The Classical Music Minute
By: Steven Hobé, Composer & Host
Language: en-us
Categories: Music, History, Education, Arts, Performing
Ever wonder who were the Florentine Camerata? Where did the conductor’s baton come from? Or the difference between Opera Buffa and Opera Seria? These little nuggets of classical music trivia are what this podcast is all about. Come hop around music history with me, Steven Hobé, as we take a minute to get the scoop!
Episodes
Benjamin Britten’s The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra: A Musical Who’s Who
Oct 27, 2025Send us a text
Description
Benjamin Britten’s The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra: A Musical Who’s Who in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
When The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra premiered, Britten wasn’t sure audiences would take it seriously. He needn’t have worried—it’s now one of the most-performed orchestral works ever written for education. Ironically, it’s also one of the most sophisticated fugues in the entire 20th-century repertoire.
About Steven, Host
Steve...
The Pulse Redefined: Rhythmic Complexity in 20th-Century Music
Oct 20, 2025Send us a text
Description
The Pulse Redefined: Rhythmic Complexity in 20th-Century Music in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
When The Rite of Spring premiered in Paris, 1913, its jarring rhythms helped cause a near riot. Audience members shouted, booed, and even fought. A century later, the same rhythms are considered masterpieces of modernity—proof that innovation often sounds like chaos before it becomes art.
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto. Through his music, he...
Breaking the Spell: Reaction Against Romanticism in Early 20th-Century Music
Oct 13, 2025Send us a text
Description
Breaking the Spell: Reaction Against Romanticism in Early 20th-Century Music” in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
When Stravinsky’s Pulcinella premiered in 1920, audiences were puzzled—was it parody, homage, or rebellion? Stravinsky called it “a look backward with a smile,” summing up the entire neoclassical spirit: modern sensibility dressed in old-fashioned clothes.
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto. Through his music, he creates a range of works, with an emphasi...
Mozart in Miniature: Master of Chamber Music
Oct 06, 2025Send us a text
Description
Mozart in Miniature: Master of Chamber Music in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Mozart’s publisher worried that his Piano Quartet in G minor (1785) was too difficult for amateurs—the intended market for chamber music. Sales flopped at first, but the piece later became a cornerstone of the repertoire. It’s a reminder that Mozart sometimes wrote not for popularity, but for pure artistry.
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Tor...
Form, Function, and Flourish: The Classical Sonata
Sep 29, 2025Send us a text
Description
Form, Function, and Flourish: The Classical Sonata in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Beethoven’s “Moonlight” Sonata wasn’t named by him at all—the nickname came years later, when a critic compared its first movement to moonlight on Lake Lucerne. Beethoven might have rolled his eyes, but the title stuck, and today it’s one of the most famous (and misinterpreted) sonatas ever written.
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in To...
Back to the Future: Neoclassicism in Music
Sep 22, 2025Send us a text
Description
Back to the Future: Neoclassicism in Music in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Stravinsky admitted that Pulcinella wasn’t just homage—it was liberation. “It was a backward look, of course,” he said, “but it was a look in the mirror too.” By reworking 18th-century melodies with his own twists, he essentially invented neoclassicism—proving that recycling old material can still create something revolutionary.
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto. Th...
Faraway Fantasies: Exoticism in Opera
Sep 15, 2025Send us a text
Description
Faraway Fantasies: Exoticism in Opera in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
When Carmen premiered, critics complained it was too scandalous and “vulgar” for the Paris stage. Yet the opera’s Spanish flair and exotic energy soon captivated Europe. Ironically, Bizet never visited Spain—the rhythms and melodies came from French collections of “Spanish” tunes. Authentic or not, it became a timeless hit.
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto. Through his...
Showtime with Strings Attached: The Romantic Concerto
Sep 08, 2025Send us a text
Description
Showtime with Strings Attached: The Romantic Concerto in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Franz Liszt’s piano concertos were so demanding that critics sometimes accused him of showing off. He didn’t mind—he once said performing should “transport the listener.” Paganini caused similar uproar: audiences whispered he’d sold his soul to the devil to master the violin. Marketing hype, 19th-century style.
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto. Thr...
Bigger, Louder, Wilder: The Romantic Orchestra Arrives
Sep 01, 2025Send us a text
Description
Bigger, Louder, Wilder: The Romantic Orchestra Arrives in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Wagner was so ambitious he built his own opera house in Bayreuth just to fit the expanded orchestra he envisioned. His pit design hid the musicians from the audience—so all you saw was drama on stage while an enormous, unseen orchestra unleashed waves of sound beneath.
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto. Through his mu...
Berlioz & the Program Symphony: When Music Told the Whole Story
Aug 25, 2025Send us a text
Description
Berlioz & the Program Symphony: When Music Told the Whole Story in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Berlioz claimed Symphonie fantastique was inspired by his infatuation with Irish actress Harriet Smithson, whom he later married—briefly. She didn’t attend the premiere, but when she finally heard it, she was impressed… and a little alarmed. Courtship tip: maybe don’t include a beheading scene when wooing your future spouse.
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian...
Small Rooms, Big Genius: Mozart’s Chamber Music
Aug 18, 2025Send us a text
Description
Small Rooms, Big Genius: Mozart’s Chamber Music in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet was written for his friend Anton Stadler, whose extended-range clarinet could play lower notes than normal. Mozart adored the instrument’s warm tone—so much so that he later wrote his famous Clarinet Concerto for Stadler. Friendship goals: writing one of the most beautiful pieces in the repertoire just for you.
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadi...
Lutes, Lyrics, and Life on the Road: Meet the Medieval Minstrels
Aug 11, 2025Send us a text
Description
Lutes, Lyrics, and Life on the Road: Meet the Medieval Minstrels in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Minstrels had to pass on their songs by memory, since music printing wouldn’t arrive until the 15th century. That meant performances changed over time—sometimes intentionally, sometimes forgetfully. A tale sung in France might sound very different once it reached England… with a new punchline and an extra verse or two.
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Cana...
If the Music Fits, Sing It: The Art of Word Painting
Aug 04, 2025Send us a text
Description
If the Music Fits, Sing It: The Art of Word Painting in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
In Weelkes’ madrigal "As Vesta Was from Latmos Hill Descending", the word “descending” is literally sung with downward scales—meanwhile, “ascending” climbs right back up. Even “running down” gets a rapid, breathless passage. It’s one of the earliest—and cheekiest—examples of word painting pushed to delightful extremes.
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toront...
Notes on Repeat: How the Printing Press Changed Music Forever
Jul 28, 2025Send us a text
Description
Notes on Repeat: How the Printing Press Changed Music Forever in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Petrucci’s music prints were so beautifully done that people treated them like prized books. His triple-impression method printed staves, then notes, then text—a slow process, but incredibly precise. Later printers opted for faster techniques, but Petrucci’s editions set a gold standard for music printing that lasted well into the 16th century.
About Steven, Host
Steven is a C...
When One Voice Became Many: The Rise of Polyphony
Jul 21, 2025Send us a text
Description
When One Voice Became Many: The Rise of Polyphony in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
In early polyphonic music, singers didn’t always have rhythm notated. They had to feel their way through the parts. Imagine performing complex interwoven melodies… by ear! It wasn’t until the 13th century that rhythmic notation caught up. Until then, performances were part skill, part educated guess.
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toront...
Opera à la Carte: Rossini, Risotto, and the Birth of a Beloved Aria
Jul 14, 2025Send us a text
Description
Opera à la Carte: Rossini, Risotto, and the Birth of a Beloved Aria in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Rossini retired from composing operas at just 37, choosing to focus on fine food and entertaining. He invented or inspired several gourmet dishes—like Tournedos Rossini, topped with foie gras and truffles. For Rossini, music and food weren’t separate pleasures—they were two ways of feeding the soul.
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor l...
Knock Knock... It’s Fate: The Four Notes That Shook the World
Jul 07, 2025Send us a text
Description
Knock Knock... It’s Fate: The Four Notes That Shook the World in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
During WWII, Allied radio broadcasts began with the da-da-da-DUM motif because its rhythm matched the Morse code for “V” (•••–), symbolizing “Victory.” Beethoven’s Fifth thus became a sonic emblem of resistance—proof that four notes written in 1808 could help rally hope more than a century later.
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto. Through hi...
When a Cello Speaks: The Heartbreaking Opening of Elgar’s Concerto
Jun 30, 2025Send us a text
Description
When a Cello Speaks: The Heartbreaking Opening of Elgar’s Concerto in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Elgar’s Cello Concerto premiered in 1919—and flopped. Overshadowed by rehearsal mishaps, it wasn’t until Jacqueline du Pré’s 1965 recording that the piece gained fame. Today, its opening bars are considered some of the most emotionally gripping in classical music—proof that some masterpieces just need time to be heard.
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian comp...
That Note from Heaven: The Top C in Allegri’s Miserere
Jun 23, 2025Send us a text
Description
That Note from Heaven: The Top C in Allegri’s Miserere in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
The Vatican once banned copying Miserere, enforcing secrecy to protect its mystique. Young Mozart heard it once in 1770 and wrote it out entirely from memory. This musical jailbreak helped make the soaring top C famous—and added to Mozart’s legend as a prodigious musical genius with a photographic ear.
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian compos...
Lip Gymnastics: The Wild World of Horn Embouchure
Jun 16, 2025Send us a text
Description
Lip Gymnastics: The Wild World of Horn Embouchure in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Horn players often practice just buzzing their lips into a mouthpiece—no horn needed—while driving, walking, or even watching TV!
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven 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 da...
Puff, Play, Breathe: The Oboe’s Magic Trick
Jun 09, 2025Send us a text
Description
Puff, Play, Breathe: The Oboe’s Magic Trick in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Some oboists have used circular breathing to play continuous notes for over 45 minutes—long enough to make a sandwich between breaths!
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven 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 da...
🎼 Mahler’s Motto: Go Big or Go Back to Vienna
Jun 02, 2025Send us a text
Description
Mahler’s Motto: Go Big or Go Back to Vienna in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 premiered in 1910 with over 1,000 performers on stage. Though “Symphony of a Thousand” wasn’t his title, the name stuck. It was one of the largest-scale choral works ever attempted—and still gives orchestra managers mild panic attacks every time it’s programmed.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toro...
🎶 The Nutcracker? No Thanks, Said Tchaikovsky (At First)
May 26, 2025Send us a text
Description
The Nutcracker? No Thanks, Said Tchaikovsky (At First) in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Tchaikovsky didn't trust Russian composers not to steal his idea of using the celesta for The Nutcracker, so he had it secretly shipped from Paris. He needn’t have worried—now it’s hard to imagine Christmas without it. He didn’t love the ballet, but the celesta made magic.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor li...
Lisztmania: The First True Fan Frenzy
May 19, 2025Send us a text
Description
Lisztmania: The First True Fan Frenzy in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Lisztmania wasn’t just poetic—it was real, and intense. Fans fought over Liszt’s handkerchiefs, collected his hair, and wore cameos bearing his face. Some even claimed his music had healing powers. Critics struggled to understand the frenzy, but audiences simply couldn't get enough of the pianist who played like a storm.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor...
When Titans Duel: Handel vs. Scarlatti in the Baroque Showdown
May 12, 2025Send us a text
Description
When Titans Duel: Handel vs. Scarlatti in the Baroque Showdown in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
In early 1700s Rome, Handel and Scarlatti participated in a legendary keyboard duel judged by local nobility. Though equals on the harpsichord, Handel’s mastery of the organ gave him the edge. Scarlatti reportedly acknowledged Handel’s superiority—an extraordinary moment of respect between two of the Baroque era’s greatest composers.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadi...
How Medieval Monks Invented the Way We Write Music Today
May 05, 2025Send us a text
Description
How Medieval Monks Invented the Way We Write Music Today in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Before musical notation, music was passed down by memory! Around the 9th century, monks created neumes—squiggly symbols above lyrics—to guide melodies. Guido of Arezzo later added the staff and pitch names. His system was so effective, it’s still the basis for how we read and write music today!
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadi...
How Beethoven Composed Masterpieces Without Hearing a Sound
Apr 28, 2025Send us a text
Description
How Beethoven Composed Masterpieces Without Hearing a Sound in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Beethoven composed some of his greatest works after going completely deaf! He couldn’t hear a single note but used his deep understanding of music and felt vibrations through the piano. His Ninth Symphony—featuring “Ode to Joy”—was written in total silence, yet it remains one of the most powerful pieces ever created.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian...
Gounod’s Divine Remix: A Heavenly Twist on Bach
Apr 21, 2025Send us a text
Description
Gounod’s Divine Remix: A Heavenly Twist on Bach in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Gounod’s Ave Maria wasn't originally intended as a standalone work. It began as an improvisation over Bach’s 1722 prelude, and the Latin prayer was added later. Today, it's often mistakenly credited to Bach alone, despite Gounod’s soaring melody being the emotional centerpiece that transformed it into a sacred favorite.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer...
Elgar’s Triumphant Soundtrack: From Studio to Stadium
Apr 14, 2025Send us a text
Description
Elgar’s Triumphant Soundtrack: From Studio to Stadium in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 was so beloved at its debut that the audience demanded an encore—twice. Elgar reportedly walked home overwhelmed by the applause, later saying, “I’ve got it, I’ve got it.” The melody’s transformation into a graduation theme was entirely unplanned but became iconic worldwide.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living i...
Royal Albert Hall: A Regal Stage for Icons
Apr 07, 2025Send us a text
Description
Royal Albert Hall: A Regal Stage for Icons in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
When Led Zeppelin played Royal Albert Hall in 1970, their performance was so powerful that the venue’s management banned rock concerts for a while! Decades later, rock icons like Eric Clapton and David Bowie reclaimed the stage, proving the hall could handle both symphonies and screaming guitars.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto. Th...
Carnegie Hall: A Stage for Legends
Mar 31, 2025Send us a text
Description
Carnegie Hall: A Stage for Legends in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
In 1962, The Beatles were rejected by Decca Records, who claimed "guitar groups are on the way out." Two years later, they rocked Carnegie Hall in a sold-out show, proving just how wrong Decca was! Their performance was so wild that police had to hold back screaming fans.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto. Through his...
Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 1 – A Teenage Prodigy’s Bold Beginning
Mar 24, 2025Send us a text
Description
Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 1 – A Teenage Prodigy’s Bold Beginning in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Rachmaninoff composed his Piano Concerto No. 1 at 18, then revised it in 1917, refining its structure and orchestration. Though overshadowed by his later works, it bursts with virtuosity and emotional depth, foreshadowing his iconic style.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto. Through his music, he creates a range of works, with an emphas...
Liszt’s Dazzling Masterpiece: The 20-Year Journey of His First Piano Concerto
Mar 17, 2025Send us a text
Description
Liszt’s Dazzling Masterpiece: The 20-Year Journey of His First Piano Concerto in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1 took over 20 years to complete, blending dazzling piano virtuosity with bold orchestration. Premiered in 1855 with Berlioz conducting, it featured dramatic runs and an unusual triangle part. Initially criticized, it later became a beloved staple of the Romantic piano repertoire.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toro...
Mozart’s Final Years: Defying Fate
Mar 10, 2025Send us a text
Description
Mozart’s Final Years: Defying Fate in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
In his final years, Mozart’s letters reveal confidence, struggle, and an eerie sense of fate. As he composed the Requiem, he seemed to foresee his death, yet his genius endured, leaving the world in awe.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto. Through his music, he creates a range of works, with an emphasis on the...
Mozart in Paris: A Stormy Prelude
Mar 03, 2025Send us a text
Description
Mozart in Paris: A Stormy Prelude in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Mozart’s 1778 trip to Paris was filled with frustration, rejection, and tragedy. His letters to his father reveal disdain for aristocrats, financial worries, and grief over his mother’s death. Despite composing great music, his Parisian experience left him deeply disillusioned.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto. Through his music, he creates a range of work...
Swan Lake: Tchaikovsky’s Enchanting Ballet of Love and Tragedy
Feb 24, 2025Send us a text
Description
Swan Lake: Tchaikovsky’s Enchanting Ballet of Love and Tragedy in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake is a legendary ballet of love and tragedy, featuring an unforgettable score. Despite initial rejection, it became an enduring masterpiece. Its haunting melodies and dramatic storytelling capture the grace of ballet and the depths of human emotion, securing its place as a timeless classic.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor livi...
The Blue Danube: Strauss’s Timeless Waltz of Elegance and Flow
Feb 17, 2025Send us a text
Description
The Blue Danube: Strauss’s Timeless Waltz of Elegance and Flow in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Johann Strauss II’s On the Beautiful Blue Danube epitomizes elegance, fluidity, and grandeur. Originally a choral piece, it became an iconic waltz, symbolizing Vienna’s culture and charm. Despite its initial lukewarm reception, it gained worldwide acclaim, remaining a beloved staple in New Year’s celebrations and classical music history.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadi...
Verdi’s Nabucco: A Triumph of Freedom and Song
Feb 10, 2025Send us a text
Description
Verdi’s Nabucco: A Triumph of Freedom and Song in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Giuseppe Verdi's Nabucco is a landmark opera that established his reputation as a composer. Featuring the iconic "Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves," it blends dramatic storytelling with powerful music, reflecting themes of exile and freedom. Its success marked the rise of Verdi as a towering figure in Italian opera.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor li...
Holst's The Planets: Astrology, Emotion, and Musical Genius
Feb 03, 2025Send us a text
Description
Holst's The Planets: Astrology, Emotion, and Musical Genius in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Gustav Holst's The Planets transforms astrological symbolism into a stunning orchestral journey. Each movement captures the unique emotional essence of a planet, showcasing Holst's innovative orchestration and introspective artistry. With its groundbreaking techniques and universal themes, the suite remains a timeless masterpiece of imagination, depth, and musical storytelling.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in...
Erik Satie: The Velvet Gentleman of Musical Eccentricity
Jan 27, 2025Send us a text
Description
Erik Satie: The Velvet Gentleman of Musical Eccentricity in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Erik Satie’s first known composition, Allegro (1884), reflects the young composer’s early exploration of classical piano forms. Though relatively conventional compared to his later experimental works, it hints at his developing style. Satie’s distinctive voice, blending simplicity and eccentricity, would soon emerge, marking him as a true musical original.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor...
Arnold Schoenberg: The Maverick Composer with a Fear of 13
Jan 20, 2025Send us a text
Description
Arnold Schoenberg: The Maverick Composer with a Fear of 13 in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Arnold Schoenberg's most famous piece, Pierrot Lunaire (1912), is a groundbreaking work blending atonal music with Sprechstimme—a vocal style between speaking and singing. Featuring a haunting mix of chamber instruments and surreal poetry, it redefined modern music, capturing the eerie, fragmented emotions of early 20th-century expressionism.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto. Th...
The Haunting Brilliance of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor
Jan 13, 2025Send us a text
Description
The Haunting Brilliance of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
The exact date and location of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor premiere remain unclear, but it likely debuted in the early 1700s, showcasing Bach’s virtuosity as an organist. Originally performed on a church organ, its dramatic opening and intricate fugue highlighted his mastery of Baroque composition and improvisation.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven...
The Soulful Majesty of St. Matthew Passion
Jan 06, 2025Send us a text
Description
The Soulful Majesty of St. Matthew Passion in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Bach’s St. Matthew Passion premiered on Good Friday, April 11, 1727, at St. Thomas Church in Leipzig. Performed as part of the church service, its emotional depth and intricate structure made a lasting impression. Though initially modest in reception, it later gained recognition as one of Bach’s greatest masterpieces.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toro...
Silent Night: The Humble Song That Captured the World
Dec 30, 2024Send us a text
Description
Silent Night: The Humble Song That Captured the World in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
The Silent Night Chapel in Oberndorf, Austria, stands on the site where Silent Night was first performed in 1818. Built in 1937 after the original church was destroyed, it honors the carol’s creation by Joseph Mohr and Franz Xaver Gruber. The chapel hosts a special Christmas service each year.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in...
The Mystery and Majesty of 'O Come, All Ye Faithful'
Dec 23, 2024Send us a text
Description
The Mystery and Majesty of 'O Come, All Ye Faithful' in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
A fun fact about O Come, All Ye Faithful is that it’s sometimes called the “Portuguese Hymn.” Legend has it that it was performed at the Portuguese royal chapel, leading some to mistakenly believe it originated there. This international mix-up only adds to its enduring charm and intrigue!
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor...
Celebrating 200 Episodes & Anton Bruckner (born 1824)
Dec 16, 2024Send us a text
Description
Celebrating 200 Episodes & Anton Bruckner (born 1824) in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4 in E-flat major, known as the "Romantic," is his most famous work. Celebrated for its majestic themes, sweeping orchestration, and evocative depiction of nature and medieval life, it captures Bruckner's deep spirituality and dramatic vision, solidifying his place among the great symphonic composers of the Romantic era.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in...
The Plot of Madame Butterfly in 60 Seconds
Dec 09, 2024Send us a text
Description
The Plot of Madame Butterfly in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
The most famous aria from Madame Butterfly is "Un bel dì, vedremo" ("One Fine Day, We'll See"). Sung by Cio-Cio-San (Madame Butterfly), it expresses her unwavering hope for her husband's return. This poignant aria is a masterpiece of longing and optimism, beautifully showcasing Puccini's emotional depth and melodic genius.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto. Through h...
The Soulful Journey of the Oboe: From Ancient Reeds to Modern Mastery
Dec 02, 2024Send us a text
Description
The Soulful Journey of the Oboe: From Ancient Reeds to Modern Mastery in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
One of the most famous pieces for oboe is Alessandro Marcello’s Oboe Concerto in D minor. Composed in the early 18th century, this Baroque gem highlights the oboe’s lyrical and expressive qualities. The slow, emotive Adagio movement is particularly beloved, showcasing the instrument’s ability to sing with haunting beauty. Often performed and recorded, the concerto remains a favorite in the...
From Bone to Brilliance: The Flute’s Fabulous Evolution
Nov 25, 2024Send us a text
Description
From Bone to Brilliance: The Flute’s Fabulous Evolution in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
One of the most iconic classical pieces for the flute is Claude Debussy's "Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune" (1894). This masterpiece opens with an enchanting flute solo, evoking the dreamy musings of a faun in a sunlit glade. The delicate, flowing melody pushes the flute’s expressive range, blending impressionistic colours with ethereal charm. Revolutionary for its time, the piece redefined orchestral music and remains...
Felix Mendelssohn: The Wunderkind Who Composed with Spark & Soul
Nov 18, 2024Send us a text
Description
Felix Mendelssohn: The Wunderkind Who Composed with Spark & Soul in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Felix Mendelssohn's first known composition, a *Piano Quartet in C minor*, was completed when he was just 13 years old. Written in 1822, this ambitious work already showed remarkable maturity, blending classical elegance with hints of youthful intensity. It was one of many early pieces that demonstrated Mendelssohn’s exceptional talent and foreshadowed his future as a celebrated composer. His sense of structure, melodic grace, and ex...
Young Chopin: The Piano Prodigy Who Played with Heart & Fire
Nov 11, 2024Send us a text
Description
Young Chopin: The Piano Prodigy Who Played with Heart & Fire in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Frédéric 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 beginning of Chopin’s lifelong...
Echoes of Love: The Enduring Opera of Orpheus and Euridice
Nov 04, 2024Send us a text
Description
Echoes of Love: The Enduring Opera of Orpheus and Euridice in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
The 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 significantly.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is...
From Crisis to Symphony: How Near-Death Shaped Mahler's Musical Revolution
Oct 28, 2024Send us a text
Description
From Crisis to Symphony: How Near-Death Shaped Mahler's Musical Revolution in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Gustav 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 finale includes a chorus and vocal soloists, expressing a vision of resurrection...
Jacques Offenbach: The Maestro Who Turned Opera into a Dance Party
Oct 21, 2024Send us a text
Description
Jacques Offenbach: The Maestro Who Turned Opera into a Dance Party in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Jacques 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.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto...
Leopold Mozart: The Ultimate 18th-Century Stage Dad
Oct 14, 2024Send us a text
Description
Leopold Mozart: The Ultimate 18th-Century Stage Dad in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Leopold 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 Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto. Through hi...
Farinelli: The Legendary Castrato and His Timeless Legacy
Oct 07, 2024Send us a text
Description
Farinelli: The Legendary Castrato and His Timeless Legacy in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
A 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.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in...
Echoes of Eternity: The Rise and Fall of the Castrato
Sep 30, 2024Send us a text
Description
Echoes of Eternity: The Rise and Fall of the Castrato in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
One 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, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto. Through...
Maestro of the Strings: The Concertmaster’s Leading Role
Sep 23, 2024Send us a text
Description
Maestro of the Strings: The Concertmaster’s Leading Role in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
A 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 to the concerto’s lively character, highlighting the instrument’s versatility while bl...
Mind Games: The Psychology Behind a Solo Performance
Sep 16, 2024Send us a text
Description
Mind Games: The Psychology Behind a Solo Performance in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
One 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. Its intense demands on both technique and endurance make it a...
The Unheard Genius: Franz Schubert’s Hidden Legacy
Sep 09, 2024Send us a text
Description
The Unheard Genius: Franz Schubert’s Hidden Legacy in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Franz 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 their profound expression and have...
Royal Harmonies: The Musical Splendor of France's Grand Court
Sep 02, 2024Send us a text
Description
Royal Harmonies: The Musical Splendor of France's Grand Court in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Jean-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 central to the opulent cultural life...
Maestro's Magic Wand: The Art of the Baton Dance
Aug 26, 2024Send us a text
Description
Maestro's Magic Wand: The Art of the Baton Dance in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
One 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.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian...
How Classical Music Takes Your Brain on a Symphony Adventure
Aug 19, 2024Send us a text
Description
How Classical Music Takes Your Brain on a Symphony Adventure in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Classical 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, written in a WWII prison camp, blends...
The Tearful Power of Classical Music: Emotion in Every Note
Aug 12, 2024Send us a text
Description
The Tearful Power of Classical Music: Emotion in Every Note in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
If 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 right in the feels.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Ho...
Isabella Colbran: The Enchanting Muse of Opera
Aug 05, 2024Send us a text
Description
Isabella Colbran: The Enchanting Muse of Opera in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Gioachino 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.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in...
Plácido Domingo, A Man of Enduring Passion & Extraordinary Talent
Jul 29, 2024Send us a text
Description
Plácido Domingo, A Man of Enduring Passion & Extraordinary Talent in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
One 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.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian co...
Brahms & His Violin Concerto in D major
Jul 22, 2024Send us a text
Description
Brahms & His Violin Concerto in D major in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Johannes 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.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer...
From Mozart To Verdi, Renée Fleming
Jul 15, 2024Send us a text
Description
From Mozart To Verdi, Renée Fleming in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Renée 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 the beginning of...
Joan Sutherland aka La Stupenda
Jul 08, 2024Send us a text
Description
Joan Sutherland aka La Stupenda in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Joan 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. This early performance was a critical stepping stone in her jo...
Donizetti: One of Opera’s Brightest Stars
Jul 01, 2024Send us a text
Description
Donizetti: One of Opera’s Brightest Stars in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Gaetano 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 "Lucia di Lammermoor" and "L...
The Birth of the Modern Timpani
Jun 24, 2024Send us a text
Description
The Birth of the Modern Timpani in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Handel 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 to the overall dynamic range of his orchestral works.
__________________________________________________________________
<...
Bizet's Carmen in 60 Seconds
Jun 17, 2024Send us a text
Description
Bizet's Carmen in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Georges 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 faced initial criticism for its perceived immorality. Despite a lukewarm...
Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor
Jun 10, 2024Send us a text
Description
Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor in 60 seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Johann 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, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto. Through his music, h...
The Enchanting Creation of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata
Jun 03, 2024Send us a text
Description
The Enchanting Creation of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata in 60 seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Beethoven'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.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in...
How The Blue Danube Cast Its Spell
May 27, 2024Send us a text
Description
How 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.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a...
La Traviata in 60 Seconds
May 20, 2024Send us a text
Description
La Traviata in 60 seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Giuseppe 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, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto. Through...
La clemenza di Tito in 60 Seconds
May 13, 2024Send us a text
Description
La clemenza di Tito in 60 seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Mozart'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, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto. Through his music...
The Saxophone, A Brasswind Rebel
May 06, 2024Send us a text
Description
How 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.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven...
Siegfried Wagner & The Pressures To Conform
Apr 29, 2024Send us a text
Description
Siegfried Wagner, son of Richard Wagner, had to overcome many obstacles in his life. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Siegfried 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, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto. Through hi...
Paganini The Legend
Apr 22, 2024Send us a text
Description
Paganini was an Italian violinist, violist, guitarist, and composer renowned for his virtuosic skills and innovative compositions. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Paganini'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 repertoire.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is...
Mozart & His Quirky Habits
Apr 15, 2024Send us a text
Description
Mozart, the legendary composer, was a fascinating figure with a multitude of odd traits. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Mozart'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.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor...
The Rite of Spring: Shattering The Conventions of Classical Music
Apr 08, 2024Send us a text
Description
How 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 initial uproar, "The Rite of Spring"...
"The Callas Imprint: A Centennial Biography" by Sophia Lambton
Apr 03, 2024Send us a text
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 empathic scrutiny. It swivels readers through the singer's on- and offstage scenes and flux of...
The Tale Of The Sliding Trombone
Apr 01, 2024Send us a text
Description
What 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 YouTube
Fun Fact
One 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...
“Maestro”, A Film About The Cultural Icon Leonard Bernstein
Mar 25, 2024Send us a text
Description
Recently released, an extraordinary film entitled, "Maestro," about the cultural icon Leonard Bernstein. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Leonard 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 music history.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is...
The Journey Of The Harp
Mar 18, 2024Send us a text
Description
What is the story of the harp? Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
One 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, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto. Through his music, he c...
Why Is The French Horn So Difficult To Play?
Mar 11, 2024Send us a text
Description
Why 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 Fact
Mozart'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 Allegro, a...
The Elgar Legacy
Mar 04, 2024Send us a text
Description
Ninety Years ago Sir Edward Elgar passed away. Throughout his life he was plagued by illness. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
The 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...
Charlie Chaplin, The Violinist & Composer
Feb 26, 2024Send us a text
Description
Did you know that Charlie Chaplin was not only an actor but composer as well? Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Chaplin 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...
Seiji Ozawa, The Pioneering Japanese Conductor
Feb 19, 2024Send us a text
Description
I would like to dedicate this episode to Seiji Ozawa, who passed away at the age of 88 on February 6th, 2024.
Fun Fact
After 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.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a...
La bohème in 60 Seconds
Feb 12, 2024Send us a text
Description
La bohème in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Giacomo 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, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto. Through his...
The Marriage of Figaro in 60 Seconds
Feb 05, 2024Send us a text
Description
The 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 Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto. Through his...
A Brief History of the Piano
Jan 29, 2024Send us a text
Description
A Brief History of the Piano. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Wolfgang 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 composer for the...
A Brief History of the Concerto
Jan 22, 2024Send us a text
Description
A Brief History of the Concerto. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Renowned 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.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a...
The Baroque Era In 60 Seconds
Jan 15, 2024Send us a text
Description
The Baroque Era in 60 seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Handel, 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.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto. Through his music, he creates...
The Metronome & The Human Need To Measure Time
Jan 08, 2024Send us a text
Description
Ever wondered where the Metronome came from? Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
Mass 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 believed that my blood and a mechanical instrume...
Joseph Haydn's The Creation: A Celestial Masterpiece
Jan 01, 2024Send us a text
Description
Joseph Haydn's The Creation was inspired by Handel's Messiah and Milton’s Paradise Lost. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
The 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 archangels Raphael (bass), Uriel (t...
Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, A Holiday Season Bombshell
Dec 25, 2023Send us a text
Description
Bach’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 Fact
The 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 th...
Handel’s Messiah, ‘Tis The Season
Dec 18, 2023Send us a text
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 Fact
Handel 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.”
The Chevalier de Saint-George: Musical Creativity & Equality
Dec 11, 2023Send us a text
Description
Have 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 Fact
In 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.
__________________________________________________________________
About Steven, H...