Classical Classroom
292 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 455 ratingsThere is a rumor going around that classical music is hoity toity. At Classical Classroom, we beg to differ. Come learn with classical music newbie Dacia Clay and the music experts she invites into the Classical Classroom.
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Episodes
Classical Classroom, Episode 74: Rebel with a violin – Mozart’s violin concertos, Rachel Barton Pine
January 19, 2015 18:00 - 23 minutes - 22.9 MBWhat makes Mozart’s violin concertos so special? Is it that he only wrote 5 of them? That he wrote him when he was a teenager? That they are both beautiful AND hilarious? What is it?? Violinist Rachel Barton Pine returns to the Classroom to spell out why these pieces are so special – generally and personally – that she decided to record all of them. Violinist Rachel Barton Pine. Photo by Andrew Eccles. Courtesy of rachelbartonpine.com.Audio production by Todd “Mr. Titters” Hulslander with ...
Classical Classroom, Episode 28: RERUN - Tchaikovsky’s Musical Biography, “Pathetique” – Harbinger Of Doom
January 12, 2015 23:44 - 36 minutes - 34.6 MBThe HAL 9000 that we use to produce these little gems has met an untimely demise. Fear not! We’ve got a brand new HAL 9001 on order. Until next week, please enjoy this old gold from the Classroom vault. ——————————— Was Tchaikovsky’s Symphony VI (aka “Pathetique”, aka “Suicide Symphony”) a suicide note or did he die of cholera, per the Official Word? You decide after this intweeging lesson with clarinetist and Shepherd School of Music Professor of Music, Michael Webster! Audio productio...
Classical Classroom, Episode 73: The Man Behind the Music – On Clementi, With Jeremy Eskenazi
January 05, 2015 23:45 - 34 minutes - 32.9 MBMuzio Clementi is often called the “Father of the Piano” and is known for his sonatinas. But as it turns out, this smarty pants single-handedly changed classical music and made it what we know today. Jeremy Eskenazi, founder of the Muzio Clementi Society, tells all about the quiet mover and shaker in this episode – from a Tardisin Australia (seriously!). Jeremy Eskenazi, founder of the Muzio Clementi Society. Photo courtesy of the Society. Audio production for this episode by Todd “Tall ...
Classical Classroom, Episode 72: You Don’t Know Fifth! With Emily Reese
December 29, 2014 18:00 - 39 minutes - 37.1 MBThink you know Beethoven’s Fifth? Think again! Beethoven’s Fifth. We’ve never done a show on it because everybody knows it! Right? Emily Reese, on air host for Classical Minnesota Public Radio, host of Top Score (part of the Infinite Guest podcast series), and creator of MPR’s Learning to Listen, says that we are wrong, so wrong! Emily takes us through the entire symphony, which, as it turns out, is completely surprising and amazing. Plus, we play drinking games! Or at leas...
Classical Classroom, Episode 71: Dreaming Of A David Ashley White Christmas
December 22, 2014 18:00 - 38 minutes - 36.5 MBThe former Moores School director and composer teaches us about carols, and shares some of his favorites. It’s Christmastime in the Classroom! David Ashley White – Professor of Composition at (and former director of) the Moores School of Music, composer, and guy who writes hymns for actual hymnals – teaches us what makes a “carol” and shares some of his favorites with us. There are oldies, goodies, and stuff you’ve never heard. We assure you, it will put you in the Christmas spirit. Not th...
Classical Classroom, Episode 70: Piano Vs. Orchestra, With Jon Kimura Parker
December 15, 2014 23:10 - 34 minutes - 32.9 MBPianist, Shepherd School of Music professor, and recording artist Jon Kimura Parker – or as we like to call him, Captain Jon Solo – talks about the hidden world of the guest soloist. From the singular experience of performing with an orchestra in one ear and a concert hall in the other, to rehearsal times that will give you stage fright just hearing about them, it’s a behind-the-scenes tell-all exposé of concertic proportions. (That’s a word. We swear.) Audio production by Todd “Th...
Classical Classroom Research Presentation: RERUN - The Mysterious Mystery Of Mozart’s Death
December 08, 2014 23:15 - 7 minutes - 6.5 MBOkay, I lied last week: Producer Todd is still working on the new Two Star Symphony album (for which we are pretty darn excited). But! Never fear: We have unearthed a timely gem from the vault to keep you busy until next week, when we will really for real have a new episode for you. Please enjoy! PS, The info about the Mozart Festival at the end of this episode is outdated. However, you can still find tons of information over at www.themozartfestival.org. —————————– Mozart’s death, on D...
Classical Classroom, Episode 39: RERUN - Conductor James Gaffigan On Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5
December 01, 2014 23:30 - 29 minutes - 27.9 MB(Producer Todd is off recording Two Star Symphony’s new album right now (sweet!), so we have unearthed some old gold for you from the vault. Please enjoy this repeat of our class with conductor James Gaffigan. We’ll be back next week with another spankin’ new episode.) Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 is dramatic, cinematic, erratic, sarcastic, and full of existential longing – according to Chief Conductor of the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra, James Gaffigan. Why is it important to listen to thi...
Classical Classroom, Episode 69: The Kids Are Alright, With Missy Mazzoli
November 25, 2014 00:00 - 34 minutes - 33.1 MBClassical music: the future frontier. These are the voyages of the podcast Classical Classroom. It’s mission: to explore strange new music – Sorry. I’ll stop. Where was I? Right! Composer, performer, and Mannes College of Musiccomposition faculty member, Missy Mazzoli talks to us about the future of classical music, from the future, aka, New York. Also talked about in this episode: Beth Morrison, Schoenberg, David Little, pillow fights, Lars von Trier, eighth blackbird, Richard Reed Parry, B...
Classical Classroom, Episode 68: The Secret Formula With Kenneth Goldsmith
November 17, 2014 23:30 - 35 minutes - 33.9 MBWhat makes creativity? Is it money? Is it a gift from the Powers That Be? Is it won through trials and tribulations? Shepherd School of Music Professor of Violin Kenneth Goldsmith unveils the ancient formula. He looks at how Haydn, Grieg, and Ravel – composers from different life circumstances and different times – all used their mysterious powers of creativity to explore the same theme. Audio production by Todd “Tether Ball King” Hulslander with a really good try at defense by Dacia Clay....
Classical Classroom, Episode 67: Making Movie Magic With Vivek Maddala
November 10, 2014 23:41 - 28 minutes - 27.2 MBWhat would the movies be like without music? They’re like peanut butter and jelly, Luke and Darth, et and cetera… Would we be as moved at a movie without music? Film composer Vivek Maddala takes us behind the scenes to show us how movies use music to toy with our emotions. But like, in a nice way. Audio production by Todd “Sir Toddius of Toddsville” Hulslander with curtsies and bows by Dacia Clay. All music used in this episode is by Vivek Maddala and is from the film, “American Revoluti...
Classical Classroom, Episode 66: When Classical Music Strikes
November 03, 2014 23:45 - 27 minutes - 26.4 MB“You gotta hear this one song. It’ll change your life.” – Pierre Jalbert to me*. Have you ever heard a piece of music that truly moved you? Has a piece of music actually changed the course of your life? Ravel and George Crumb wrote pieces of music that played huge roles in the life of a young Pierre Jalbert. He talks about these two pieces of music, how he encountered them, how they work, and how they are woven into the fabric of his life and work. Audio production in this episode by Tod...
Classical Classroom, Episode 65: Getting Scary With Jerry Ochoa
October 27, 2014 22:30 - 33 minutes - 31.7 MBIt’s getting close to midnight. Something evil’s lurking in the dark… AAACK! It’s a special Halloween edition of Classical Classroom! Last year for the holiday, we exhumed some composers from the dead. This year, we kidnapped a living composer, violinist, and maker of scary movies and forced him to introduce us to spooky tunes. Then, we ordered him to tell us why it is that creepy music creeps us out. Jerry Ochoa of Houston’s Two Star Symphony does a wicked good job of explaining it, too. Wh...
Classical Classroom, Episode 64: Journey To The Symphony’s Center
October 20, 2014 22:30 - 41 minutes - 39 MBComposer Peter Boyer goes deep into the core of Symphony No. 1. Why do composers write symphonies? What goes into writing a symphony? If it has three movements, is it still a symphony? I mean, really: What IS a symphony anyway?! Grammy-nominated composer and conductor Peter Boyer answers all of these questions and more by taking us deep into his Symphony No. 1. From making dots on a page, to recording the piece with the London Philharmonic Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios, this is a tell-al...
Classical Classroom, Episode 63: The Trumpet Lesson (with video)
October 13, 2014 22:45 - 24 minutes - 23.4 MBThis episode does double duty: teaches you all about the trumpet and trumpet playing, while carrying out the secondary mission of Classical Classroom, i.e., the humiliation of the show’s host. Trumpet players George Chase and Jason Adams of the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra teach host and former trumpet player, host Dacia, a trumpet lesson. Along the way, they say all kinds of important things about the history of the instrument. Plus, there are duck calls! Varieties of trumpet and mutes. P...
Classical Classroom, Episode 62: Bach’s Flute Suite with Leone Buyse
October 06, 2014 22:45 - 41 minutes - 39.4 MBLike an Around the World and Back snap, Bach’s Suite in B Minor for Flute and Strings takes the listener pretty much everywhere. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll dance fast and slow, you’ll wonder if you’re Polish or French, yet feel German. But don’t worry: Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music professor and flutist Leone Buyse will be your guide on this musical (spiritual?) journey. Flutist Leone Buyse. Photo by David Long. Courtesy of leonebuyse.com. Audio production by Todd “Tob...
Classical Classroom, Episode 61: Motet – Not Lesstet – With Mark Buller
September 29, 2014 23:00 - 38 minutes - 36.6 MBTake a tour through music history – from chant to present day – through the lens of the motet. What’s a “motet”, you ask? Is it real, you ask? We are not entirely sure. Composer Mark Buller, whose music has been performed worldwide, and who has been commissioned by organizations like Houston Grand Opera, will be your tour guide. Get on board the great Classroom coaster. We have cupholders and a great soundsystem. Audio production by Todd “Tween” Hulslander with insightful insight from Daci...
Classical Classroom, Episode 60: How Haydn Changed The Trumpet Forever
September 22, 2014 22:45 - 25 minutes - 24.7 MBA small step in the evolution of the trumpet. “Ear Trumpet 1”. Photo by Eknath Gomphotherium, used with permission. How did the trumpet morph from a simple horn that announced kings and queens, in to the sophisticated, nuanced instrument it is today? Monumental Brass Quintet trumpet player, public school music teacher, and inventor of the Buzz Clip brass player training tool, Mark DiClaudio tells how Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto and a guy named Anton Weidinger literally poked holes in the in...
Classical Classroom, Episode 9: RERUN - Amy Bishop’s tone poem journey
September 15, 2014 17:01 - 35 minutes - 34 MBIn this episode, Classical 91.7’s Saturday Morning Music host and contra dancer extraordinaire, Amy Bishop takes Dacia on a journey with Smetana, Strauss, and Gershwin to learn about tone poems, invoking a surprising number of mermaids and mimes. Audio production by Todd Hulslander with “insightful” suggestions from Dacia Clay. Music used in this episode includes: Smetana’s “The Moldau” from Tchaikovsky/Smetana, Chesky CD65 Richard Strauss’ “Death and Transfiguration” from Metamorphos...
Classical Classroom, Episode 9: RERUN - Amy Bishop’s tone poem journey
September 15, 2014 17:01 - 35 minutes - 34 MBIn this episode, Classical 91.7’s Saturday Morning Music host and contra dancer extraordinaire, Amy Bishop takes Dacia on a journey with Smetana, Strauss, and Gershwin to learn about tone poems, invoking a surprising number of mermaids and mimes. Audio production by Todd Hulslander with “insightful” suggestions from Dacia Clay. Music used in this episode includes: Smetana’s “The Moldau” from Tchaikovsky/Smetana, Chesky CD65 Richard Strauss’ “Death and Transfiguration” from Metamorphos...
Classical Classroom, Episode 4: RERUN - Leitmotif In Star Wars – Brett Mitchell
September 08, 2014 16:30 - 31 minutes - 30.2 MBIn this episode, conductor Brett Mitchell — Assistant Conductor for the Cleveland Orchestra, man of too many accolades to mention, and former Assistant Conductor of the Houston Symphony — talks about John Williams’ use of leitmotif in the score to the original Star Wars movie. Listen, you must. Audio production by Todd “Tatooine” Hulslander, with use of the Force by Dacia Clay. For more about Brett Mitchell: www.brettmitchellconductor.com
Classical Classroom, Episode 59: Back To School Quiz!
September 01, 2014 16:30 - 36 minutes - 34.3 MBThink you know your classical tunes? Play along in this host-humiliating “drop the needle” quiz show! Test your skills while listening to quiz master, Opera Cheat Sheet host, and Classical 91.7 program director St. John Flynn point and laugh at Dacia. Good luck! Send us an email to let us know how you do: [email protected]. Classical 91.7 program director St. John Flynn with Whoopee cushion. Photo by Dacia Clay. Audio production by Todd “Test Mastah” Hulslander with a real...
Classical Classroom, Episode 58: Non-Dangerous Lives of Choral Singers
August 25, 2014 22:30 - 28 minutes - 27.2 MBThe human voice is (very probably, we’re pretty darn sure) the first classical music instrument. Grammy-nominated producer, choral and orchestral instructor, and artistic director of Grace Song, Inc., Keith Weber takes us on a journey through the evolution of choral work. He also explains why choir singers are generally in way less peril than opera singers. Audio production for this episode by Todd “Tasty” Hulslander with smart-mouthed comebacks from Dacia Clay.
Classical Classroom, Episode 17: RERUN - History of REEEEMIX!! with Daniel Webbon
August 18, 2014 22:00 - 33 minutes - 32.2 MBAugust is Arts Appreciation Month! During August, Houston Public Media Arts and Culture is paying tribute to art forms that have inspired other art forms. We thought this Classical Classroom rerun fit with that theme perfectly, hence the rerunning. The remix has been alive as long as the Beastie Boys’ “License to Ill”. JK! It’s been around for as long as music. Learn how composers have been inspired by, paid tribute to, given tips of the hat to, and plain ripped off, each other since the v...
Classical Classroom, Episode 57: …To Holst’s Planets With Joshua Zinn
August 11, 2014 16:30 - 35 minutes - 33.9 MBTake an interstellar journey to one of classical music’s most influential works. Climb aboard the great Classroom space coaster for a trip to Gustav Holst’s The Planets! Composer, MusicLab intern, and self-described professional nerd Joshua Zinn is our captain on this journey through one of classical music’s most influential and popular works. Who was Holst? How did he write the music for Star Warsbefore the movie existed!? How does one actually pronounce “Uranus”? All of these questions a...
Classical Classroom, Episode 10: RERUN - Oboe As X-treme Sport – Alecia Lawyer
August 04, 2014 22:15 - 24 minutes - 24 MBProducer Todd is “out of town on vacation” this week, so we are bringing this oldie-but-goodie out of the vault. Hope you enjoy it! If you do, check out Classical 91.7’s River Oaks Chamber Orchestra broadcasts every Wednesday in August. Go here for more info. In this episode, River Oaks Chamber Orchestra’s Artistic Director, founder, and principal oboist, Alecia Lawyer takes Dacia inside the mind of an oboe player. In this strange world, people grow their own (bamboo), enjoy fame alongside...
Classical Classroom, Episode 56: Very Verdi Classroom With Eric Skelly
July 28, 2014 17:45 - 39 minutes - 37.3 MBGiuseppe Verdi: composer of Aida, La Traviata, Falstaff, and haver of an adorable Italian accent. But as Eric Skelly – cohost of the Opera Cheat Sheet podcast and Buffy the Vampire Slayer superfan – tells us, Verdi was so much more. He was an innovator who changed opera forever. Learn about how he did this and who he was in this episode! Audio production by Todd “With a T” Hulslander with nervous pacing by Dacia Clay. All music in this episode by Giuseppe Verdi. For more about Opera Ch...
Classical Classroom, Episode 55: So Much Harpsichord With Matthew Dirst
July 21, 2014 22:30 - 21 minutes - 20.9 MBIt’s Classical Classroom’s first field trip! We go to the studio of Early Music expert and musician, Matthew Dirst – home to the professor’s lovely harpsichord. Matthew transports us to a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, when there was a harpsichord in (almost) every home. He also tells us what’s going on in Harpsichordia now, and what may be to come. Audio production by Todd “Tickling the Ivories” Hulslander, with backup dancing by Dacia Clay. Music in this episode: – Music of ...
Classical Classroom, Episode 54: Clap Your Hands Say “Shhh!”
July 14, 2014 22:00 - 31 seconds - 1.64 MBYou’re at a classical music concert. The music stops and the crowd goes wild! Wait. No. Only YOU are going wild. And everyone is staring at you. You sink down low in your seat and hide… Don’t let this happen to you! Listen to this enlightening episode of Classical Classroom with MusicLab intern Zoe Miller to find out when it is and isn’t a good idea to clap, and why. Learn about the movements of a symphony and how to tell where you are in a performance. Yaaaay! Audio production by Todd “...
Classical Classroom, Episode 53: …To South America With Tali Morgulis
July 07, 2014 22:45 - 31 seconds - 1.64 MBWe put on our pith helmets, grab our binoculars, and train our compasses south for this Classical Classroom expedition to Brazil and Argentina. Pianist and educator Tali Morgulis talks about composers Villa-Lobos, Ginastera, Prado, and Piazzolla, how the classical music of South America differs from that of Europe, and…the tango! Audio production by Todd “Tango” Hulslander, with nuevo by Dacia Clay. All music used in this episode comes from the CD Archipelago of Light by Tali Morgulis: ...
Classical Classroom Research Presentation: Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture
June 30, 2014 21:30 - 5 minutes - 5.08 MBIn this special 4th of July edition of Classical Classroom Research Presentations, Dacia ponders why Americans listen to Russian music on their Independence Day. She uncovers the [not really that] secret history of how one man and his love of pyrotechnics made Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture the theme music for America’s most patriotic celebration. Written, produced, and otherwise manhandled by Dacia Clay. Music used in this episode includes: – Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, Boston Pop...
Classical Classroom, Episode 52: Inside A Boléro With Howard Pollack
June 23, 2014 21:15 - 31 seconds - 1.64 MBRavel’s Boléro. Next to most of the soundtrack to Koyaanisqatsi, it’s possibly the most repetitive piece of music ever written, amiright (respect, Philip Glass)? As it turns out, I am wrong, so wrong. In fact, Boléro is a piece built entirely around change. Howard Pollack, professor at Moores School of Music, author, lecturer, and guest on BBC specials and NPR shows like Morning Edition and Fresh Air, is our tour guide through this amazing piece of music by a very subtle and sneaky composer....
Classical Classroom, Episode 51: Prompting Schubert’s Impromptus With Clive Swansbourne
June 16, 2014 19:15 - 31 seconds - 1.64 MBFranz Schubert was a man on a mission, distracted from composing music by neither the praise of Beethoven, nor the prospect of his own death. But the dude still had to pay the rent. Internationally acclaimed classical pianist, music teacher, and performer Clive Swansbourne explains what “impromptus” were, and how Schubert took them to the next level with the power of the pinky finger. Audio production by Todd “Drop It Like It’s Todd” Hulslander with backup dancing by Dacia Clay. Music us...
Classical Classroom, Episode 50: Shredding On Classical Guitar – Valerie Hartzell
June 09, 2014 22:00 - 34 minutes - 56.7 MBHow did classical guitar – and therefore, all guitar as we know it – almost become extinct? Who was the hero who saved it from the brink of doom? Why aren’t guitars an orchestral instrument? And why are guitarists nails so shiny? Classical guitarist Valerie Hartzell – member of the Presti Trio and director of the Classical Minds Guitar Institute – answers all of these burning questions and more in the big 5-0 episode of Classical Classroom. Audio production by Todd “Terrific” Hulslander wi...
Classical Classroom, Episode 49: Beethoven Gets Small With Norman Fischer
June 02, 2014 23:30 - 31 minutes - 29.7 MBHow are the Black Keys and Beethoven alike? They both had the low-down dirty blues. JK! They both compose(d) music for two instruments! You’ve heard his symphonies. Now hear cellist Norman Fischer – of the Fischer Duo, the Concord String Quartet, and Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music – talk about Beethoven’s chamber works for cello and piano. Why did Beethoven create music for a new, tiny arrangement of instruments? Did he do it for the dolla dolla billz? Did he do it to impress a k...
Classical Classroom, Preview Episode 49
May 30, 2014 19:30 - 7 minutes - 6.85 MBSince it’s the end of National Chamber Music Month, we thought it would be fitting to give you a taste of our upcoming episode, featuring Norman Fischer. Norman plays cello in the Fischer Duo, and is on the Board of Directors at Chamber Music America, the group who invented National Chamber Music Month. The full episode will be coming your way Monday, June 2nd! Audio production by Todd “Totaled Todd” Hulslander with catering by Dacia Clay. Music in this preview: – Sonata in A Major, Op....
Classical Classroom, Episode 48: The Texas Tenors Teach Tenor Types
May 27, 2014 17:00 - 32 minutes - 31.2 MBTake in tenor types with two of the Texas Tenors. How, exactly, does one know that he is a “light lyric tenor,” or a “Spinto tenor,” or a “dramatic tenor”? Is there like, a Tenor Task Team? Two members of the Texas Tenors – JC Fisher and John Hagen – teach the types of tenor to us. We also learn about “classical crossover” music and why it is a gateway drug, turning innocent classical music newbies into addicts by the thousands. By the way, if you like this episode, check out the Texas T...
Classical Classroom, Episode 24: RERUN – Back By Popular Demand, You do what for a living?! Chamber music with WindSync
May 19, 2014 20:42 - 21 minutes - 20.4 MBDacia Clay is either presenting a case to the Supreme Court or having a pint in Adams Morgan, I can’t remember which. Anyway, she has not shown up to work, so we are going to re-run a previous show about chamber music. What’s that? It is National Chamber Music Month? Well now, that just works out, doesn’t it? Enjoy… –Todd Chamber music, performing live as a group, and how movement informs music! In this episode, WindSync wind quintet talk about all of those things and about life as a tour...
Classical Classroom, Episode 47: 500 Megatons Of Tuba With Øystein Baadsvik
May 12, 2014 22:30 - 37 minutes - 35.1 MBLearn 100% more about the tuba in this episode than you’ve ever known! Norwegian tuba soloist and chamber musician Øystein Baadsvik is the only tuba virtuoso in the world to make a career exclusively as a soloist. He is also the only tuba player in the world to have a great story about touring with a punk band. He joins us all the way from Norway to tell us about this shadowy instrument: its size, its repertoire, and its fnugg. Audio production by Todd “Tall Texan” Hulslander with slings a...
Classical Classroom Research Presentation: Seriously, What IS Chamber Music?
May 05, 2014 22:45 - 5 minutes - 5.24 MBMay is National Chamber Music Month! Oh, what? You’re not excited? Maybe that’s because you don’t know exactly what chamber music is yet. Which means you should probably listen to this research presentation to find out more about it. Then you, too, can get excited about a form of music that’s had an effect on everything from symphonies to garage bands. Whoo chamber music!! Audio production by Todd “T Bone” Hulslander with apoplectic paroxysms of approval from Dacia Clay. Music in this re...
Classical Classroom, Episode 46: Todd Reynolds Defines “Classical Music” – Sorta
April 28, 2014 22:50 - 30 minutes - 28.7 MBWhat do we mean when we say “classical music”? Sure, sure: it refers to a period of music, like “Baroque” or “Romantic”. But we largely use the word as a sort of generic brand-name for a specific variety of sound. In this episode of Classical Classroom, genre-ignoring violinist Todd Reynolds attempts to define classical music. Does he succeed? Does he give up and just start talking about Prince instead? Maybe and maybe! Listen to this episode to find out. Audio production by Todd “Timbalan...
Classical Classroom, Episode 45: Daniel Roumain’s Violin Vs. THE Violin
April 21, 2014 17:00 - 28 minutes - 27.2 MBThat’s not a violin – it’s a woodbox! Daniel Bernard Roumain talks about creative appropriation in classical music. The Haitian-American composer’s creative world was cracked open when he realized that everything – including the definition of “violin” – was ripe for reinterpretation. As a kid in garage bands, he took the decidedly uncool violin and made it his own. As a classically trained musician, he brings classical music together with hip hop, rock, bluegrass, and other genres to...
Classical Classroom, Episode 44: Speaking Bass-ese with Bassist Michael Kurth
April 11, 2014 23:30 - 28 minutes - 27.5 MBThe bass: classical music’s strange, lonesome hero. In this episode, bassist and composer Michael Kurth gives us a glimpse into the Bizarro World of bass players. Then, he talks about why he started composing, and what inspires him – including the Pixies and ring tones. Listen, if you dare! Audio production by Todd “Toasty” Hulslander with happy whistles, clicks, and beeps from Dacia Clay. Music in this episode includes: – Music from Michael Kurth’s website: www.reverbnation.com/michael...
Classical Classroom, Episode 43: Double-Header With Rachel Barton Pine
April 04, 2014 22:34 - 33 minutes - 31.5 MBRachel Barton Pine, classical violinist, and member of the metal band Earthen Grave, has played with orchestras all over the world, and under the baton of many renowned conductors. But in this episode of the Classical Classroom, she comes back to a piece – over, and over, and over, and over – studied by every young violin player. Rachel shows us how Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E Minor has been interpreted by violinists across history and cultures, and how this ebullient piece is giv...
Classical Classroom, Preview Episode 43: Rachel Barton Pine
April 02, 2014 21:50 - 31 seconds - 1.64 MBComing at you this Friday, Rachel Barton Pine teaches all about the many different sounds of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E Minor. Hear how violinists have interpreted the piece over the years, and learn why Rachel was dressed like a cowgirl.
Classical Classroom, Episode 42: Amy Bishop On Awesome Female Composers
March 28, 2014 21:41 - 34 minutes - 32.5 MBIt’s Women’s History Month up in the Classroom! Houston Public Media’s own Amy Bishop (see also, Episode 9: Tone Poems) teaches us all about female classical music composers, from the millennia-old ethereal sounds of Hildegard von Bingen, to the contemporary works of Jennifer Higdon. Why have so many women composed classical music but so few have become household names (yet)? We jiu jitsu that question and others in this episode! Audio production by Todd “von Toddgen” Hulslander with doubl...
Classical Classroom, Episode 41: Pretty Pattern Preludes With Karim Al-Zand
March 13, 2014 22:34 - 33 minutes - 32 MBPattern preludes are enigmas inside of conundrums wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. No – wait. That’s not right… Pattern preludes, according to composer Karim Al-Zand’s website, are, “…pieces constrained by a single idea (usually a rhythmic or textural ostinato) through which a composer expresses a narrowly focused thought. Patterning is especially well-suited to preludes, which are by convention short, concise and introductory.” Bach, Chopin, Debussy, and others wrote pattern preludes. Thes...
Classical Classroom, Episode 40: Simone Dinnerstein goes Bachpacking
March 07, 2014 23:46 - 28 minutes - 27.4 MBPianist Simone Dinnerstein talks all about her educational initiative, Bachpacking, and her community initiative, Neighborhood Classics, Bach Inventions, and how Led Zeppelin is more like Bach than Jay Z. Audio production by Todd “Toddsy Turvy” Hulslander with yips of joy from Dacia Clay. Music in this episode: – Bach Inventions, played live by Simone Dinnerstein, and from her new album, J.S. Bach: Inventions & Sinfonias – “Suit and Tie“, from the 20/20 Experience by Justin Timberlake,...
Classical Classroom, Episode 39: Conductor James Gaffigan on Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5
February 28, 2014 20:37 - 29 minutes - 47.9 MBShostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 is dramatic, cinematic, erratic, sarcastic, and full of existential longing – according to Chief Conductor of the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra, James Gaffigan. Why is it important to listen to this symphony, the musical expression of Shostakovich’s depression and anxiety as he lived under Stalin’s thumb? Listen to this episode and find out! Audio production by Todd “Taller than Necessary” Hulslander with inspired napping from Dacia Clay. Music in the episode i...
Classical Classroom Research Presentation: It’s Black History Month!
February 22, 2014 00:51 - 11 minutes - 19.2 MBIt's Black History Month! Time to learn about all of the amazing contributions that black people have made to classical music. Pay close attention because we had to talk really, really fast to fit this many people into a short. PS, You can check out our timeline of black classical music contributors in the "Raise Your Hand" section of our webpage. Audio production by Todd "Troubled Island" Hulslander with barely audible suggestions from Dacia Clay. Thanks to MusicLab intern Princeton Mil...