The Classical Music Minute

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

DescriptionHow did Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring” come to be? Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun Fact"The Rite of Spring," composed by Igor Stravinsky, had its notorious premiere on May 29, 1913, at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris, France. The ballet was choreographed by Vaslav Nijinsky and produced by Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes. The premi

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 c

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

DescriptionRecently released, an extraordinary film entitled, "Maestro," about the cultural icon Leonard Bernstein. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactLeonard Bernstein (1918-1990) was a renowned American composer, conductor, and pianist, famed for his versatility and influence in classical music. He conducted the New York Philharmonic, composed iconic works like &quo

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

DescriptionWhy is the French Horn so difficult to play? Take a minute to get the scoop!Listen to: Elgar - Cello Concerto - Sheku Kanneh-Mason [BBC Proms 2019]Fun FactMozart's horn concertos are some of the most famous and beloved pieces in the horn repertoire, and they are frequently performed by horn players around the world. For instance, his Horn Concerto No. 1 in D major,

DescriptionNinety Years ago Sir Edward Elgar passed away. Throughout his life he was plagued by illness. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactThe last major work composed by Sir Edward Elgar was his Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85. Elgar completed the concerto in 1919, and it was premiered in London in 1919 by the cellist Felix Salmond. The concerto is known for its emotional d

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

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