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, HostSteven ..read more

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, HostSteven is a Canadian composer ..read more

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" has since become recognized as one of the most influential and groun ..read more

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 fears and dre ..read more

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, Ho ..read more

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, HostSteven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto. Through his music, he creates a range of works, with an emp ..read more

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 Romanza, and a Rondo. The concerto showcases the French horn's agility and virtuosity, makin ..read more

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 in the repertoire. Elgar also composed a few smaller works after the Cello Concerto, including the ..read more

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 Limelight in 1973 – for best score (the 1952 film only screened theatrically in Los Angeles in 1972, at which point it became eligibl ..read more

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, HostSteven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto. Through his music ..read more