The great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius is best known for his seven great symphonies. Lost in the shadow of these monunental works is some equally wonderful music he wrote for various theatre productions.
This podcast looks at this music, and a new recording by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra conducted by Pietari Inkinen.
A musical New Year’s podcast, with a Viennese twist.
In this podcast, Raymond Bisha looks at the long tradition of New Year’s concerts from Vienna, the conductors, the composers. Of course, in any discussion of Vienna and New Year’s, the music of Johann Strauss Jr. figures prominentaly.
Leopold Mozart is best known as the father of his son, Wolftang Amadeus Mozart. Although he was completely overshadowed by his brilliant son, he was a fine composer in his own right.
This podcast looks at a new CD of his orchestral music, including the Toy Symphony.
Leroy Anderson was one of America’s finest composers of what is now often called “light music”.
He as a master of the memorable melody and the catchy rhythm. Over the years, he composed or arranged many pieces for the holiday season, including Sleigh Ride and A Christmas Festival.
This podcast looks at a new recording of his holiday music, featuring the BBC Concert Orchestra and Leonard Slatkin.
An introduction to Handel’s oratorio Israel in Egypt - less well known than the Messiah, but equally good.
It’s a piece full of great choruses, colourful orchestrations and memorable tunes. All music examples from from a new Naxos recording featuring the Aradia Ehsemble and soloists, conducted by Kevin Mallon.
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