras
2.
b. Ludwig van Beethoven
3.
a. Frederick Chopin
4.
a. toward the end of the Baroque Era
5.
b. seven








Dr. Fuddle's Musical IQ Test 09


Here are the answers to October 14th's Musical IQ Test

1. a. Bach, Beethoven, Brahms
2. c. They are always held exactly two beats
3. a. Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
4. c. Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms
5. a. Symphony No. 5 in c minor











Puccini's aria, "Nessun Dorma" comes from the opera...

Turandot. Puccini began working on the opera Turandot in 1920. The next year, he started composing the music. Two years later, in 1924, Puccini had all but finished the opera's final duet. Puccini disliked the text of the duet and postponed composing it until he was able to correct the text. When he finally chose the words for it, two days later he was was diagnosed with throat cancer. Having decided to travel to Belgium for treatment and surgery the last week of November 1924, Puccini died as a result of the surgery on November 29. Therefore, the opera itself was never finished by Puccini. Learn more about Turandot and "Nessun Dorma".



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Puccini's famous aria, "Nessun Dorma," comes from what opera?

Made most popular by Luciano Pavarotti, Nessun Dorma is an aria from what famous opera?

Check tomorrow's post for the answer.



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Mendelssohn 'Italian' Symphony No.4 - 1st mvt.




Volker Hartung conducts Felix Mendelssohn's 'Italian' Symphony No.4, 1st movement, played by the Cologne New Philharmonic Orchestra.


Live performance from Koelner Philharmonie & Tonhalle Duesseldorf, Germany.
The concerts were filmed with only one camera each. In order to make the film look more interesting, the images were combined. Soundtrack is from the Cologne Concert entirely.
more infos at: www.volkerhartung.com

Dr. Fuddle's Musical IQ Test 08



Last Week's Test was a challenge! How did you do? Here are the answers to October 7th's IQ Test.

1. d. Guillaume de Machaut
2. c. 6
3. a. The Well Tempered Clavier, Book One
4. a. Franz Joseph Haydn
5. a. Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky











Diane Bish - Two Chorale Preludes of Johann Sebastian Bach




Organist Diane Bish performs two Chorale Preludes written by Johann Sebastian Bach. She performs these two pieces on the 1,068 pipe Taylor and Booty tracker organ of the Presbyterian Church of Coshocton, Ohio. Pieces include "Hark, a Voice Saith All Are Mortal" and "O Thou of God the Father."



http://www.thejoyofmusic.org/

Diane Bish Plays Toccata from Symphony No. 5, C.M. Widor





Organist Diane Bish plays this famous Toccata on the grand organ at the Ulm Munster in Ulm, Germany. Diane was heard on a radio interview a while back rating the top pipe organs in the world, and this one was at the top of her list.


Organ Details:
1969 Walcker, Opus 5000 / 161 Ranks / 8,900 Pipes / 98 Stops / Mechanical key action / Electric stop action / 5 manuals and pedal / Diane's Favorite organ.


http://www.thejoyofmusic.org/

Dr. Fuddle's Musical IQ Test 07

This week is an Advanced IQ Test!

Here are the answers to September 30th's Quiz

1. d. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
2.
d. Felix Mendelssohn3. a. hold or pause on a note or rest
4. a. smoothly connected
5.
d. Antonio Vivaldi








The 6 piano pieces composed by Erik Satie are...

Gnossienne's. Congratulations if you answered correctly! The word "gnossienne" describes the several pieces of piano music composed by Satie that didn't fit into any of the existing styles of classical music like a piano prelude or a sonata. It was Satie himself that coined the term "gnossienne." Though the etymology and the pronunciation of Satie's made up word remain a mystery to many, it is clear that his six gnossiennes are wonderfully unique and beyond intriguing. Learn more about Satie's 6 Gnossienne's.

Erik Satie wrote 6 of these pieces for piano.

Here's a tough one. Can you name the group of six piano pieces composed by Erik Satie that didn't fit into any of the existing styles of classical music, like a piano prelude or a sonata?

Check tomorrow's post for the answer.



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Dr. Fuddle's Musical IQ Test 06


Here are the answers to September 23rd's Musical IQ test:
1. c. Ludwig van Beethoven
2. c. Claude Debussy
3. d. string bass
4. c. Frederick Chopin
5. c. Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Contemporary










Haydn Sonata in D Major - Andrew Li at Winner's Concert


Andrew performed in the Winner's Concert at the Boston Steinway Hall after winning the first prize of Division 1 at the 2009 Boston Steinway Competition

We are extremely grateful to Andrew's piano teacher Mrs. Dorothy Shi for this video

Dr. Fuddle's Musical IQ Test 05


Here are the answers to September 16th's Musical IQ Test:

1. b. Ludwig van Beethoven
2. b. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
3. d. George Frederick Handel
4. b. False
5. a. Franz Schubert









Dr. Fuddle's Musical IQ Test 04


Here are the answers to September 9th's Musical IQ Test:

1. c. Sergei Rachmaninoff
2. d. Camille Saint-Saëns
3.
b. Sergei Prokofiev
4.
d. None of the above
5.
d. Benjamin Franklin









Dr. Fuddle's Musical IQ Test 03


Answers to Sept. 5th's Musical I Q Test: 1. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart2. Claude Debussy3. Antonio Vivaldi4. None of the above5. They are played in one fourth of a second


Valentina Lisitsa (Chopin 24 Etudes DVD track)Op. 25 No. 12







With her multi-faceted playing described as "dazzling", Valentina Lisitsa is at ease in a vast repertoire ranging from Bach and Mozart to Shostakovich and Bernstein. Her orchestral repertoire alone includes more than forty concerti. She admits to having a special affinity for the music of Rachmaninoff and Beethoven and continues to add to her vast repertoire each season.

http://www.valentinalisitsa.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifcom/

Dr. Fuddle's Musical IQ Test

Did you check out the answers to last week's IQ Test located in the sidebar? How'd you do?

 







Tiffany Poon - Beethoven "Waldstein" 3rd movement





Tiffany Poon, age 14, displayed a remarkable ability for the piano early in her life. Her performance repertoire includes major works by J.S. Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Liszt, Chopin, Debussy, Schubert, Schumann, and Ravel, and she is capable of performing solo recitals and full orchestral piano concertos.

Born in Hong Kong and currently residing in the United States, Tiffany is maturing into an emerging artist of the future.http://tiffpoon.com/wordpress/

Tiffany Poon - Beethoven "Waldstein" 1st movement






Tiffany Poon, age 14, displayed a remarkable ability for the piano early in her life. Her performance repertoire includes major works by J.S. Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Liszt, Chopin, Debussy, Schubert, Schumann, and Ravel, and she is capable of performing solo recitals and full orchestral piano concertos.

Born in Hong Kong and currently residing in the United States, Tiffany is maturing into an emerging artist of the future.http://tiffpoon.com/wordpress/

photo: Beth Krieger

Brief Applause: From the Top




Music is powerful stuff! That's the belief of thousands of talented teens from across the country, who prove the power of classical music, each week on the NPR program From the Top. From the Top travels the 50 states to discover and spotlight some of our nation's best and brightest teenage musicians. Recently, host Christopher O'Riley and the rest of the show's crew came to Northeast Ohio, to record their classical variety program, inside the Cleveland Institute of Music's new Mixon Hall. We sent our ideastream cameras out to capture what it's like to get From the Top... to the stage!



About From the Top

From the Top is the preeminent showcase for America's best young musicians. Through award-winning NPR and PBS programs, online media, a national tour of live events, and education programs, From the Top shares the stories and performances of pre-collegiate musicians with millions each week. Each program provides a compelling and entertaining window into the world of a diverse group of young people, who pursue life with passion, determination, and joy.

Learn more at http://www.fromthetop.org

The composer of the famous Moonlight Sonata is...

Beethoven! Beethoven composed the famous Moonlight Sonata in 1801, and dedicated it to Countess Giulietta Guicciardi, one of his pupils. Shortly after their first few lessons, the two fell in love. After dedicating the "Moonlight" Sonata, it is believed that Beethoven proposed to her. Although she was willing to accept Beethoven’s proposal, forbiddance by one of her parents prevented her from marrying him. Learn more about the Moonlight Sonata.

Who composed the famous Moonlight Sonata?

The original title of the sonata is “Quasi una fantasia” (Italian, meaning "almost a fantasy"). The popular title of the "Moonlight" Sonata actually didn’t come about until several years after the composer's death.

Check tomorrow's post for the answer.



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Vote for the Gramophone Artist of the Year 2011!

Who would you like to see win?

Gramophone’s critics have already been engaged for some months in the rigorous judging process by which these prestigious classical prizes are allotted – and which this year are being presented in association with Steinway & Sons. But, as tradition dictates, one of the highest-profile awards – Artist of the Year – is decided not by our reviewers but by you. Previous winners have included violinist Julia Fischer, The Sixteen and, last year's winner, mezzo Joyce DiDonato – each one rewarded for recording excellence and for a tireless commitment to enthusing audiences about classical music.

So who in 2011 do you think should be honoured for a year of musical excellence? Our shortlist for 2011 is: conductors Andris Nelsons, Gustavo Dudamel and Iván Fischer, conductor and viol player Jordi Savall, pianists Mitsuko Uchida and Lang Lang, trumpeter Alison Balsom, violinist Alina Ibragimova, tenor Jonas Kaufmann and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. Visit the voting page. The deadline is August 31. (Please note, you need to be registered to vote – if you are already registered, this link won't work.)



http://gramophone.co.uk/features/gallery/vote-for-the-gramophone-artist-of-the-year-2011