🎧 Resources for Each Class Meeting - Fall 2019 | Welcome to LLC’s “Concerts & Conversations,” Autumn 2019

Class #10, Monday December 9

Resources for (1) Ravel: Daphnis & Chloe Suite 2. (2) Dvorak & Symphony No. 8. (3) Beethoven & Symphony No. 8 (4) Verdi Requiem

(1) Ravel: Daphnis & Chloe Suite 2

“Discovering Ravel,” a well written, admiring biography from Classical FM
Biographical and program notes for Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloe Suite 2 by Caroline Rae for the London Philharmonia Orchestra.
Performance:

Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloe Suite 2 by the Berlin Philharmonic, Simonn Rattle Concuctor

(2) Dvorak & Symphony No. 8.

Biographical, culutural and program notes for Dvorak & Symphony No. 8 in G major, op. 88, 163
A fascinating exploration of Dvorak’s Symphony #8 from conductor Kenneth Woods.
Performance

Dvorak's Symphony #8, Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra, Manfred Honeck, conductor
I. Allegro con brio 0:32
II. Adagio 10:41
III. Allegretto grazioso - Molto vivace 22:10
IV. Allegro ma non troppo 28:00

(3) Beethoven & Symphony No. 8.

Biographical and program notes from NPR by Christopher Gibbs.
A very helpful Wikipedia article on the symphony
A performance:

Beethoven Symphony No 8 F major, the Vienna Philharmonic, Leonard Bernstein, conductor

I. Allegro vivace e con brio - 4:17

II. Allegretto scherzando - 14:20

III. Tempo di Menuetto - 18:32

IV. Allegro vivace - 23:34

(4) Verdi & Requiem

A well written, helpful online biography from The Opera 101.
Biographical and program notes from Classical Notes by Peter Gutmann.
A musical guide to the Requiem fom Inside the Score.

Performance: Vienna State Opera Choir, Vienna Philharmonic, Georg Solti, conductor.

Joan Sutherland, soprano. Marilyn Horne, mezzo-soprano. Luciano Pavarotti, tenor. Martti Talvela, bass.

I. Requiem: - Requiem [0:00] - Kyrie [5:23]

II. Dies irae: - Dies irae [9:12] - Tuba mirum [11:34] - Mors stupebit [13:25] - Liber scriptus [14:36] - Quid sum miser [19:35] - Rex tremendae [23:18] - Recordare [26:53] - Ingemisco [31:03] - Confutatis [34:34] - Lacrymosa [39:47]

III. Offertorio: - Domine Jesu Christe [46:10] - Hostias [50:30]

IV. Sanctus [56:26]

V. Agnus Dei [59:07]

VI. Lux aeterna [1:04:04]

VII. Libera me: - Libera me [1:10:46] - Dies irae [1:13:21] - Requiem [1:15:29] - Libera me [1:18:40]

Libretto in English (downloadable)

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Resources from Fall 2019:

Class #1, Monday September 9:

Resources for (1) A history of the concerto as a musical genre.

(1) The concerto:

An excellent video lecture from The Classical Nerd on “What is a Concerto?”
A history of the concerto from the Encyclopedia Britannica.

Class #2, Monday September 16:

Resources for: (1) Rachmaninoff, (2) Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto #3, ) (3pianist Yefim Bronfman. (4) The piano

(1) Sergei Rachmaninoff

An excellent documentary on Sergei Rachmaninoff from the BBC: “The Joy of Rachmaninoff.”
A video documentary of Rachmaninoff’s life told through his words (mostly) and his music.

The Harvest Of Sorrow.

A short bio of Rachmaninoff from The Bach Cantatas Website, with an excellent list of links to other informative sites.
“Rachmaninov: 15 Facts about the Great Composer” from Classic Fm.
A detailed (and readable) biography of Rachmaninoff from Opera Musica tha includes this detail: “ (On his second US Tour,) . . . for the 1918–1919 concert season, the first took place on 8 December 1918 at Providence, Rhode Island with a piano recital. Rachmaninoff, still in recovery from a case of the Spanish flu, included his own arrangement of "The Star-Spangled Banner" in the program."

(2) Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto #3

A “Program Note Podcast” from the San Francisco Symphony, providing an excellent listening guide to the concerto, with plenty of musical examples.
Program notes from the Kennedy Center, with a close listening guide .
Linda’s Listening Guide that tracks Yefim Brnafman’s performance below. (downloadable).
A performance by Yefim Bronfman

Conductor Valerie Gergiev with the Vienna Philharmonic

0:28 I. Allegro ma non tanto

10:10 Ossia Cadenza

16:20 II. Intermezzo: Adagio

26:01 III. Finale: Alla breve

A performance by Rachmaninoff

Rachmaninoff plays his own Piano Concerto No. 3 (Part 1) - 1939

First movement Part 2.

Second movement here.

Third movement here

(3) Pianist Yefim Bronfman

Yefim Bronfman’s website
Interview with Bronfman in Haifa, Israel after his performance of Brahms’ 2nd Piano Concerto with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. In this interview, he discusses the music scene in Israel, what influences him as a musician, the importance of studying the history of the music that he plays, and why classical music is relevant to everyone. Part I, Part II

(4) The Piano:

A brief history of the piano from Classical Fm.
An excellent video history of the piano: Howard Goodall's Big Bangs 4: Piano

Class #3, Monday September 23:

Resources for: (1) Bela Bartok; (2) Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra; (3) BramwellTovey

(1) Bela Bartok:

An excellent short biography of Bartok from the Classical Nerd.
One of many internet text biographies of Bartok, this one based on research by Malcom Gillies, from Music Academy OnLine.
A worthwhile six-part video documentary of Bartok’s life from the Canadian Broadcast Co. Much of it is in black and white, it is a bit slow and of poor visual quality, but it is thorough, with historical footage and very well conceived. Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra is heard throughout this documentary. Part I. Part II. Part III. Part IV. Part V. Part VI
LLC’er Liz Palter’s excellent biography of Bela Bartok

(2) Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra

Program notes from the NY Philharmonic Orchestra, with notes on the piece’s genesis and various musical styles.
Program notes from the Redlands Symphony that draws on relevant biographhical details and that explains each movement in a clear and easy-to-follow manner.
Program notes by musicologist Steven Ledbetter from the Aspen Music Festival, with biographical information, quotes by Bartok, and a listening guide.
Video program notes/listening guide, from the Philharmonia Orchestra, Royal Festival Hall, London.
Performance:

The Frankfurt Radio Symphony , Andrés Orozco-Estrada, conductor, June 9, 2017 ∙

I. Introduzione 0:09

II. giuoco delle coppie 10:37

III. Elegia 17:16

IV. intermezzo interrotto 24:53

V. Finale 29:24

(3) Bramwell Tovey:

Links on Bramwell Tovey (downloadable)
Bramwell Tovey’s Urban Runway, origin and short listening guide, from the Los Angles Philharmonic.

Class #4, Monday October 7:

Resources for (1) Gustav Holst. (2) Holst’s The Planets. (3) Samuel Barber. (4) Barber's violin concerto (5) James Ehnes, violinist

(1) Gustav Holst

A website devoted to Holst, including an extended biography, essays, list of works, etc.
“Memories of Gustav Holst”, a wonderful documentary on Holst’s musical biography, drawing on interviews with his daughter Imogen Holst, interspersed with photos and music
A biography of Holst from the Bach Cantata website

(2) Holst’s The Planets

A BBC3 introduction to The Planets with musicologist Stephen Johnson.
A video intro to Holst's The Planets
San Francisco Symphony’s program notes on The Planets, includes Holst biography, background on the composing of the piece, and a section by section listening guide.
Leonard Bernstein, Young People Concerts: Holst, The Planets. March 26, 1972.
A performance (Conductor Sir Andrew Davis (?), (orchestra, unnamed.)

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0:00 Mars

7:27 Venus

14:52 Mercury

18:39 Jupiter

26:11 Saturn

35:26 Uranus

41:12 Neptune

A performance by the Philadelphia Orchestra, Eugene Ormandy, conducting, 1977, recorded live for TV broadcast.

01:20 Mars

08:12 Venus

16:14 Mercury

20:30 Jupiter

28:51 Saturn

37:19 Uranus

42:53 Neptune

(3) Samuel Barber

A good and readable intro to Barber’s life and musical style by Leon McCawley, at The Guardian

(4) Barber's, Violin Concerto, Op. 14

Program notes from the Chicago Symphony, by Daniel Jaffe and Philip Huscher (downloadable)
Program notes from the NY Philharmonic, (downloadable)
A performance of Samuel Barber's Violin Concerto, Op.14

- Gil Shaham, violin. David Robertson, conductor, BBC Symphony Orchestra

I. Allegro (00:00)

II. Andante (10:25)

III. Presto in moto perpetuo (19:11)

(5) James Ehnes, violinist:

A brief introduction to James Ehnes from NPR
James Ehnes' website

Class #5, Monday October 21:

Resources for (1) Grazyna Bacewicz (2) Bacewicz: String Quartet No. 4 (3) The Vision String Quartet

(1) Grazyna Bacewicz

An extended and thorough biography from the Polish Music Center

(2) Bacewicz: String Quartet No. 4

Program note on the quartet with short biography and composing history from CulturePl, a website for Polish art and culture.
A performance

The Kuanas String Quartet, 2010. Static camera work of this live performance, but a solid interpretation of the music.
A performance by the Silesian Quartet

II Andante

III Allegro giocoso

(3) The Vision String Quartet

The Vision String Quartet website

(4) Rhode Island Chamber Music Concerts: Home page

Class #6, Monday October 28:

Resources for (1) Joseph Haydn, (2) Haydn’s String Quartet Op. 77.1, (3) Robert Schumann, (4) Schumann’s String Quartet #41.3; (5) Tchaikovsky; (6)Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto #2 ; (7) Anne Marie McDermott, pianist

(1) Joseph Haydn

LLC’er Penny Backman’s review of Joseph Haydn’s life and musical achievements, thorough and insightful.
BBC video documentary on Haydn, with Charles Hazelwood, conductor and historian.
Anther excellent video documentary on Hayden, narrated and produced by Peter Ustinov: Part I, Part II
Part 2 of a video documentary on Haydn, informative and authoritative. (Can’t locate Part 1, but it is not necessary to enjoy this part.)
The Enlightenment and the Classical Era music: an essay by LLC’er Joan Halpert (downloadable)

(2) Haydn’s String Quartet Op. 77.1

Program note with an excellent litstening guide by Elizabeth Dalton (downloadable)
Album notes with a history of the quartet’s composition and a brief listening guide by Mario Lord for Analekta Records
Album notes with a brief history of the genre of the string quartet and with an excellent, extended listening guide by Kai Christiansen bor Naxos Records
A performance:

The Attacca Quartet, Live recording, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, NYCity, Oct 18, 2012

(3) Robert Schumann

Schumann’s bio from the Classical Nerd
Longer, detailed text biography at the Bach Cantatas website

(4) Schumann’s String Quartet #41.3;

Program notes from the Brentano Quartet, a very helpful listening guide by Misha Amory.

Program notes from the online site earsense, with some biographical information and a listening guide.

Program notes from Chamber Music Northwest, with some unique biographical information and a listening guide.

A performance taped live: The Avalon String Quartet, concert in Harrisburg, PA. 2014

I. Andante espressivo - Allegro molto moderato

II. Assai agitato at 07:10

III. Adagio molto at 14:30

IV. Finale. Allegro molto vivace - Quasi Trio at 22:50

A fine recorded performance by the Ying Quartet (2014)

(5) Tchaikovsky

Tchaikovsky biography from the Classical Nerd
A Tchaikovsky biography from the Kennedy Center, with links to other essays and video clips.
BBC video documentary “Tchaikovsky" from its series on the Great Composers
The Tchaikovsky Research website, with an extended biography, here.

(6) Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto #2

Program notes by Phillip Huscher, of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, featuring an account of Tchaikovsky’s and Siloti’s debate about editing the score and also featuring a helpful listening guide. (downloadable)
Program notes by Dr. Robert Rodda for the Grant Park Music Festival (downlodable)
Pre-concert discussion of the concerto from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, starting at minute 08:22 ff.

A performance

Yefim Bronfman, pianist. Paavo Järvi conducting, hr-Sinfonieorchester – Frankfurt Radio Symphony .

I.Allegro brilliante e molto vivace. 0:38-21:11

II. Andante non troppo. 21:39-34:20

III. Allegro con fuoco. 34:38

(7) Anne Marie McDermott, pianist

Anne Marie McDermott’s website
A biography of Anne Marie McDermott from the Bach Cantatas Website.

Class #7, Monday November 4:

Resources for: (1) William Grant Still, (2) Still’s In Memoriam: For Colored Soldiers Who Fought For Democracy (3) Dmitri Shostakovich; (4) Shostakovich Symphony #10

(1) William Grant Still

William Grant Still Website maintained by the Still family
Biographical notes on William Grant Still from the Library of Congress
LA Times article on Still that incudes an interview with Hollywood Bowl Orchestra conductor Thomas Wilkins, who offers insights into Sill and his music.

(2) Still’s In Memoriam: For Colored Soldiers Who Fought For Democracy

Liner notes from Naxos with biographical info and comments on the piece “In Memoriam for Colored Soldiers . . .” (scroll down.)
A performance

Boston Symphony Orchestra-George Szell conducting. Taken from the performance of January 20, 1945.

(3) Dmitri Shostakovich

Musicologist Michael Parloff’s absorbing and authoritative lecture on the life and music of Dimitri Shostakovich.

From BBC Radio 3: An outstanding audio introduction to Shostakovich and his two Piano trios by musicologist Stephen Johnson. A compelling explanation of the historical and cultural world in which Shostakovich lived and composed, and of his importance to the people of Russia during his lifetime, plus a ‘what-to-listen-for” introduction to his Piano Trio #2.
An essay on Shostakovich’s use of Jewish music and on his lifelong efforts in support of Jewish artists and friends. (downloadable)
LLC’er Beverly Blazer’s account of Shostakovich’s life--well written thorough, accurate.

(4) Shostakovich Symphony #10

Program Notes from the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. Extensive biographical notes by James Keller; What to listen for by Michael Steinberg.
Program notes from the Kennedy Center by Peter Laki that emphasize the listening experience and that fills in biographical info when needed.
Program notes from the Los Angeles Philharmonic that includes an excellent movement-by-movement listening guide.
"Shostakovich’s Muse: Elmira Nazirova” by Noam Ben Zeev, Ha’aretz.

A performance:

Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela, Gustavo Dudalmel, conductor

Movement 1: 0:53

Movement 2: 27:53

Movement 3: 32:16

Movement 4: 44:51

A performance

Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, Kirill Kondrashin, Conductor

I. Moderato [0:02]

II. Allegro [21:26]

III. Allegretto - Largo - Piú mosso [25:35]

IV. Andante – Allegro - L’istesso tempo [37:39]

Class #8, Monday November 18:

Resources for (1) Handel; (2) the history of the Messiah (3) The Providence Singers

(1) George Frideric Handel

Documentary on Handel, from Charles Hazelwood and the BBC with focus on life inEnglad and with many musical samples.
Documentary on the Handel’s Messiah from Prof. Amanda Vickery and the BBC.
Quick bio: Fifteen Facts about Handel from Classical Fm
Biography from the authoritative Bach Cantatas Website, year by year, along with links to list of works and links to other helpful sources.

(2) The fascinating history of the Messiah

“The Glorious History of Handel’s Messiah” from the Smithsonian Magazine, includes a lively account of Handel’s life and a history of the oratorio, Messiah.
A thorough history and analysis of Messiah from Lumen Learning.
A history of the crucial connecton between Messiah and London’s Foundling Hospital, from the Guardian.

(3) The Providence Singers

Class #9, Monday December 2:

Resources for (1) Messiah program notes (2) Soloist websites and The Provdence Singers. (3) Messiah performances.

(1) Program Notes

Program notes from the Provdence Singers, includes a full list of the 53 choruses.
Comprehensive Program notes from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir by Luke Howard includes an intro to Handel as a composer of oratorios, to librettist Jennens, to a thematic analysis of the libretto and of the music.
The website Messiah: The Complete Guide has the definitive list of quality program notes from notable organizaionts and musicologists. Visit the site and take your pick. Or try these:
- Handel's Atypical Masterpiece by Thomas May
- Oregon Symphony Program Notes by Elizabeth Schwartz
- Handel Society Of Dartmouth Program Notes by Steven Ledbetter (includes the libretto)
- North London Chorus Program Notes by Paul Filmer

(2) RI Phil’s Messiah Soloists and their websites.

(3) Performances

The uncut version, performed by the Czech ensembles: Collegium & Collegium Vocale 1704, Vaclav Luks, conductor. The Collegium 1704 is a Czech early music orchestra and choir founded in 1991 by the Czech conductor, harpsichordist and horn player Vaclav Luks while Luks was a student in Plzen. The Collegium Vocale 1704 and Amphion Wind Octet are sister ensembles.

Part the First

Scene 1: Isaiah’s prophecy of salvation

0:00:06 Sinfony. Grave;

0:02:58 Comfort ye (Accompagnato, Tenoro).

0:05:43 Ev`ry valley shall be exalted (Aria, Tenoro).

0:08:49 And the glory of the Lord (Chorus).

Scene 2: The coming judgment

0:11:10 Thus saith the Lord (Accompagnato, Basso).

0:12:18 But who may abide (Aria, Alto). Larghetto;

0:16:03 And He shall purify (Chorus).

Scene 3: The prophecy of Christ’s birth

0:18:12 Behold, a virgin shall conceive (Recitativo, Alto).

0:18:36 O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion (Aria, Alto).

0:21:51 O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion (Chorus).

0:23:31 For behold, darkness shall cover the earth (Accompagnato, Basso).

0:25:39 The people that walked in darkness (Aria, Basso).

0:29:25 For unto us a child is born (Chorus).

Scene 4: The annunciation to the shepherds

0:33:26 Pifa.

0:35:36 There where shepherds (Recitativo, Accompagnato; Soprano).

0:36:58 Glory to god in the highest (Chorus).

Scene 5: Christ’s healing and redemption

0:39:00 Rejoice greatly (Aria, Soprano).

0:43:00 Then shall the eyes of the blind (Recitativo, Alto). [latter version]

0:43:24 He shall feed his flock (Aria, Alto).

0:47:26 His yoke is easy (Chorus). Allegro

Part the Second

Scene 1: Christ’s Passion

0:49:35 Behold the Lamb of God (Chorus).

0:52:04 He was despised (Aria, Alto).

1:00:40 Surely (Chorus).

1:02:18 And with his stripes we are healed (Chorus).

1:03:48 All we like sheep have gone astray (Chorus).

1:07:37 All they that see Him (Accompagnato, Tenore).

1:08:17 He trusted in God (Chorus). Allegro;

1:10:25 Thy rebuke hath broken His Heart (Accompagnato, Tenore).

Scene 2: Christ’s Death and Resurrection

1:12:15 Behold, and see (Arioso, Tenore).

1:13:26 He was cut off (Accompagnato, Tenore).

1:13:44 But Thou didst not leave His soul in Hell (Aria, Tenore).

Scene 3: Christ’s Ascension

1:15:47 lift up your heads (Chorus).

Scene 4: Christ’s reception in Heaven

1:19:10 Unto which of the angels (Recitativo, Tenore).

1:19:28 Let all the angels of God worship Him (Chorus).

Scene 5: The beginnings of Gospel preaching

1:20:48 Thou art gone up high (Aria, Alto).

1:23:45 The Lord gave the word (Chorus).

1:24:50 How beautiful are the feet of them (Aria, Soprano).

Scene 6: The world’s rejection of the Gospel

1:29:20 Why do the nations rage (Aria, Basso).

1:31:57 Let us break their bonds (Chorus).

1:33:34 He that dwelleth in heaven (Recitativo, Tenore).

Scene 7: God’s ultimate victory

1:33:46 Thou shall break them (Aria, Tenore).

1:35:57 Hallelujah (Chorus). Allegro

Part the Third

Scene 1: The promise of eternal life

1:39:46 I know that my redeemer liveth (Aria, Soprano).

1:45:10 Since by man came death (Chorus). Grave;

Scene 2: The Day of Judgment

1:47:13 Behold, I tell you (Accompagnato, Basso).

1:47:12 The trumpet shall sound (Aria, Basso).

Scene 3: The final conquest of sin

1:55:30 Then shall be brought to pass (Recitativo, Alto).

1:44:45 O death, where is thy sting (Duetto; Alto, Tenore).

1:57:17 But thanks be to God (Chorus).

1:59:13 If God is for us (Aria, Soprano).

Scene 4: The acclamation of the Messiah

2:03:25 Worthy is the Lamb (Chorus). Largo;

2:04:43 Blessing and honour (Chorus).

2:06:38 Amen (Chorus). Allegro moderato; Adagio

Performance - recorded.

The London Philharmonic Orchestra & Choir: with enlarged orchestra and choir.

4:55 - Comfort ye, my people (Aria) - Jesaja 40:1-3

8:51 - Ev'ry valley shall be exalted

12:39 4. CHORUS And the, glory, the glory of the Lord

22:39 7. CHORUS And he shall purify

25:12 - Behold, a virgin shall conceive

25:49 8. AIR (Alto) and CHORUS O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion

39:54 11. CHORUS For unto us a Child is born

49:54 15. CHORUS Glory to God in the highest

1:05:16 18. CHORUS His yoke is easy, His burthen is light

Part II

1:07:57 19. CHORUS Behold the Lamb of God

1:17:11 21. CHORUS Surely, He hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows

1:20:07 22. CHORUS And with His stripes we are healed

1:22:04 23. CHORUS All we like sheep, have gone astray

1:27:13 25. CHORUS He trusted in God

1:37:12 30. CHORUS Lift up your heads ????????31. CHORUS Let all the angels of God worship Him

1:40:20 - How beautiful are the feet..

1:43:28 - Why do the nations..

1:46:25 37. CHORUS Let us break their bonds asunder

1:50:53 39. CHORUS Hallelujah

Part III

1:55:16 - I know that my Redeemer liveth (Aria - Soprano) - Job

19:25-26, 1 Corinthians

15:20 2:03:26 - Since by man came death (Chorus) - 1 Corinthians

15:21-22 2:05:34 - Behold, I tell you a mystery (Recitative - Bas) - 1 Corinthians

15:51-52 2:06:14 - The trumpet shall sound (Aria - Bas) - 1 Corinthians

15:52-53 2:15:20 - Worthy is the Lamb

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Appendix Interesting resources from past semesters:

Brahms:

Excellent talk on Brahms’ bio from the Great Composer series by Thomas Little, aka the Classical Nerd.
Excellent video intro to Brahms' bio and musical style with musical excerpts from Stories Behind the Classics series.
Andre Previn and members of the London Symphony Orchestra talk about their love of Brahms.
One of many internet text biographies of Brahms, this one by Muriel Gibala-Maharidge from Music Academy OnLine
Brahms when composing Piano Concerto #2, and its reception, by Steven Ledbetter.
Brahms: Classical or Romantic composer?

Brahms Piano#2

Program notes and listening guide by Michael Sternberg, the San Francisco Symphony
Program notes by Peter Laki, the Kennedy Center, the National Symphony
A listening guide by pianist Boris Giltberg in the BBC Music Magazine

• Excerpts from Yale U. Prof. Craig Wright’s introduction to Beethoven:

◦ The three periods of Beethoven’s music

◦ The Beethovenian Heroic Sound

◦ Beethoven as ‘Romantic’ Genius

◦ Beethoven’s Deafness and Disability

• An outstanding documentary on Beethoven’s life and music by conductor

Charles Hazelwood in collaboration with the BBC.

Part I Part II Part III

Beethoven Violin Concerto
- Program notes from the Kennedy Center with biography and listening guide.
- Program notes from the NY Philharmonic Orchestra with an interesting history of performances and early performers. (pdf version, downloadable)
- A thorough historical introduction to the concerto, its genesis, its initial critical reception, its performance history, and its recording history from Classical Notes by Peter Gutmann
- An interesting interpretation on the role of improvisation in the performance of the concerto by violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja. (pdf version, downloadable) (See Kopatchinskaja’s performance, below)
A interpretation class on Beethoven's Violin Concerto with Benjamin Zander.

VIVALDI: La Tempesta di Mare, 1728

A biography of Vivaldi set within the context of Venice and the world of baroque music.

4. OTTORINO RESPIGHI

A brief, accurate biographical overview of Respighi’s life and musical achievements from the Bach Cantatas Website.
A webpage with a trove of photos, plus a list of terrific links for in-depth content on Respighi from a variety of writers, and scroll all the way down for a well-written, interesting biography by David Heald from MusicWeb International (scroll all the way down).
A BBC documentary on Resphighi’s life and a survey of all of his music.

00:00 - 04:45 The Circenses and the Circus Maximus (in Roman times): A threatening sky hangs over the Circus Maximus. The howling of wild beasts mingles with the strains of a religious chant sung by the martyrs as they are led into the arena.

04:50 - 12:00 The Jubilee (in Late Medieval times): Pilgrims trail along the highway praying. Finally they see the Holy City. "Rome! Rome!" they cry and a hymn of praise bursts forth.

12:05 - 19:35 The October Festival (in Renaissance times): In the Roman 'Castelli' we hear echoes of the hunt, tinkling bells, songs of love and a romantic serenade from a mandolin.

19:40 - 25:28 The Epiphany (in early Modern times): The night before Epiphany in the Piazza Navona. A frantic clamour of saltarellos, barrel-organs, popular songs and drunken revellers with their hoarse cries of "We are Romans! Let us pass!”

4. Puccini:

Quick opera history from Verdi to Puccini (with a little Wagner in between) from NPR.
Brief Puccini biography from Opera Omaha (downloadable)
A detailed biography from Classical Net.
BBC Great Composers: Puccini. An excellent video biography with plenty of annecdotes, wonderful opera clips, and beautiful scenery. (There are a few untranslated interviews—mostly in Italian--but the English commentators catch the gist and extend the discussion).
Top 5 Most Powerful Moments in All of Puccini’s Operas by David Salazar, editor, OperaWire.

Resources for: Philip Glass and his Violin Concerto #1.

A website devoted to Glass’s music by Richard Guerin
An interview with Philip Glass by NPR’s Rene Montagne
Intro and listening guide by Jeremy Grimshaw
A detailed listening guide from Wikipedia
An intro to ‘minimalism” in music by composer Thomas Little
A performance of Glass’ Violin Concerto #1 by Gidon Kremer
A performance of Glass’ Violin Concerto by Robert McDuffie with Christoph Eschenbach conducting the Houston Symphony Orchestra.

Movement #2 Movement #3

Resources for: (1) Bach/Stokowski: Toccata and Fugue in D minor. (2) Torke, his Bright Blue Music., and on the phenomenon of synesthesia (3) Mussorgsky (4) Mussorgsky/Ravel’s Pictures at an Exhibition (5) Conductor Anu Tali

(1) Bach/Stokowski: Toccata and Fugue in D minor.

Concise, informative program notes by Prof. Geoff Kuenning
A performance by the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Andrew Davis conducting
A performance on the organ played by Hannes Kästner on the renovated "original" Schuke-Organ in the Thomaskirche in Leipzip were Bach played it himself, just a few hundred years earlier.

(2) Torke’s Bright Blue Music: A performance by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, David Zinman conducting.

Michael Torke’s website
On synesthesia:
Dr. Oliver Sacks explains synesthesia with reference to Michael Torke and his Bright Blue Music
An interview with Dr. Richard Cytowic, an expert on Synesthesia. One in twenty-three people carry the genes for the synesthesia. This neurological trait vividly creates cross-sensory couplings. A synesthete might hear a voice and at the same time see it as a color or shape, taste its distinctive flavor, or feel it as a physical touch.
More interesting links from WNYC on synesthesia.

(3) Mussorgsky biographies and . . .

From Classical fm: a short biography and many interesting links for you to explore.
Good, overall introduction to the man and the piece from Classical Notes.

(4) Mussorgsky/Ravel’s Pictures at an Exhibition

Program notes from the New York Philharmonic (downloadable)
An excellent introduction and listening guide from “The Listeners' Club” blog by violinist Timothy Judd. The entry is filled with links to excellent and helpful video performance clips, including a clip of Sviatoslav Richter’s 1958 recording of the piano version.
A performance by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Georg Solti conducting

(5) Conductor Anu Tali:

An article from the Washington Post on Anu Tali
A video introduction to Anu Tali

Resources for: Introduction to George Gershwin (2) Gershwin’s Cuban Overture and Rhapsody in Blue. (3) Gershwin’s I Got Rhythm Variations (plus Howard Goodall’s video on Rhythm). (4) Introduction to Aaron Diehl

(1) Introduction to George Gershwin and program notes for the concert selections.

Hear and read conductor Marin Alsop’s affinity for, and analysis of, Gershwin’s music and its importance for American music.
Program notes on Gershwin’s creative process for Rhapsody in Blue by James Keller and the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra
Program notes and guide to Cuban Overture and to Gershwin and with interesting video clips, compiled by Conductor Andy Pease, Word Band Literature.
Program notes for Cuban Overture and other Gershwin pieces by Prof. Daniel Maki, Eastman School of Music. (Downloadable).

(2) Performances of Gershwin’s Cuban Overture:

A performance by the Teresa Carreño Symphony Orchestra (from the National Systems of Youth Orchestras of Venezuela), conducted by Joshua Dos Santos.
A performance with conductor and arranger Richard Hayman and the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra

(3) Performances of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue.

Leonard Bernstein conducts the New York Philharmonic and plays piano in a performance at the Royal Albert Hall in 1976.

(3) Gershwin’s I Got Rhythm Variations.

Program notes for I Got Rhythm Variations, from the American Symphony Orchestra
Wayne Marshall played George Gershwin's "I Got Rhythm" Variations at the Last Night of the 1997 Proms in the Royal Albert Hall, London, with the BBCSO conducted by Andrew Davis.
Leonard Pennario, piano, with the Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra, Alfred Newman conducting. (From the Time-Life "Concerts Of Great Music" Collection, "The Early 20th Century.”)
Gershwin introduces and plays his I Got Rhythm Variations. Audio recorded during a "Music by Gershwin" live radio broadcast on 30 April 1934 (studio orchestra conducted by Louis Katzman).
How Music Works with Howard Goodall: Rhythm

(4) Introduction to pianist Aaron Diehl: His website, with information and performance clips.

An interesting review of Diehl’s debut with the NY Philharmonic.
Eileen Horowitz’s introduction to Aaron Diehl. (downloadable).
Three samples of Diehl at the piano: Prologue, Flux Capacitor , Viper Drag.

Resources for: (1) Introduction to Paul Hindemith. (2) Hindemith’s Symphonic Metamorphosis on Themes of Carl Maria Von Weber (3) Hindemith’s Kammermusik No. 1 (4) Bonus resources on dissonance, counterpoint, and Hindemith’s harmonic system.

(1) Introduction to Paul Hindemith.

A biography plus usefull links to all of Hindemith’s compositions from All Music.
A biographical essay from the site Music and Holocaust.
The Genius of Paul Hindemith: Leonard Bernstein: Young People's Concerts Vol. 2 |

(2) Hindemith’s Symphonic Metamorphosis on Themes of Carl Maria Von Weber

An introduction and listening guide from the NY Philhamonic Orchestra. (downloadable)
An introducton and close listening guide from the San Antonio Symphony. (downloadable)
Themes by Carl Maria Von Weber, sources for Hindemith’s Symphonic Metamorphosis:

(Mvt 1) Piano, 4 hands, op. 60 No. 253, (Mvt 2) Turnadot theme, op 37,

(Mvt 3) Andantino for piano, op. 10/2, (Mvt 4) Maestoso for piano op. 60/7

A performance by the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Andreas Delfs.

(3) Hindemith’s Kammermusik No. 1

A close listening guide by Gianluigi Mattieti for the Accdemia Nazionale

di Santa Cecilia, Rome.

A performance by conductor Peter Eötvös and the Sinfonietta ESMRS

Bonus resources:

Anthony Tommasini, concert pianist and music critic for the NYTimes, turns to video to explain dissonance in music, with examples from Bach, Mozart, Stravinsky, Jazz, Sondheim, Copland, Schoenberg and Gershwin!
Anthony Tommasini, concert pianist and music critic for the NYTimes, turns to video to explain counterpoint in music, with examples from Bach, Chopin and other composers.
Ben Levin, a Berklee grad and leader of the baroque pop rock band Bent Knee, explains the harmonic system that drives his compositions, a harmonic system influenced by Hindemith’s approach to harmony. Levin explains and demonstrates how to compose outside of the diatonal scale system using a system of tension (dissonance) and release (resolution) partly derived from baroque music. The video is a little wonkish but weirdly charming and ends with a funky handpuppet show set to the music of a short composition by Levin. Worth viewing! (Start viewing at 00:45)
Duncan Smith’s video links:
- John Belushi’s mashup of Beethoven with Ray Charles
- A brief pre-war Germany clip
- Hindemith bio
- A recording of Hindemith’s conducting his Mathis der Maler symphony (Matthias the Painter)
- Hindemith’s suite of piano fugues from 1922: Ludus Tonalis

Resources for: (1) Introduction to Edward Elgar.

A biographical portrait of Elgar and andn comments about the first playing of the cello concerto, written by James Keller for the NY Philharmonic. (downloadable)
A short biography from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
A portrait essay, "Elgar, Misunderstood Man of 'Hope and Glory,” by Tom Huizenga for NPR music
BBC documentary of Edward Elgar and his music, thorough and thoroughly interesting:

Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV

(2) Elgar Cello Concerto

Elgar: Cello Concerto - A Musical Tour: A highly informative set of pages and links devoted to the Cello Concerto, with pages that include an excellent listening guide and a page devoted to Jacqueline DuPre`’s bio and performances of the concerto.
Program notes with short listening guide by Philip Huscher for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. (downloadable)
A performance by Yo Yo Ma and the Baltimore Symphony.
A performance by cellist Jacqueline du Pre with Daniel Bareboim, conductor

A performance with Jacqueline DuPre, cello, and Sir John Barbirolli conducting the London Symphony Orchestra. link to the video. Movement 1 starts at: 0:13; Movement 2 starts at: 8:03; Movement 3 starts at: 12:35; Movement 4 starts at: 17:45.

(1) Introduction to Ralph Vaughn Williams.

A biographical portrait of Vaughn Williams, followed by a listening guide for Dona Nobis Pacem, from the San Francisco Choral Society, written by Carol Tabeck.
The BBC’s page of links to all things RVW. Excellent radio broadcast about the man and his music. (Scroll down to see all of the links.).
Simon Heffer, an authority on Vaughn Williams, explains Vaughn Williams’ stature as the greatest of English composers (downloadable)
Classic FM breaks down the myths regarding Vaughn Williams’ musical legacy (downloadable)

(2) A sampling of Vaughn Williams' various musical styles:

Folk traditions: Fantasia on Greensleeves, English Folk Song Suite
Hymns from the English Hymnal: Sine nomine (For all the saints), All Hail the Power, (choral version)
Melodies and harmonies evocative of pastoral England: Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis, Lark Ascending, Pastoral Symphony.
Seeing the apocalypse: Symphony #4 (with a listening guide by the conductor and oral comments by RVW biographer Simonn Heffer.)

(3) Vaughn Williams' Dona Nobis Pacem.

An informative listening guide by Steve Schwartz for Classical.net (downloadable)
The Wikipedia introduction to Dona Nobis Pacem includes a summary and source for each of the six sections of the piece.
A short video documentary and section-by-section analysis of the entire piece that is somewhat technical, and with a stream of background musial examples.
The words to Dona Nobis Pacem. (downloadable)
An excellent performance by the London Symphony Orchestra & Chorus, Conductor: Richard Hickox. 1993

00:00 - I. 'Agnus Dei' (Lento)

03:59 - II. 'Beat! beat! drums!' (Allegro moderato)

07:55 - III. Reconciliation (Allegro moderato)

15:05 - IV. Dirge for Two Veterans (Moderato alla marcia)

26:42 - V. 'The Angel of Death has been abroad' (L'istesso tempo)

30:10 - VI. 'O man greatly beloved’

Resources for: (1) Martinů: Nonet No. 2, H. 374. (2) Nielsen: Serenata in vano, FS 68. (3) Strauss/Hasenöhrl: Till Eulenspiegel einmal anders, a frolic, op. 28. (4) Spohr: Nonet in F Major, op. 31

(1) Martinů: Nonet No. 2, H. 374.

Martinu composed the Nonet #2 in 1959 for flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, violin, viola, cello, double bass
An excellent article about the life and music of Martinu from the Orel Foundation.
A detailed, information rich article on Martinu and his musical achievemetns and styles from Wikipedia.
A lovely listening guide to Martinu’s Nonet #2 from the blog Fugue for Thought, including notes on the composer’s life.
A performance by the Czech Nonet of Marinu's Nonet #2, first mvt.. The Czech comissioned this work.
Second mvt. Andante
Third mvt. Allegretto

(2) Carl Nielsen: Serenata in vano, FS 68.

Nielsen composed the Serenata in vano in 1914 for clarinet, bassoon, horn, cello and bass.
A readable and helpful biography plus a few interesting links from AllMusic.
A very thorough biography from Wikipedia.
Nielsen’s words about the Serenata in Vano: "Serenata in vano is a humorous trifle," Nielsen wrote. "First (from 0:00 - 4:00), the gentlemen play in a somewhat chivalric and showy manner to lure the fair one out onto the balcony, but she does not appear. Then they play in a slightly languorous strain (Poco adagio, from 4:00 - 6:20), but that hasn't any effect either. Since they have played in vain (in vano), they don't care a straw and shuffle off home to the strains of the little final march (6:30 - 8:20), which they play for their own amusement.^"
A performance by an unidentified chamber group.

(3) Strauss/Hasenöhrl: Till Eulenspiegel einmal anders, a frolic, op. 28.

Richard Strauss composed Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche (Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks), Op. 28 in 1894 - 1895. Hasenöhrl composed his verson for horn, violin, clarinet, cello & double bass in 1954.
Here is an introduction to Hasenohrl from Joseph Stevenson at AllMusic, with an explanation of the way he adapted Strauss' piece for a large symphony orchestra into a charming piece for woodwinds and string quintet. (Downloadable)
Here are two videos ( #1 #2) that tell the story of Till Eulenspiegel, the Merry Prankster. Each video ties the story to the musical themes of Strauss’ symphonic poem, "Till Eulenspiegel.” Both previews are worth viewing.
Here is an outstanding performance of the chamber music version of Strauss’ symphonic tone poem, "Till Eulenspiegel”. Tthe performance is from the Curtis Institute with Nadir Khashimov - violin, Juyong You - clarinet, Nate West - double bass, Catherine Chen - bassoon, Austin Larson - horn.

(4) Louis Spohr: Nonet in F major op. 31

Spohr composed the Nonet in F major op. 31 in 1813 for: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, violin, viola, cello, and double bass.
A short intro to Spohr, with a history of the Nonet in F and a listening guide, and with sound clips.
A brief bio of Spohr and a history of the Nonet, with an emphasis on its imporance to chamber music, written from the point of view of a bassist. (Downloadable)
A peformance of Spohr’s Nonet in F maj. op.31 by the Bell'Arte Ensemble.

00:00 - I. Allegro

08:07 - II. Scherzo (allegro)

15:14 - III. Adagio

22:33 - IV. Finale (vivace)

(1) R. Strauss, Burleske.

Programs notes on Strauss and the Burleske by Peter Laki for the Symphony Silicon Valley
Short introduction to Burleske with a focus on its musical sources by Nigel Simeone for Hyperion Records.
A performance by pianist Martha Argerich with the Berlin Philhamonic, Claudio Abato, conductor.
A performance by pianist Sara Davis Buechner with the Victoria Symphony, Tania Miller, conductor.

(2) Hector Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique.

A performance by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Stephane Deneve, conducting.

15:00 2nd Movement

21:24 3rd Movement

38:30 4th Movement

43:13 5th Movement

(3) Beethoven Symphony #4.

A Listening Guide from NPR Music, including a 3-minute audio clip.
An introduction to the 4th symphony, starting with events relating to its composition and first performance, plus a listening guide from the Kennedy Center
Leonard Bernstein conducts the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra - Beethoven's Symphony No.4 in B flat, Op.60, with opening commentary.

00:00- 03:30 introduction

03:30 - 15:05 first movement

15:20 - 25:25 second movement

25:40 - 31:35 third movement

31:50 - 38:32 fourth movement

_________________

Appendix

Interesting extras from past semesters:

• An outstanding documentary on Beethoven’s life and music by conductor

Charles Hazelwood in collaboration with the BBC.

Part I Part II Part III

(1) Mahler’s Symphony #1 (Titan)