William Sterling

Introducing

Achilles killing Penthesilea, queen of the Amazons by Exekias of Athens c. 560 BC. This type of pot is called Black Figure ware as the figures were filled in using the liquid or slip clay which miraculously turned black during the firing process. One of the incidents during the Trojan War not recorded by Homer was the fight between Achilles, hero of the Greeks, and Penthesilea, queen of the tribe of warrior women called the Amazons. Achilles won but at the moment he drove his spear into her neck their eyes met for the first time and they fell in love with each other. Exekias shows this ultimate Greek Tragedy by suggesting Achilles is trying to pull the spear out rather than thrust it home but all too late. Image © Trustees of the British Museum
My name is Dr William Sterling ~ welcome to my website. I have degrees in History and Geography with additional qualifications in Music and Education. I taught full-time at an Independent School in Kent for four years before joining the Civil Service. I worked for 16 years in the Department of TransportRead more »

SPOTLIGHT: Musical compositions

Viola Sonata

Viola players often complain that there is not enough music for them.  Perhaps they would like to try this. First movement Viola sonata I First movement Second movement Viola sonata II Second movement Third movement Viola sonata III Third movement If you would like free copies of the sheet music for this work please contact… Read more »

Walmer Suite

Walmer Suite This suite of five short piano pieces were written or revised whilst I was teaching at a small school in Walmer, Kent.  The pieces are all suitable for teaching piano techniques.  I was the head of History at the school but also taught History of Music and Music Theory to the older pupils. … Read more »

Music composition

I wrote my first work when I was five.  It was for chime bars and Mrs Distin called it “William’s Tune”.  This was 1963 and I think she was very surprised that a five year old would be able to come up with an original tune.  I had played all the ones she had given… Read more »

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