The Classical Music Minute

DescriptionYoung Chopin: The Piano Prodigy Who Played with Heart & Fire in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactFrédéric Chopin’s first known composition, a *Polonaise in G minor*, was written when he was just seven years old. Created in 1817, this piece already hinted at the national pride and expressive flair that would define Chopin’s later works. Although simple, it carried a distinctive style and charm that captivated listeners. This early *Polonaise* marked the beginni...

DescriptionEchoes of Love: The Enduring Opera of Orpheus and Euridice in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactThe first performance of Gluck’s "Orfeo ed Euridice" took place on October 5, 1762, at the Burgtheater in Vienna. This opera marked a revolutionary shift in the genre, emphasizing simplicity and dramatic expression over elaborate arias. Gluck sought to reform opera, focusing on seamless storytelling, cohesive music, and emotional impact, influencing future composers sign...

DescriptionFrom Crisis to Symphony: How Near-Death Shaped Mahler's Musical Revolution in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactGustav Mahler's most famous piece is arguably his Symphony No. 2, known as the "Resurrection Symphony." Composed between 1888 and 1894, it is celebrated for its grand scale, emotional depth, and exploration of life, death, and spiritual rebirth. The symphony is a monumental work, lasting about 80-90 minutes, and features five movements. Its powerful final...

DescriptionJacques Offenbach: The Maestro Who Turned Opera into a Dance Party in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactJacques Offenbach's "Orpheus in the Underworld" is one of his most famous operettas, premiering in 1858. A satirical take on Greek mythology, it includes the iconic "Galop Infernal," widely recognized as the Can-Can. Offenbach's witty, lighthearted music and comedic libretto revolutionized 19th-century French operatic theater._____________________________________...

DescriptionLeopold Mozart: The Ultimate 18th-Century Stage Dad in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactLeopold Mozart's "Trumpet Concerto in D major" is one of his most celebrated works, composed around 1762. It highlights the Baroque influence on his music, featuring bright, majestic trumpet lines and intricate orchestration. The piece is a fine example of Leopold’s skill in composing for wind instruments.__________________________________________________________________About S...

DescriptionFarinelli: The Legendary Castrato and His Timeless Legacy in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactA famous aria sung by Farinelli is "Alto Giove" from the opera *Polifemo* by Nicola Porpora. This aria, renowned for its beauty and serenity, allowed Farinelli to display his incredible vocal agility and emotional depth. His performance captivated audiences, leaving an enduring legacy in the Baroque opera world._____________________________________________________________...

DescriptionEchoes of Eternity: The Rise and Fall of the Castrato in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactOne of the most famous castrato songs is Son qual nave ch'agitata, performed by Farinelli in the opera *Artaserse* by composer Leonardo Vinci. This aria, known for its demanding vocal range and emotional depth, showcased Farinelli's exceptional voice, making him a sensation across Europe.__________________________________________________________________About Steven, HostSteve...

DescriptionMaestro of the Strings: The Concertmaster’s Leading Role in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactA famous concerto featuring the concertmaster is Johann Sebastian Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 4. In this piece, the concertmaster plays a prominent role as the solo violinist, leading intricate dialogues with two accompanying flutes. The violin part is technically demanding, filled with fast runs and ornate passages. The concertmaster's virtuosic performance is crucial...

DescriptionMind Games: The Psychology Behind a Solo Performance in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactOne of the most difficult violin concertos is Niccolò Paganini's Violin Concerto No. 1 in D Major. Known for its technical demands, it features rapid scales, double stops, harmonics, and wide leaps that push the limits of a violinist's dexterity and control. The concerto also requires expressive phrasing while navigating these complexities, blending virtuosity with musicality....

DescriptionThe Unheard Genius: Franz Schubert’s Hidden Legacy in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactFranz Schubert is most celebrated for his Lieder (art songs), particularly Ave Maria and Erlkönig. His Unfinished Symphony and String Quintet in C Major are also iconic. Schubert’s music, characterized by its emotional depth and melodic beauty, captures the essence of the Romantic era. Though he struggled for recognition during his short life, his works are now cherished for the...

DescriptionRoyal Harmonies: The Musical Splendor of France's Grand Court in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactJean-Baptiste Lully, the master of French Baroque, is best known for his opera Armide and the grand ballet Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme. His work defined the court of Louis XIV, with the king himself often dancing in his productions. Lully's music, characterized by its rhythmic precision and grandeur, set the standard for French opera and ballet, making his compositions c...

DescriptionMaestro's Magic Wand: The Art of the Baton Dance in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactOne of the most difficult pieces to conduct is "Le Sacre du printemps" (The Rite of Spring) by Igor Stravinsky. Its complex, irregular rhythms, sudden tempo changes, and layered dissonances demand extraordinary precision and deep understanding. The piece's primal energy and unpredictable structure make it a formidable challenge for any conductor.___________________________________...

DescriptionHow Classical Music Takes Your Brain on a Symphony Adventure in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactClassical music offers many mind-bending pieces due to their complexity and emotional depth. Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring is famously intense, with its dissonant harmonies and primal rhythms causing a riot at its 1913 premiere. Bach's The Art of Fugu* is another, with its intricate counterpoint that challenges the mind. Messiaen's Quartet for the End of Time, writte...

DescriptionThe Tearful Power of Classical Music: Emotion in Every Note in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactIf you’re looking for three pieces that will move you to tears: Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" is a tear-jerking masterpiece with its haunting, lyrical piano. Barber's "Adagio for Strings" pulls heartstrings with its sweeping, sorrowful notes. Mahler's "Symphony No. 5, Adagietto" is an emotional rollercoaster, blending lush orchestration and tender themes that hit you r...

DescriptionIsabella Colbran: The Enchanting Muse of Opera in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactGioachino Rossini's collaboration with his wife, Isabella Colbran, was a symbiotic blend of genius. He composed some of his most celebrated operas, including "Otello" and "Semiramide," specifically for her. Colbran's powerful voice and dramatic presence brought Rossini's compositions to life, making them a legendary duo in the opera world.____________________________________________...

DescriptionPlácido Domingo, A Man of Enduring Passion & Extraordinary Talent in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactOne of Plácido Domingo's most famous roles is Otello in Verdi's opera of the same name. His powerful portrayal of the tragic Moorish general showcases his dramatic intensity and vocal prowess, making it a defining performance in his illustrious career and a benchmark for tenors in this demanding role.____________________________________________________________...

DescriptionBrahms & His Violin Concerto in D major in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactJohannes Brahms became a composer through early piano studies and composing in his teens, influenced by Romantic greats like Schumann. Supported by his musician parents, he performed in taverns to help financially. His breakthrough came when Robert Schumann praised his talent, propelling him into the spotlight and cementing his career.___________________________________________________...

DescriptionFrom Mozart To Verdi, Renée Fleming in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactRenée Fleming's first professional performance took place in 1986 when she sang the role of Konstanze in Mozart's "Die Entführung aus dem Serail" at the Houston Grand Opera. This debut showcased her remarkable vocal talent and stage presence, quickly earning her critical acclaim and paving the way for a distinguished career in the world of opera. Her performance was a pivotal moment, marking t...

DescriptionJoan Sutherland aka La Stupenda in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactJoan Sutherland's first major performance was as Dido in Purcell's "Dido and Aeneas" in 1947 at the Sydney University Musical Society. This debut showcased her burgeoning talent and marked the beginning of her illustrious career. Sutherland's powerful voice and emotive interpretation quickly garnered attention, setting the stage for her future successes on the world’s most prestigious opera stages...

DescriptionDonizetti: One of Opera’s Brightest Stars in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactGaetano Donizetti's first opera, "Il Pigmalione," was composed in 1816 when he was only 19 years old. This one-act opera, based on the myth of Pygmalion, showcases his early talent and promise as a composer. Though not as famous as his later works, "Il Pigmalione" is notable for its lyrical melodies and set the stage for Donizetti's prolific career in opera, including masterpieces like "...

DescriptionThe Birth of the Modern Timpani in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactHandel incorporated the timpani in several of his compositions, notably enhancing the grandeur and dramatic impact. Key pieces featuring timpani include the "Music for the Royal Fireworks" and the "Messiah." In the "Water Music," timpani are used sparingly for festive occasions. The instrument's powerful sound added a majestic and ceremonial quality, underlining important moments and contributing ...

DescriptionBizet's Carmen in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactGeorges Bizet's "Carmen," composed in 1875, was crafted during a time when French opera was dominated by grand, serious works. Bizet, influenced by emerging realism, sought to break conventions with "Carmen," infusing it with Spanish flair, everyday characters, and a tragic storyline. Set in Seville, Spain, the opera's portrayal of a fiery, independent woman and its innovative music challenged societal norms and f...

DescriptionBach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor in 60 seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactJohann Sebastian Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565, was likely composed during his early career, possibly when he was in his late teens or early twenties. This period coincides with his time as a young organist in Arnstadt (1703-1707) or Mühlhausen (1707-1708).__________________________________________________________________About Steven, HostSteven is a Canadian composer & acto...

DescriptionThe Enchanting Creation of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata in 60 seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactBeethoven's "Moonlight Sonata," formally known as "Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor 'Quasi una fantasia,' Op. 27, No. 2," was not performed publicly during Beethoven's lifetime. It was composed in 1801 and published in 1802, dedicated to his pupil Countess Giulietta Guicciardi. The piece gained popularity posthumously through various performances and publications.______...

DescriptionHow The Blue Danube Cast Its Spell in 60 seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun Fact"The Blue Danube," composed by Johann Strauss II in 1866, was first performed in February 1867 in Vienna, Austria. Originally a choral work, it gained greater popularity as an orchestral piece and is now one of the most famous waltzes in classical music. Its debut took place at a concert of the Vienna Men's Choral Association.__________________________________________________________________Abo...

DescriptionLa Traviata in 60 seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactGiuseppe Verdi's "La Traviata" premiered on March 6, 1853, at the Teatro La Fenice in Venice. Initially, the opera faced a lukewarm reception due to its controversial subject matter. However, it quickly gained popularity and is now one of the most beloved and frequently performed operas worldwide for its poignant story and beautiful music.__________________________________________________________________About Steven,...

DescriptionLa clemenza di Tito in 60 seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactMozart's "La clemenza di Tito" premiered on September 6, 1791, at the Estates Theatre in Prague. Commissioned for the coronation festivities of Emperor Leopold II, it received a mixed reception but gained popularity in later years for its emotional depth and stirring arias, becoming a staple of the opera repertoire.__________________________________________________________________About Steven, HostSteven is a...

DescriptionHow did the Saxophone come to be? Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun Fact"Rhapsody for Saxophone" by Claude Debussy is one of the most iconic pieces for saxophone. Composed in 1919, it showcases the instrument's versatility and expressive range. With its lush melodies and rich harmonies, the piece captivates listeners with its romantic and evocative qualities. Debussy's masterful writing for the saxophone has solidified its place as a classic in the repertoire._____________________...

DescriptionSiegfried Wagner, son of Richard Wagner, had to overcome many obstacles in his life. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactSiegfried Wagner's most famous piece is likely his opera "Der Bärenhäuter" (The Bearskin), based on a Brothers Grimm fairy tale. Premiered in 1899, it showcases his romantic style with lush orchestrations and Wagnerian influences, though often overshadowed by his father's works.__________________________________________________________________About Steven, Hos...

DescriptionPaganini was an Italian violinist, violist, guitarist, and composer renowned for his virtuosic skills and innovative compositions. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactPaganini's "Caprice No. 1" for solo violin is a dazzling display of virtuosity, composed in 1805. Its intricate arpeggios, rapid scales, and double stops push the limits of violin technique. Despite its technical demands, it captivates listeners with its lyrical beauty and remains a cornerstone of the violin repert...

DescriptionMozart, the legendary composer, was a fascinating figure with a multitude of odd traits. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactMozart's Piano Concerto No. 17 in G major, composed in 1784, showcases his mastery of melody and form. Its buoyant and elegant character, coupled with intricate piano passages, captivates listeners. The concerto's rich interplay between soloist and orchestra reflects Mozart's unparalleled ability to balance virtuosity with emotional depth._________________...

DescriptionHow did Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring” come to be? Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun Fact"The Rite of Spring," composed by Igor Stravinsky, had its notorious premiere on May 29, 1913, at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris, France. The ballet was choreographed by Vaslav Nijinsky and produced by Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes. The premiere caused a sensation, with its avant-garde music and controversial choreography leading to a riot among the audience. Despite the initia...

Recently, I chatted with author Sophia Lambton about her book, "The Callas Imprint: A Centennial Biography". If you are a fan of Callas, which I am, this book offers you a deep dive into her life, born from extensive research, debunking popular theories and offering an authentic portrayal. Twelve years in the making "The Callas Imprint" reaps never-before-seen correspondence and archival documents worldwide—closing in on the self-contradictions of Callas, her attitudes and habits with empathi...

DescriptionWhat were the origins of the sliding trombone? Take a minute to get the scoop!Listen to "The Blue Bells of Scotland" by Arthur Pryor c/o YouTubeFun FactOne of the most famous and iconic pieces for the trombone, often featuring the sliding trombone (also known as the tenor trombone), is "The Blue Bells of Scotland" by Arthur Pryor. This piece is a virtuosic solo originally composed for trombone and piano, showcasing the technical capabilities and lyrical qualities of the instrument....

DescriptionRecently released, an extraordinary film entitled, "Maestro," about the cultural icon Leonard Bernstein. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactLeonard Bernstein (1918-1990) was a renowned American composer, conductor, and pianist, famed for his versatility and influence in classical music. He conducted the New York Philharmonic, composed iconic works like "West Side Story," and educated audiences through his engaging television lectures. His legacy endures as a towering figure in ...

DescriptionWhat is the story of the harp? Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactOne of the most renowned harp pieces is Claude Debussy's "Danses sacrée et profane." Composed in 1904, it seamlessly blends sacred and profane themes, showcasing the harp's ethereal qualities. Its evocative melodies and lush harmonies captivate audiences, making it a staple of the harp repertoire worldwide.__________________________________________________________________About Steven, HostSteven is a Canadian com...

DescriptionWhy is the French Horn so difficult to play? Take a minute to get the scoop!Listen to: Elgar - Cello Concerto - Sheku Kanneh-Mason [BBC Proms 2019]Fun FactMozart's horn concertos are some of the most famous and beloved pieces in the horn repertoire, and they are frequently performed by horn players around the world. For instance, his Horn Concerto No. 1 in D major, K. 412/514, is a delightful classical composition from 1782. It's a playful piece with three movements: an Allegr...

DescriptionNinety Years ago Sir Edward Elgar passed away. Throughout his life he was plagued by illness. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactThe last major work composed by Sir Edward Elgar was his Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85. Elgar completed the concerto in 1919, and it was premiered in London in 1919 by the cellist Felix Salmond. The concerto is known for its emotional depth and expressive melodies, and it has become one of the most popular and frequently performed cello concertos ...

DescriptionDid you know that Charlie Chaplin was not only an actor but composer as well? Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactChaplin was awarded three Oscars. At the very first Academy Awards, in 1929, he was given a special statue for The Circus, and in 1972, 20 years after his exile from the US amid dubious claims he was a communist, he returned to receive an honorary Oscar and a 12-minute standing ovation. But the only Oscar he won as a nominee was for Limelight in 1973 – for best score...

DescriptionI would like to dedicate this episode to Seiji Ozawa, who passed away at the age of 88 on February 6th, 2024.Fun FactAfter graduating from the Seijo Junior High School in 1950, Ozawa broke two fingers in a rugby game. Hideo Saito, his teacher at the Toho Gakuen School of Music, brought him to a performance of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5, ultimately shifting his musical focus from piano performance to conducting. _________________________________________________________________...

DescriptionLa bohème in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactGiacomo Puccini's opera "La Bohème," premiered in 1896, derives from Henri Murger's novel "Scènes de la vie de bohème." It portrays the lives of struggling young artists in 19th-century Paris. Puccini's emotive score and Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica's libretto capture the essence of love, poverty, and artistic pursuits.__________________________________________________________________About Steven, HostSteven is a ...

DescriptionThe Marriage of Figaro in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun Fact"The Marriage of Figaro," composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, premiered in 1786 as a comic opera. Based on a play by Pierre Beaumarchais, it explores complex relationships, love, and class struggles. Mozart's masterful music and Lorenzo Da Ponte's libretto create a timeless masterpiece that remains a cornerstone of operatic repertoire.__________________________________________________________________About...

DescriptionA Brief History of the Piano. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactWolfgang Amadeus Mozart's love for the piano began in early childhood under the guidance of his father, Leopold Mozart, who recognized his son's prodigious talent. At the age of three, Mozart showed an innate affinity for the instrument, demonstrating remarkable dexterity and an exceptional ear for melody. His fascination with the piano deepened as he grew, leading him to become a virtuoso performer and a prolific...

DescriptionA Brief History of the Concerto. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactRenowned for his innovative approach, Vivaldi crafted hundreds of concertos, particularly for the violin. His pioneering use of ritornello structure, a recurring thematic passage shared between soloist and orchestra, became a hallmark of the Baroque concerto. Vivaldi's exploration of virtuosic solo passages showcased technical prowess and expressive depth, influencing the evolution of the solo concerto. _______...

DescriptionThe Baroque Era in 60 seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactHandel, a Baroque maestro, personifies the era's grandeur through his majestic compositions. His music, like the famous "Messiah," showcases elaborate ornamentation, dramatic dynamics, and emotional intensity. Handel's works epitomize Baroque extravagance, employing intricate counterpoint and lavish orchestration, making him a quintessential figure of this ornate musical epoch.____________________________________...

DescriptionEver wondered where the Metronome came from? Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactMass manufacturing of clockwork metronomes made the devices increasingly cost effective and accessible, so that the periodical Music declared in 1897 that “A METRONOME SHOULD BE ON EVERY PIANO.” This push for the metronome stood in stark contrast to many composers’ attitude and aesthetic, with Brahms saying, “good friends have talked me into putting [metronome marks] there, for I myself have never b...

DescriptionJoseph Haydn's The Creation was inspired by Handel's Messiah and Milton’s Paradise Lost. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactThe first of the oratorio’s three parts begins with “Representation of Chaos,” an orchestral prelude that uses stark chords and shifting harmonies to portray the formlessness and disorder that preceded the Creation. The six days of creation occupy the remainder of the first and all of the second part, with each day introduced in recitative by the archangel...

DescriptionBach’s Christmas Oratorio was a huge hit at the time. But did you know that most of it was cobbled together from previous writings? Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactThe Christmas Oratorio is in six parts, each of them being intended for performance on one of the major feast days of the Christmas period. The first part - for Christmas Day - describes the Birth of Jesus, the second - for 26 December - the annunciation to the shepherds, the third - 27 December - the adoration of...

Description‘Tis the season for some great music, including Handel’s Messiah! What were the origins of this fantastic work? Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactHandel composed Messiah in just 24 days without getting much sleep and or eating much food. While writing the ‘Hallelujah’ chorus Handel’s servant discovered him with tears in his eyes, and he exclaimed, “I did think I did see all Heaven before me, and the great God Himself seated on His throne, with His company of Angels.”__________...

DescriptionHave you heard of the Chevalier de Saint-Georges, one of the first classical composers of African heritage to attain widespread acclaim in European music? Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactIn early 1776, the financially troubled Paris Opéra considered Chevalier de Saint-Georges as its new director. Despite his merit as the creator of the first disciplined French orchestra, opposition led to Antoine Dauvergne being appointed instead. It is likely this was fuelled by racial bias...

DescriptionDid you know that Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France, was truly passionate about the harp? Take a minute to get the scoop! Fun FactWhen Marie Antoinette arrived in Paris in 1770, the harp was already a relatively widespread instrument in Paris. However, her unwavering passion for the instrument was partially responsible for inspiring a veritable harp craze.__________________________________________________________________About Steven, HostSteven is a Canadian composer &...

DescriptionThe musicians of the Titanic all died when the ship sank in 1912. They played music, intending to calm the passengers, for as long as they possibly could. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactThere are no indications that the Titanic’s band members ever attempted to save themselves, and all of them died in the sinking. Most people regard them as musical heroes, who helped to bring comfort and beauty to passengers’ final moments and avoid panic. ___________________________________...

DescriptionDid you know that Richard Strauss came from a very musical family, his father being both a composer and horn player. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactStrauss's first horn concerto was premiered, with the composer playing the horn part, in 1865 and he remained greatly in demand as a soloist. The conductor Hans von Bülow called him "the Joachim of the horn".__________________________________________________________________About Steven, HostSteven is a Canadian composer & ac...

DescriptionSwan Lake by Tchaikovsky is now one of the most popular ballets of all time. It’s remarkable, then, that when Swan Lake premiered in 1877, the reception was lukewarm at best. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactWhen most of us think about Tchaikovsky, we think of his ballets — Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker, the latter as ubiquitous at Christmastime as Handel’s Messiah. Between the 1877 premiere of Swan Lake in Moscow and the debut of The Nutcracker in St. Pet...

DescriptionDid you know that Chopin also had a talented older sister who not only composed, but was a professional writer, too? Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactFrédéric’s health had never been good, and it deteriorated especially markedly in the late 1840s. For two months, she nursed her beloved brother in his final illness, a task that must have been overwhelmingly difficult, both physically and emotionally. Frédéric continued to deteriorate, and he died on 17 October.________________...

DescriptionWell, it’s nearly Halloween 🎃 and there are many works of music that depict the spookiness, darkness and morbidity of this annual tradition. 😱 But one jumps out at me, Danse macabre by Camille Saint-Saëns. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactLike all great music, this work was imitated by many over the years. The re-tuning of the violin for the tri-tone interval was used by many composers, with my personal favorites being Béla Bartók’s Contrasts for violin, clarinet, and piano, ...

DescriptionThe young virtuoso, Maria Anna Mozart, nicknamed Nannerl, was quickly overshadowed by her brother, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, five years her junior. But she was nonetheless a child prodigy. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactAs a trusted friend, family member and intimate music-making partner, Nannerl could have been exactly what Wolfgang needed to make the leap from sonatas to symphonies. As one scholar put it, “They probably had lots of discussion about what he was doing. I’ll ...

DescriptionMozart's Oboe Concerto in C major was composed in the summer of 1777, for his colleague the oboist Giuseppe Ferlendis. But shortly after that, went missing. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactComposed when Mozart was twenty-one, this oboe concerto is a delightful, untroubled, and relatively straightforward composition, cast in the usual three movements. The solo oboe throughout the movement entertains with a delightful variety of virtuosic figurations, and after a brief, almost...

DescriptionMartha Argerich was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1941. She is a pianist [and one of my favourites] known for her recordings and performances of chamber music, particularly works by Messiaen, Prokofiev, and Rachmaninoff. Take a minute to get the scoop!Prokofiev, Piano Concerto No 1, Martha ArgerichFilmed at the La Roque d'Anthéron festival on July 29th, 2005.Fun FactMartha Argerich made her first recording in 1960, aged just 19. The recording featured works by Chopin, Brahms, ...

DescriptionWith the passing of Dame Angela Lansbury in 2022, it reminded me of one of my favourite Sondeim musicals, Sweeney Todd. She played the first Mrs Lovett in 1979. Take a minute to get the scoop!Dame Angela Lansbury singing The Worst Pies in London.Fun FactThe original production of Sweeney Todd opened on Broadway March 1, 1979, at the Uris Theatre (now the Gershwin). The show, featuring music and lyrics by Sondheim and a book by Wheeler, was directed by Harold Prince and starred Len ...

DescriptionRyuichi Sakamoto passed away on March 28, 2023. He was a Japanese composer, pianist, record producer, and actor who pursued a diverse range of styles as a solo artist and as a member of Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO). Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactRyuichi Sakamoto was born on January 17, 1952, in Tokyo. His father, Kazuki Sakamoto, was a well-known literary editor, and his mother, Keiko (Shimomura) Sakamoto, designed women’s hats. He began piano lessons at age 6, and started...

DescriptionThere is little doubt that Mozart was a genius. But what was extraordinary was his abilities from such a young age. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactWhile Wolfgang was young, his family made several European journeys in which he and his sister Nannerl performed as child prodigies. These began with an exhibition in 1762 at the court of Prince-elector Maximilian III of Bavaria in Munich, and at the Imperial Courts in Vienna and Prague.___________________________________________...

It was my privilege to be joined for this episode by acclaimed Canadian Composer and Pianist, Frank Horvat to discuss his own journey with mental illness; the effects it's had on him personally, as well as professionally; and now his advocacy work reaching out to young musicians to discuss their own struggles.Over the centuries, many of the composers that we know all too well, were also battling mental health issues. It’s only recently that the stigma surrounding this is beginning to lift and...

DescriptionJean Sibelius was thought to be a hero of Finland, as his music reflected the struggle of the people against the Russian Empire. This is most evident in his work, Finlandia. Take a minute to get the scoop!An incredible performance of Finlandia, op. 26 with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Herbert von Karajan. c/o YouTubeFun FactSibelius later reworked the Finlandia Hymn into a stand-alone piece. This hymn, with words written in 1941 by Veikko Antero Koskenniemi,...

DescriptionRather than just disappearing for a few weeks—I thought I'd let you know that I am taking a rest until mid-September. Enjoy the rest of the summer!Fun FactWhen Steven isn't recording podcast episodes, he is auditioning for tv commercials and series/film or feeding his cats milk. 🐱__________________________________________________________________About Steven, HostSteven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto. Through his music, he creates a range of works, with a...

DescriptionThe Barber of Seville is an opera by Rossini and ‘perhaps the greatest of all comic operas’. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactRossini's Barber of Seville is considered to be one of the greatest masterpieces of comedy within music, and has been described as the opera buffa of all "opere buffe". __________________________________________________________________About Steven, HostSteven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto. Through his music, he creates a ra...

DescriptionThe Tales of Hoffmann by Jacques Offenbach certainly got off to a rocky start—with the death of the composer before its premiere and then disaster striking its first Vienna performance. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactThe Royal Family of Austria arrived at the theatre as the disaster was ending and immediately began collecting relief funds for the victims and their families. Crown Prince Rudolf was particularly emotional, crying upon seeing the hundreds of lifeless bodies.__...

I am so pleased to announce the winner of our draw to receive a copy of "The Real Mozart: The Original King Of Pop". If you didn't catch my interview with author Judith Grohmann, please check it out HERE.__________________________________________________________________About Steven, HostSteven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto. Through his music, he creates a range of works, with an emphasis on the short-form genre—his muse being to offer the listener both the darker and mo...

DescriptionBach’s Brandenburg Concertos, originally titled ‘Six concertos for several instruments’, were composed for the Margrave Christian Ludwig of Brandenburg—yet were never performed in Brandenburg. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactEach concerto was written for a different combination of instruments and demonstrates a musical style that was popular in Bach’s lifetime. It’s thought that this variation was intended to show off the instrumental strength of the Cöthen Court Orchestra, ...

DescriptionFranz Schubert’s Symphony No. 8, known as the Unfinished Symphony, has always been mired in mystery as to why it was never completed by the composer. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactThird & fourth movements: The fragment of the scherzo intended as the third movement returns to the tonic B minor, with a G major trio. The first 30 measures are preserved in full score, but the entire rest of the scherzo proper (both strains) only in short score. Only the first strain of the...

DescriptionBruckner’s third symphony did not make the splash that he had hoped. Many factors came into play to cause a complete flop of a premier. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactStunned by this debacle, Bruckner made several revisions of his work, leaving out significant amounts of music including most quotations from Wagner's Tristan und Isolde and Die Walküre. The original 1873 score was not published until 1977.__________________________________________________________________About...

DescriptionGustav Mahler’s Ninth Symphony is one where the composer began to contemplate his own mortality. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactBruno Walter, who conducted the work’s posthumous premiere on June 26, 1912, with the Vienna Philharmonic, had never seen the score of the Ninth during Mahler’s lifetime; he only received it when Mahler’s widow Alma approached him about giving the premiere. He went on to become one of the work’s most eloquent exponents. ____________________________...

Recently, I chatted with author Judith Grohmann about her book, "The Real Mozart: The Original King Of Pop". This biography dives headfirst into the psychological workings of Mozart, as he navigates the explosive times of Viennese society during the enlightenment; his romantic and familial relationships, especially with his father Leopold; as well as, balancing the mundane task of earning money versus musical experimentation and expression.If you'd like to order the book, please visit Pen &am...

DescriptionDaphnis et Chloé by Maurice Ravel is considered by many to be a true masterpiece. Take a minute to get the scoop! Fun FactDiaghilev had originally intended Daphnis et Chloé to form the centrepiece of the 1910 season, and although the first piano draft was ready by the beginning of May, this was already far too late, leaving the door wide open for Igor Stravinsky to score his first great success with The Firebird. This seems to have inspired Ravel to get a move on and by the e...

DescriptionThe Rite of Spring composed by Igor Stravinsky premiered at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées in Paris on May 29, 1913—it created quite an uproar with the audience claiming that Stravinsky was no composer but a madman. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactLike Stravinsky’s earlier works for the Ballet Russes, The Rite of Spring was inspired by Russian culture, but, unlike them, The Rite of Spring challenged the audience with its chaotic percussive momentum.__________________________...

DescriptionFive Pieces for Orchestra, Op. 16, were composed by Arnold Schoenberg in 1909 much to the dismay of British audiences of the time. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactEven Arnold Schoenberg admitted in his letters to Richard Strauss: “The greatest difficulty in performing these pieces is that...it is really impossible to read the score. It would be almost imperative to perform them through blind faith. I can promise you something really colossal, especially in sound and mood. Fo...

DescriptionThe Planets, Op. 32, by Gustav Holst, was written after a holiday in Spain that sparked an acute interest in astrology. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactThe first movement of The Planets to be written was Mars in mid-1914, followed by Venus and Jupiter in the latter part of the year, Saturn and Uranus in mid-1915, Neptune later in 1915 and Mercury in early 1916. Holst completed the orchestration during 1917.__________________________________________________________________Abo...

Join me as I chat with author Patrick Mackie about his book, “Mozart In Motion: His Work And His World In Pieces”. This biography is a fabulous deep-dive into Mozart—his inner psychology as both performer and composer and how he interacts with external forces such as society and family. To order a copy of the book please visit the publisher.Patrick Mackie is a poet whose work has appeared in The White Review, New Statesman, and The Paris Review. A former visiting fellow at Harvard, he is the ...

DescriptionPeter and the Wolf Op. 67, a "symphonic fairy tale for children", was written by Sergei Prokofiev in 1936, as a means of introducing children to the instruments of the orchestra. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactTypically, prior to a performance of Peter and the Wolf, the instruments are shown to the children in the audience, so that they may become familiar. They learn not only the themes presented in the work but learn to distinguish the sounds of each the instruments...

DescriptionThe Carnival of the Animals (Le Carnaval des animaux) is a humorous musical suite of fourteen movements by Camille Saint-Saëns. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactThe first public performance of The Carnival of the Animals was given on 25 February 1922 by the Concerts Colonne, conducted by Gabriel Pierné. It was rapturously received. Le Figaro reported: “We cannot describe the cries of admiring joy let loose by an enthusiastic public. In the immense oeuvre of Camille Saint-Saën...

DescriptionThe Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, aka The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra: Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Henry Purcell, Op. 34, was written by British composer Benjamin Britten. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactIn the last portion of the work, Britten combines all the sections of the orchestra in an intricate fugue on a new, dancelike theme derived from the original. Thus, the piece not only allows listeners to hear the contrasting voices of the instrument...

DescriptionChopin’s Nocturnes were brief piano works that were inspired by the night. The Nocturne in E flat major, Op. 9, No. 2, was written when Chopin was only 20. Take a minute to get the scoop!Listen to: Nocturne, Op. 9: No. 2 in E Major, AndanteTranscr. for Violin and Piano by A. SchulzAlessandro Clerici, violinElena Brunello, pianoFun FactThe Nocturnes, Op. 9 are a set of three nocturnes for solo piano written by Frédéric Chopin between 1831 and 1832, published in 1832, and dedicated t...

DescriptionSamuel Osmond Barber II was an American composer, pianist, conductor, baritone, and music educator. He’s also considered one of the most celebrated composers of the 20th century. One of his best known works is Adagio for Strings. Take a minute to get the scoop!Listen to: The Dover Quartet plays the masterpiece by Samuel Barber in its original form, from the composer's String Quartet Op. 11 c/o YouTubeFun FactThe music critic Donal Henahan said of Barber, "Probably no other American...

DescriptionGrieg was first approached by the playwright Henrik Ibsen in Italy, 1866. Ibsen asked if Grieg could write incidental music for his drama Peer Gynt. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactGrieg’s music for Peer Gynt is usually heard in the form of two orchestral suites (Op. 46 and Op. 55), each featuring four movements selected from his score. The best-known movements include “Morning Mood,” in which a serene melody for flute and oboe depicts a calm dawn; “Anitra’s Dance,” a nimble...

DescriptionWhat was the genesis of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, one of the most frequently performed choral work of the 21st century? Take a minute to get the scoop!Listen to: Carl Orff - Carmina Burana | Cristian Măcelaru | WDR Symphony Orchestra | WDR Radio ChoirFun FactOf the 315 profane songs contained in the Codex Buranus, Orff chose just 24, organising them into five sections in what he called a “scenic cantata”. They covered themes such as the joys and pains of love, the beauty of natur...

DescriptionThe trombone has a long history, said to have been created in the middle of the 15th century. Take a minute to get the scoop!Listen to: Giovanni Gabrieli in Venice: 'Beata es virgo' a6 - English Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble ℅ YouTubeFun FactThe sackbut was used extensively across Europe, from its appearance in the 15th century to a decline in most places by the mid-late 17th century. It was used in outdoor events, in concert, and in liturgical settings. With trumpeters, trombonists...

DescriptionOn 21 October 1898, Edward Elgar returned to his wife and their home in Malvern after a long day teaching. He finished dinner, lit a cigar and sat down at the piano to doodle. Hence his Enigma Variations was born. Take a minute to get the scoop!Listen to: Edward Elgar - Enigma Variations, Op.36: IX. (Nimrod)Queensland Symphony Orchestra ℅ YouTubeFun FactThe first performance, conducted in London by Hans Richter, took place on 19 June 1899 in a concert that concluded with...

DescriptionElgar composed the Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 in 1901 as part of a series of five marches. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactAt its publication the march was dedicated to English conductor A.E. Rodewald and the Liverpool Orchestral Society, who gave the first performance. The piece was an immediate success; at the London premiere later that year the audience demanded two encores of it.__________________________________________________________________About Steven, HostSt...

DescriptionMoonlight Sonata aka Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor, was completed in 1801, published the following year, and premiered by the composer himself, whose hearing was still adequate but already deteriorating at the time. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactThe subtitle—“Sonata in the manner of a fantasia”—reminds listeners that the piece, although technically a sonata, is suggestive of a free-flowing, improvised fantasia. Indeed, arpeggios—playing of the notes of a chord seque...

DescriptionRavel had long toyed with the idea of building a composition from a single theme which would grow simply through harmonic and instrumental ingenuity. And thus was born, Boléro. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactBoléro was given its first performance at the Paris Opéra on November 20, 1928. The premiere was acclaimed by a shouting, stamping, cheering audience in the midst of which a woman was heard screaming: “Au fou, au fou!” (“The madman! The madman!”). When Ravel was told of...

DescriptionBeethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67, became a standard against which many other symphonies were measured. It is best known by the ominous four-note opening motif. Take a minute to get the scoop!Just for fun you may want to check out:The Vienna boys choir, On the Beautiful Blue Danube 🎶Fun FactIn the mid-1970s, American musician Walter Murphy released “A Fifth of Beethoven,” a popular disco recording based on the signature motif and other elements of the symphony’s first m...

DescriptionThe Blue Danube is the most famous waltz ever written. It is considered Austria’s second national anthem. Take a minute to get the scoop!Just for fun you may want to check out:The Vienna boys choir, On the Beautiful Blue Danube 🎶Fun FactThe Blue Danube premiered in the United States in its instrumental version on 1 July 1867 in New York, and in the UK in its choral version on 21 September 1867 in London at the promenade concerts at Covent Garden.About Steven, HostSteven is a Canadi...

DescriptionEine kleine Nachtmusik or “A Little Night Music” aka Serenade No. 13 in G Major, K 525, is admired for its lively, joyful quality and memorable melodies. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactThe four-movement work opens with a bright allegro in sonata form, and a slow, lyrical second movement follows. The third movement is a light minuet, and the finale is a brisk rondo. Originally, the piece contained a second minuet, but that movement has been lost. The specific occasion, if an...

DescriptionTchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture is considered one of his greatest masterpieces. Why then, did he not appreciate the accolades that came with its success? Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactThat infamous assessment of it as “very loud and noisy and completely without artistic merit, obviously written without warmth or love,” was penned by Tchaikovsky himself. The overture’s popularity was a source of deep frustration to this sensitive, serious-minded symphonist whose imaginative fan...

DescriptionHandel's Water Music was composed around 1717 and first performed after George I requested a concert on the River Thames. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactThe first performance of the Water Music is recorded in The Daily Courant, the first British daily newspaper. At about 8 p.m. on Wednesday, 17 July 1717, King George I and several aristocrats boarded a royal barge at Whitehall Palace, for an excursion up the Thames toward Chelsea. The rising tide propelled the barge upstrea...

DescriptionIt may not be to everyone’s taste, yet Pachelbel’s Canon in D is one of the most famous pieces of classical music of all time. Take a minute to get the scoop!Take a listen to: Canon and Gigue for Three Violins and Continuo in D Major: Canon · Jean-François Paillard c/o YouTubeFun FactPachelbel wrote more than 500 pieces over his lifetime. He was a prolific organist in his hometown of Nuremberg, and even taught the man who became Bach’s teacher. Despite the sheer volume of his outpu...

DescriptionTo celebrate the 100th episode of this podcast, I thought we could travel back in time to the dynamic public concerts of London’s Hanover Square Rooms during the early 1790s and the presentation of Joseph Haydn’s Military Symphony No 100 in G Major. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactAt the time, Joseph Haydn was taking the city by storm, conducting his final twelve symphonies (Nos. 93-104) from a seat at the harpsichord. Haydn remained on the payroll of the Esterházy court dur...

DescriptionAt first glance, Mozart’s piano music may look simple. Yet for many pianists, the music’s greatest challenge lies in that seeming simplicity. Take a minute to get the scoop!Take a listen: Mozart Piano Sonata No 16 C major K 545 Barenboim c/o YouTubeFun FactAnother challenge for the pianist is Mozart’s complete mastery of orchestration. Many of the piano sonatas have a symphonic sweep and soundworld in their opening and closing movements, while the slow movements are soprano a...

DescriptionThough Felix Mendelssohn was one of the most beloved composers of the Romantic period, 270 of his works remained unpublished until recent years. But why? Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactThanks to the work of The Mendelssohn Project many of his pieces are now being shared along with his story, letters and artworks. The project aims to establish itself as the world's central resource point for all matters pertaining to the prominent Mendelssohn family.About Steven, HostSteven ...