Shows
Classical ClassroomSummer Music – Music Academy Of The West! The Second Nature Of Matthew Aucoin (Rerun)In our second annual Classical Classroom Summer Music Festival Series, we hit the (sound)waves at the Music Academy of the West in sunny Santa Barbara, California! The third installment of our MAW series features composer, conductor, and pianist, Matthew Aucoin. Aucoin is a resident at that Music Academy of the West, and a sort of serial residentialist elsewhere (like the Peabody Essex Museum and soon, the Los Angeles Opera). He talks about what a “residency” is, and how it informs a composer’s creative process; plus, he gives us a sample of what he’s been busy creating w...
2019-06-2524 min
Classical ClassroomThe Democracy of Chamber Music with Cantus (Rerun)One of the distinguishing characteristics of chamber music is its inherent “democracy” – each part is of equal importance. Aaron Humble and Paul Rudoi of the Cantus Vocal Ensemble explain how it works when everyone involved in making the music is a special snowflake. Audio production by Todd “Sir Toddsalot” Hulslander with unflagging devotion to somethingerother by Dacia Clay. Music in this episode, all by Cantus: From A Harvest Home – “My Journey Yours” “How Can I Keep from Singing?” “The Pasture” “Fiddle Tune” “Eventide” From On the Shoulders of Giants: “Zikr”
2019-06-1131 min
Classical ClassroomJoAnn Falletta Shares Scheherazade (Rerun)JoAnn Falletta is celebrating her 20th anniversary as Music Director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, so we've gotta give her a shout out with this old gold from the Classroom vault! By the way, did you know that a 2014 survey found that in a list of the 150 top conductors in the world, only five were women? New episode topic? --------- Who was Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov and why does he have two last names? And why would a 19th century Russian composer write a symphonic poem based on a collection of West and South Asian folk tales w...
2019-05-2035 minClassical ClassroomFrom Schubert to Gaga, the Unfinished Symphony with Jade Simmons (Rerun)We love celebrating our alumni here at Classical Classroom, and Jade Simmons is one of our faves. This episode is from way back in 2013 when Jade was merely a very successful woman. Now, she's the host of iTunes #1 music podcast, Decomposed. A podcast rock star. We couldn't be more stoked for her. And we're kind of riding on her coattails by posting this rerun. Just a little. -------------- Artists as entrepreneurs, Lady Gaga, horror movies, and Schubert! In this episode, concert pianist, author, lecturer, Huffington Post contributor, and probable superhero, Jade Simmons chats with Dacia ab...
2019-04-2732 min
Classical ClassroomAwadagin Pratt on Brahms, Brunge, and Beards (Rerun)We're rerunning this episode with Awadagin Pratt basically because we felt like it. But we don't think you're going to mind, as he is awesome. Let his dulcet tones wash over you as Pratt teaches you all about why Brahms is one of the Big Daddies of classical music, what it has to do with Edith Bunker, and how the beard made it all possible. All music in this episode from Awadagin Pratt and Zuill Bailey’s CD “Brahms Works For Cello And Piano”. Audio production by Todd “Are You There Todd? It’s Me, Dacia” Hulsl...
2019-04-2237 min
Classical ClassroomThe Women Of Classical Guitar With Valerie Hartzell (Rerun)April is International Guitar Month! In honor of that, we're bringing back this episode with one of our fave guitarists, Valerie Hartzell, creator/director of the Classical Minds Festival and Competition. Valerie talks about the ladies of classical guitar. Who are they? Why did their numbers diminish over time? And what can we do about it?? Audio production by Todd “Not Tony Danza” Hulslander with editing by Mark DiClaudio and bossing by Dacia Clay. Music in this episode: "Valerie Loves Me," by Material Issue “Rosita” by Francisco Tarrega. Played live in studio (also available on Valerie...
2019-04-1534 min
Classical ClassroomMusicWorks: How Sonya Got Her Opera On (Rerun)We love it when Classroom alums get recognized for their awesomeness. Such is the case for soprano Sonya Yoncheva. In addition to receiving the Opera Award by the Chilean Art Critics Circle, Sonya is on the cover of the Metropolitan Opera's wall calendar this year. We thought this was a great occasion to rerun her episode of Classical Classroom and to say, "You go, gworl." -------------------- In our first MusicWorks episode (that's our storytelling-centered subseries), soprano Sonya Yoncheva tells the story of how she happened upon her passion – singing opera – by being true to herself (and...
2019-01-2130 min
Classical ClassroomThe Ugly Christmas Sweaters Of Classical Music, With Alecia Lawyer (RERUN)It's Christmas Eve. Chances are, you've heard a lot of beautiful music. If you're looking for more of that, you've come to the wrong place. Welcome to Jingle Hell, where bad songs are born, and good songs come to die. Alecia Lawyer, founder, artistic director, and principal oboist of River Oaks Chamber Orchestra (ROCO) talks about the worst musical offerings of the season, and what makes them so bad. Songs that include entire scales? Check. Songs with completely bizarre lyrics that we sing along with anyway? Check. Wookiees? Yeah. This episode has all of that and oh so much...
2018-12-2434 min
Classical ClassroomRaiders of the Lost Podcast: The Classical Classroom dramaThe Classical Classroom is back! But from where?? Hear host Dacia Clay recount the epic, harrowing tale behind the show's hiatus in this teaser episode. New full, real episodes will be out any day now. Dacia will be asking even more, even dumber questions about classical music. Come learn with us. Again.
2018-09-1405 min
Classical ClassroomNew Season of Classical Classroom Starting September 2018Classical Classroom is finally coming back. Dacia Clay will be asking even more, even dumber questions about classical music to really smart people like Joshua Bell, Sharon Isbin, Hillary Hahn, Miro Quartet, Jono Hill, Anne Akiko Meyers, and many, many more.
2018-09-1401 min
Classical ClassroomRERUN - Journey To The Symphony’s CenterWe just heard that Classroom guest Peter Boyer is up to some big stuff (go Peter, it’s your birthday…): First, the National Symphony Orchestra – that’s the orchestra in residence at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. – will be playing Peter’s work Rolling River (Sketches on “Shenandoah”) on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on September 3, 2017; And also, on September 9th, in an “It’s a Small Classical Music World After All” moment, Classroom alum Brett Mitchell will be conducting the Colorado Symphony and soloist Renee Fleming in a performance o...
2017-08-2242 min
Classical ClassroomRERUN - Pretty Pattern Preludes With Karim Al-ZandGreetings listeners! We’re rerunning this episode of the podcast in honor of Karim Al-Zand’s recent premiere of the new work, “The Prisoner,” at the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music in Santa Cruz, California. The piece was inspired by the writings of a Guantanamo Bay prisoner. This episode is about something else: pattern preludes. Pattern preludes are enigmas inside of conundrums wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. No – wait. That’s not right… Pattern preludes, according to composer Karim Al-Zand’s website, are, “…pieces constrained by a single idea (usually a rhythmic or textural ostinato) through whi...
2017-08-1534 min
Classical ClassroomRERUN - The Texas Tenors Teach Tenor TypesHow, exactly, does one know that he is a “light lyric tenor,” or a “Spinto tenor,” or a “dramatic tenor”? Is there like, a Tenor Task Team? Two members of the Texas Tenors – JC Fisher and John Hagen – teach the types of tenor to us. We also learn about “classical crossover” music and why it is a gateway drug, turning innocent classical music newbies into addicts by the thousands. By the way, if you like this episode, check out the Texas Tenors on Houston Public Media TV 8 Monday August 7, 2017 (local PBS show times here). Music in this episode:...
2017-08-0733 min
Classical ClassroomRERUN - The Trumpet LessonThis episode does double duty: teaches you all about the trumpet and trumpet playing, while carrying out the secondary mission of Classical Classroom, i.e., the humiliation of the show’s host. Trumpet players George Chase and Jason Adams of the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra teach former trumpet player Dacia a trumpet lesson. Along the way, they say all kinds of important things about the history of the instrument. Plus, there are duck calls! Music in this episode: Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F Major Mvt. 3 -Bach played by the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra Duo No. 1 by Ch...
2017-07-2524 min
Classical ClassroomMozart’s Death Demystified (No Really!), With Robert GreenbergThe story of Mozart’s death has, over the years, taken on an awful lot of…story. Extant theories regarding how he died number in the hundreds and are still emerging. Even yours truly did an episode of Classical Classroom to try to get to the bottom of the whole thing. In this episode, Dr. Robert Greenberg, a music historian and bestselling creator of courses for the Great Courses and the Teaching Company (and now, for Robert Greenberg Music), explains the facts that we know that we know about how Mozart died. Plus, we explore why it’s so hard for...
2017-07-1828 min
Classical ClassroomRERUN - The Kids Are Alright, With Missy MazzoliClassical music: the future frontier. These are the voyages of the podcast Classical Classroom. It’s mission: to explore strange new music – Sorry. I’ll stop. Where was I? Right! Composer, performer, and Mannes College of Musiccomposition faculty member, Missy Mazzoli talks to us about the future of classical music, from the future, aka, New York. Also talked about in this episode: Beth Morrison, Schoenberg, David Little, pillow fights, Lars von Trier, eighth blackbird, Richard Reed Parry, Bryce Dessner, Victoire, Abigail Fischer, “bands” vs. “ensembles”, operatic voice, and streaming music. PS, If you’re in the Houston area, Missy’s opera, Song...
2017-07-1035 min
Classical ClassroomRERUN - Piano Vs. Orchestra, With Jon Kimura ParkerPianist, Shepherd School of Music professor, and recording artist Jon Kimura Parker – or as we like to call him, Captain Jon Solo – talks about the hidden world of the guest soloist. From the singular experience of performing with an orchestra in one ear and a concert hall in the other, to rehearsal times that will give you stage fright just hearing about them, it’s a behind-the-scenes tell-all exposé of concertic proportions. (That’s a word. We swear.) Music in this episode was recorded live with Jon Kimura Parker in the Geary Performance Studio at Houston Public Media exce...
2017-06-2735 min
Classical ClassroomPine On PaganiniViolinist Rachel Barton Pine loves playing challenging music (and apparently, being on Classical Classroom, as this is her third time on the show). So it makes sense that she would want to play the musical equivalent of running a marathon for her latest album: Bel Canto Paganini: 24 Caprices. In this episode, Rachel talks about who Paganini was. As it turns out, he was much more than just a classical music proto-goth with what some thought was a supernatural ability to play the violin. Music in this episode: Rachmaninov: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini – Nikolai Lugansky, Sakari...
2017-06-2028 min
Classical ClassroomRERUN - You Don’t Know Fifth! With Emily ReeseThis show is from the Wayback Machine, and Emily has done a lot since this. She currently does a podcast called Level with Emily Reese for one, and she runs a company called Joon Media. (I’ll post what she was doing at the time of our interview below.) What I remember most about this interview is 1) having my mind blown about Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, and 2) Emily’s laugh, which I think you’ll agree is pretty great. ———————————————————————————————- Beethoven’s Fifth. We’ve never done a show on it because everybody knows it! Right? Emily Reese, on air host for Classical Minnesota Public Radio, host...
2017-06-1340 min
Classical ClassroomStrange Loop, With Jessica MeyerViolist, composer, and educator Jessica Meyer has a unique story in the classical music world; it starts with a viola, and ends with a viola, but goes a lot of unpredictable places in between. Hear the story of her creative journey from focused specialist to Renaissance woman, and hear some of her incredible music along the way. Music in this episode (all written and performed by Jessica Meyer): “Source of Joy” “The dappled light just beyond her skin…” “But Not Until” (viola and cello duo feat. Andrew Yee) “Released” Audio production by Todd “Electrotodd” Hulslander with unplugging by Dacia...
2017-06-0645 min
Classical ClassroomFabien On Felix (Mendelssohn, That Is)Conductor Fabien Gabel came to Houston to conduct the Symphony in a program of pieces by Mendelssohn and Tchaikovsky. In this episode, he gives a primer on Mendelssohn, talks about what a “Fingal’s Cave” is, and gives the world’s first audible eye roll at the use of the term “Suicide Symphony” (re: Tchaikovsky’s Pathetique). Also discussed: the difference between love and obsession with regard to Mexican food. Music in this episode: Mendelssohn, The Hebrides, Op. 26 “Fingal’s Cave,” Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra Mendelssohn, Piano Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, Rudolf Serkin Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 6 in B Minor Op. 74, TH...
2017-05-3031 min
Classical ClassroomRERUN - Inside A Boléro With Howard PollackRavel’s Boléro. Next to most of the soundtrack to Koyaanisqatsi, it’s possibly the most repetitive piece of music ever written, amiright (respect, Philip Glass)? As it turns out, I am wrong, so wrong. In fact, Boléro is a piece built entirely around change. Howard Pollack, professor at Moores School of Music, author, lecturer, and guest on BBC specials and NPR shows like Morning Edition and Fresh Air, is our tour guide through this amazing piece of music by a very subtle and sneaky composer. Music in this episode: “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy”...
2017-05-2242 min
Classical ClassroomMusicWorks - How Music Chased Down Gaelynn LeaViolinist/fiddle player Gaelynn Lea came to Houston fresh off of performing at South by Southwest and spent some time with the Classical Classroom(and Skyline Sessions – check out her video performances!). She talks about how music has gradually become her life. From first finding an instrument that was right for her body as a kid (she has a rare condition called Brittle Bones Disease that means she’s got different physical challenges than others), to meeting and collaborating with Alan Sparhawk (of the band Low), to winning the Tiny Desk Contest and selling her home to go on tour.
2017-05-1646 min
Classical ClassroomRERUN - Nico Muhly Speaks Volumes About Listening To New Classical MusicNote: This episode was originally posted on April 13, 2015. This week [see above], composer Nico Muhly is premiering a brand new work, How Little You Are, in Austin. He talks about the classical (or, concert) music world’s premiering process, and about how and why listening to classical music golden oldies is different than listening to a new work, about the inspiration for his new piece, and of course, about Prince. Music in this episode: Mozart: Magic Flute. Conducted by John Eliot Gardiner. Bach: Magnificat. Stravinsky: Petrouchka. Michael Tilson Thomas conducts the Philharmonia Orchestra. Joni Mit...
2017-05-0825 min
Classical ClassroomSimone Dinnerstein Goes BachpackingSimone Dinnerstein just came out with a new album called Mozart in Havana. While we weren’t able to sync up our interview schedules this time around, we had to at least give her a shout out with this rerun because she is awesome. She may be coming to a city near you! ———————————————————- Pianist Simone Dinnerstein talks all about her educational initiative, Bachpacking, and her community initiative, Neighborhood Classics, Bach Inventions, and how Led Zeppelin is more like Bach than Jay Z. Music in this episode: Bach Inventions, played live by Simone Dinnerstein, and from her new albu...
2017-05-0229 min
Classical ClassroomRERUN - Ragging On Chopin With Richard DowlingConcert pianist and entrepreneur Richard Dowling illuminates some of Chopin’s pieces by “ragging” them on the piano. It’s a lesson in classical music and ragtime all rolled up in one, topped with live performances, and served with a side of fries. Music in this episode includes live performances by Richard Dowling of: Frederic Chopin, Nocturne in E-flat Major, Op. 9 No. 2 Ethan Uslan, Chopin’s Knocked Urn Frederic Chopin, “Revolutionary” Etude in C Minor, Op. 10 No. 12 Joseph Lamb, Ragtime Nightingale Claude Debussy, Golliwogg’s Cakewalk (not performed by Mr. Dowling) Audio production by Todd “Toddry” Hulslander...
2017-04-2737 min
Classical ClassroomThird Coast Percussion Plays At 1.21 Gigawatts Percussion is almost anything that we say ‘yes’ to playing.” – Sean Connors Wait. A percussion-only ensemble? Is that, like, a fancy drum circle? Sean Connors of the Grammy-winning percussion quartet Third Coast Percussionexplains that this is not too far off. But the operative word is “fancy.” As Connors describes it, percussion ensembles are the mad scientists of the music world. Any object in the world is a potential instrument. And when they’ve run out of objects, they invent more. (Fun fact: Third Coast sometimes works with actual scientists at the University of Notre Dame where they are ensemble in res...
2017-04-1825 min
Classical ClassroomMusicWorks - Craig Hella Johnson, Activism In Classical Music (Part 2)Craig Johnson wrote a beautiful piece of music that commemorates a tragic event: the brutal beating of a young gay man. The piece asks listeners to consider Matt Shepard, the person who lived through the event, and to consider the life Shepard lived prior to the beating. In this episode, part 2 of our 2-part series on activism in classical music, Johnson talks about his Grammy-nominated choral work, “Considering Matthew Shepard.” He also talks about the strong and effective tool that classical music can be in bringing people together and in shedding light upon dark places. Music in this ep...
2017-04-1033 min
Classical ClassroomA Fool For Renaissance Music Talks Period InstrumentsIt’s the first of April and we are welcoming a special guest (believe us: you will know him when you hear him). He introduces us to a fascinating mix of early music and Renaissance era instruments and performs examples of how each sounds. Music in this episode: Songs From The Labyrinth, by Sting Walsingham – John Dowling, composer /perf – Edin Karamazov and Sting Come Again – John Dowling, composer/ perf – Edin Karamazov and Sting The Art of the Bawdy Song, Baltimore Consort featuring Merry Companions Pox on you for a fop Cuckolds all a-row I gave her cakes and I ga...
2017-04-0217 min
Classical ClassroomMusicWorks - Amanda Gookin – Activism In Classical Music (Part 1)“When somebody shows you who they are, believe them.” That’s one of cellist Amanda Gookin’s favorite quotes. And through the Forward Music Project, she’s decided to show people who she is, and who women and girls are. Learn Amanda’s story (which includes many digressions from, and returns to, the classical music world), and learn why she decided to aim all of her disparate passions at one target. Hear the innovate pieces that she’s commissioned in what she calls a “giving project,” which seeks not only to bring awareness to causes that benefit women and girls, but to...
2017-03-2842 min
Classical ClassroomRERUN - Alisa Weilerstein On The Romance Of RachmaninovHappy birthday, Rachmaninov! Because Rachmaninov’s birthday and our Spring Break lined up so nicely, it’s obviously the perfect opportunity to repeat this episode. Back next week with more of the usual (i.e., heavy metal car racing stories with lots of explosions). Cellist Alisa Weilerstein’s gives an introduction to the music of Sergey Rachmaninov. Who was this romantic man, and what makes him different from all the other guys – I mean, composers? Weilerstein walks us through Rachmaninov’s Sonata in G Minor for Cello and Piano. Plus, she talks about her musical relationship...
2017-03-2024 min
Classical ClassroomGoing Out On A High Note, With Cypress String QuartetFor starters, this episode was recorded on Groundhog’s Day. Which is pretty perfect considering that this is the second time we’ve had the Cypress String Quartet on the show to talk about a “final” recording. Cypress cellist Jennifer Kloetzel swears that this really is the quartet’s final final recording and assures us that this is not just a clever publicity gimmick. (Although for the record, if it was, we would gladly play along.) Kloetzel tells us why, for their final final recording, the group went with a composer they’d never recorded before (Brahms), why they recorded the alb...
2017-03-1324 min
Classical ClassroomMusicWorks – The Starkland StoryIt all started because Tom Steenlandreally dug the music of composer Tod Dockstader. He wanted the rest of the world to hear it, too. And so began the (thus far) 25-year DIY project born out of Steenland’s passion for innovative sound that is Starkland Records, a label that specializes in experimental music, alternative classical, and the avant-garde. Since the label started in 1991 (AKA, the Year Punk Broke), Steenland has almost single-handedly propelled Starkland’s motor, doing the bulk of the work for the label himself, including the minutiae like graphic design. And, to top all of that, Starkland is a n...
2017-03-0740 min
Classical ClassroomI Got You Babe – Collaborative Piano With Madeline SlettedahlCollaborative pianist Madeline Slettedahl came to the Classical Classroom to describe the nuances of her trade. What’s it like to play one instrument that’s sometimes a stand-in for a whole orchestra? How is playing piano with a vocalist different than playing with an instrumentalist? Doesn’t she like the glory of playing solo piano better? And why can’t we call her an “accompanist” anymore? Madeline graciously answers all of our ridiculous questions and more. Also included: lots of fun and lots of made up words. By the way, Madeline and baritone Ben Lowe recently won the The Mus...
2017-02-2838 min
Classical ClassroomSweet Secret Sacred Songs, With Jason ObyAll of us have heard spirituals before – those sometimes jubilant, sometimes sorrowful songs created by African American slaves. But have you really heardthem? As it turns out, these deceptively simple songs sometimes carried hidden messages, signals, and directions. Dr. Jason Oby, artistic director of the Houston Ebony Opera Guild, teaches all about this ingenious and soulful musical invention that was born out of oppression and necessity. He also talks about the spiritual’s connection to classical music, and the music of Roland Carter, who, among many things, arranges spirituals. Music in this episode: “Sometimes I Feel Like a Mot...
2017-02-2126 min
Classical ClassroomThere Is No Spoon, With George E. Lewis Spoon boy: Do not try and bend the spoon. That’s impossible. Instead, only try to realize the truth. Neo: What truth? Spoon boy: There is no spoon. Neo: There is no spoon? Spoon boy: Then you’ll see that it is not the spoon that bends; it is only yourself. – from The Matrix Dr. George E. Lewis is the Neo of the classical music Matrix. He doesn’t have a great deal of use for preconceived notions of genre and form and he doesn’t have a lot of time to...
2017-02-1324 min
Classical ClassroomTranscending The Étude Transcendentally, With Kirill GersteinLiszt’s Transcendental Études are such popular pieces that pianists Kirill Gerstein and Daniil Trifonov put out recordings of them within a month of each other during 2016. Which made Classical Classroom ask, “What’s with the étude, dude?” In this episode, Gerstein teaches what an étude is, and why Liszt’s are “transcendental,” using lots of skiing metaphors. Also included: a piano smackdown. All music in this episode from Kirill Gerstein’s recording, Liszt: Transcendental Études, S. 139. Audio production by Todd “Twilight” Hulslander with full moon transformation by Dacia Clay and assistance from Mark DiClaudio.
2017-02-0718 min
Classical ClassroomMatt Haimovitz Makes Overtures To BachIt’s entirely possible that cellist Matt Haimovitz has forgotten that composers other than Bach exist. On his last visit to Classical Classroom, he talked about Anna Magdalena’s (Bach’s second wife’s) transcriptions of Bach’s Cello Suites. On the visit before that, Matt and Christopher O’Riley talked… oh wait – that was about Beethoven. But still! The guy’s obsessed! And we’re glad he is. In this episode, Haimovitz talks about his CD Overtures to Bach, on which he commissioned 6 contemporary composers to essentially build an aural bridge from our time to Bach’s. Learn about Bach and hear amaz...
2017-01-3025 min
Classical ClassroomMusic For The (Chinese) New Year With Shih-Hui Chen And Katie ChenLate last year, composer and Shepherd School of Music professor Shih-Hui Chen helped bring something called “nanguan” music to Houston. Specifically, she and Asia Society Texas brought the Lâm-hun-koh/Gang-a-Tsui Nanguan Music and Theater Troupe to perform this special kind of traditional Chinese music. We somehow squeezed all of the members of the troupe into our studio, including musician and ethnomusicologist Katie Chen, for this episode. Katie and Shih-Hui talk about nanguan music and some of Shih-Hui’s contemporary pieces that the troupe were to play at their Asia Society performance. We saved this episode for Chinese New Year (sho...
2017-01-2427 min
Classical ClassroomWords And Music, With Dale TrumboreMusic and poetry go together like inhaling and exhaling, or like gasoline and matches, or like Sherlock and Watson, or like Parker and Stone, or like a hammer and a nail. Et cetera, et cetera. In this episode, composer Dale Trumbore talks about setting poems and prose to music, and about the relationship between poetry and music. There are exercises within, so get out your paper and your pencils. Music in this episode: As Vesta was from Latmos Hill Descending (The King’s Singers, Royal Rhymes and Rounds) The Road Home (Dale Warland Singers, Harvest Home) Thres...
2017-01-1646 min
Classical ClassroomProg Rock Bartok, With Chiara String QuartetThe celebrated classical music composer Béla Bartók was really into folk music. I mean, really into it. Not like, hitchhiking-with-beat-up-acoustic-guitar, playing-open-mic-nights folk music. More like, invented-an-analytic-study-of-folk-music-and-created-the-field-of-ethnomusicology-in-general folk music. Hyeyung Yoon, Greg Beaver, and Jonah Sirota of the Chiara String Quartet talk about how Bartók brought the collection and analysis of folk music into his work as a classical composer. They also talk about why playing Bartók’s music “by heart” was important on their latest CD. All music in this episode from the Chiara String Quartet’s CD, Bartók by Heart. Audio productio...
2017-01-1013 min
Classical ClassroomMusic Of The Coen Bros. Films, With Craig Cohen (Pt. 2)Welcome to part 2 of our holiday indulgence: a walk through the music of the Coen Brothers films with Craig Cohen of Houston Matters. We pick up our where our last conversation ended (with 1994’s The Hudsucker Proxy), and move on to the sparse music of Fargo. Hear a little Mozart, a fake bluegrass band, wind used as an instrument, and even the vocal stylings of an X-Wing fighter pilot. Music in this episode: From Fargo (the movie): Music by Carter Burwell From The Big Lebowski: Featuring Mozart’s Requiem From O Brother Where Art Thou?: Soundtrack curated by cu...
2017-01-0235 min
Classical ClassroomMusic Of The Coen Bros. Films, With Craig Cohen (Pt. 1)Okay, so it’s a little bit of a departure from our typical classical music fare, but it’s the holidays so we’re indulging in some serious fun: Craig Cohen, host of our mothership’s daily public affairs program, Houston Matters, walks us through the music of the films of Joel and Ethan Coen, better known as the Coen Brothers. In part 1 of our epic conversation, you’ll learn about the musical mastermind behind the brothers’ films, Carter Burwell. You’ll also hear a little melodramatic Khachaturian, and, of course, some yodeling. Music in this episode: From Blood...
2016-12-2636 min
Classical ClassroomRERUN - Cracking “The Nutcracker” – Michael Remson and Shelly PowerOkay, so we are re-gifting this year’s holiday episode from our 2013 collection. But it’s only because we thought you’d like it! Please re-enjoy learning about this gorgeous, never-gets-old classic. And from all of us at Classical Classroom HQ: peace, joy, and ALL THE PRESENTS to you this year! We all know The Nutcracker, right? Wrong! In this episode of Classical Classroom, Shelly Power (director, Houston Ballet Academy) and Michael Remson (executive director, AFA) blow your minds with the history of the ballet and a behind-the-scenes look at the massive undertaking that putting on the show en...
2016-12-1936 min
Classical ClassroomEmerson String Quartet. 40.As of 2016, the Emerson String Quartethas been around for 40 years. For comparison, here is a brief list of other awesome things that have been around for 40 years: Benedict Cumberbatch, The Muppet Show, the movie Rocky, the Blues Brothers, Big Red Gum, the game Whack-a-Mole, VHS tapes, and the Ramones’ debut album. In this episode, Emerson violinist Eugene Drucker talks about what it means to play for that long with the same musicians, about what has changed over the years, and about Emerson’s new 52-CD box set. Music in this episode (all from Emerson String Quartet – Complete Recording...
2016-12-1326 min
Classical ClassroomBand Of Outsiders – Jason Vieaux And Julien LabroJason Vieaux and Julien Labro both play instruments that have had historically complex relationships to classical music. Even today, the classical guitar and the bandoneon are a little unorthodox in that world. Maybe that’s why Jason and Julien – and their instruments – are such an obvious fit together. Without easy paths to follow, they’ve made their own and they’ve subsequently both become uniquely musically versatile. They’re also both brood-y and wear sunglasses at night (one imagines). Learn about the classical guitar and the bandoneon, their histories, their repertoires, and what kind of trailblazing Vieaux and Labro are up to on th...
2016-12-0521 min
Classical ClassroomRERUN - The Intimate Conversation Of Beethoven’s 7th Symphony, With Wesley HornerImmortality might be writing a piece of music that is so cool, so archetypal, that hundreds of years later, it’s still used in media that its creator never could have imagined existing. Case in point, Beethoven’s 7th Symphony, which was used to amazing effect in the dystopian world of the Emmy award-winning USA Network show, Mr. Robot. Or Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, recently used in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This old gold episode from the Classical Classroom vault, featuring independent producer Wesley Horner, focuses on the former. Hear Wesley’s theories about what makes an immortal piec...
2016-11-2823 min
Classical ClassroomSportsing With Tchaikovsky – Jennifer KohHoly 150th episode, Batman! Because we are so stoked to have reached this milestone, we bring you not one, but two treats: A new Classical Classroom show intro, and the comedic stylings of violinist Jennifer Koh. Jennifer was Musical America’s Instrumentalist of 2016 and recently put out an album of Tchaikovsky’s complete works for violin and orchestra. Some of Tchaikovsky’s pieces are commonly referred to as, “…the most daunting works in the violin repertoire.” Jennifer explains why a composer would write something that musicians consider intimidating to play, and why musicians like her have fun feeling the fear and doing it...
2016-11-2121 min
Classical ClassroomBeethoven In A Nutshell, With The Cypress String QuartetBefore you get all excited, no: the Cypress String Quartet has not reunited. It’s just that we at Classical Classroom have been so busy that we’re a wee bit behind the times. By like…5 months-ish. This episode was originally recorded back in June of 2016, 3 days before the quartet’s last performance after 20 years together, and just after the release of their CD Beethoven: The Early String Quartets. CST members Jennifer Kloetzel (cello) and Tom Stone (violin) talk about how Beethoven’s music brought the group together, and about mastering his music from end to beginning. Learn about Beethoven’s p...
2016-11-1420 min
Classical ClassroomThe Magic Of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, With Houston Youth SymphonyLearn about not one, but TWO amazing things in this episode: The Houston Youth Symphony, an organization that’s been making music an important part of young peoples’ lives for 70 years, and “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” the symphonic poem written by the French composer Paul Dukas that Walt Disney brought to the masses in the movie Fantasia. Michael Webster, artistic director and conductor of the Houston Youth Symphony, and HYS bassoonist Derek Marcum play examples and take us through the entire magical piece. If you’re in Houston, you can catch Michael, Derek, and the rest of the Houston Youth...
2016-11-0833 min
Classical ClassroomHappy Birthday Ned Rorem! With Daron HagenComposer Ned Rorem turned 93 on October 23rd. In honor of Rorem and his amazing career, composer Daron Hagen, Rorem’s friend and former student, teaches a crash course in the music and life of Ned Rorem. Hear how his music has evolved over time, and about the life events that have precipitated creative growth and change. The amount of ground-breaking that Rorem has done in his life, both socially and creatively, is frankly more than one podcast can contain. But we give it our best shot anyway. Music in this episode (all by Ned Rorem): “Early i...
2016-10-3138 min
Classical ClassroomGet Out The Note! Politics In Music With Victoria BondWaaaay back in episode 102, composer and conductor Victoria Bond taught us about the first woman to run for the U.S. presidency, about whom Bond wrote the opera Mrs. President. On this, the first day of early voting for the U.S.’s 2016 election, Bond is back to teach about what turns out to be a tradition in classical music: music based on true political events. Learn about the pieces throughout history that are… about history, go vote, and then learn about the upcoming performance of Bond’s opera here. View the live stream of the opera at Friday, October 28...
2016-10-2538 min
Classical ClassroomRERUN - When Classical Music Strikes, With Pierre JalbertProducer Todd has been wandering around somewhere in the woods for the past week. We think he’s found his way out, but while he readjusts to civilization, please enjoy this episode from the Classical Classroom vault! ——————————————————————– “You gotta hear this one song. It’ll change your life.” – Pierre Jalbert to me*. Have you ever heard a piece of music that truly moved you? Has a piece of music actually changed the course of your life? Ravel and George Crumb wrote pieces of music that played huge roles in the life of a young Pierre Jalbert. He talks about these two pieces of...
2016-10-1828 min
Classical ClassroomCartoon Classical Confidential With Richard ScerboThis is serious, people. Classical music has a long and meaningful history in cartoons that is no laughing matter. Just kidding! There is a really long history, but it is hilarious, and so is this episode. Richard Scerbo, Director of the National Orchestral Institute and Festival and founder and artistic director of the DC-based and Grammy-nominated Inscape Chamber Orchestra, takes us on a tour of that history. Find out the practical, social, and financial reasons behind Looney Tunes use of classical music, and how cartoons both poked fun at the music and made it fresh for new audiences. Hear examp...
2016-10-1132 min
Classical ClassroomBritten’s Herring With Isaiah Bell And Chris MayellIn an epic Classical Classroom, tenors Isaiah Bell and Chris Mayell (who, among many other things, co-host the Overthought podcast) walk through the entirety of Benjamin Britten’s opera, Albert Herring. It is an incredible journey, not for the faint of heart, nor for the anti-Canadian. Discussed: townies, queer theory vs. non-queer theory interpretations of the opera, Sid and Nancy (no – not them – the other Sid and Nancy), and Ron Swanson. Music in this episode (all from Naxos and Decca recordings of Albert Herring): “Right! We’ll have him!” (Bedford/Barstow) “Albert the Good!” (Britten/Fisher) “So...
2016-10-0458 min
Classical ClassroomElectro-Acoustic Chamber Music With The Living Earth ShowFun fact: "Gilmore Girls" scripts are almost twice as long as other TV shows of comparable length. In this regard, this is the "Gilmore Girls" of "Classical Classroom" episodes. Andy Meyerson and Travis Andrews of the Living Earth Show teach all about electro-acoustic chamber music, sure, but they do a lot more. In addition to talking about the composers and works they commission, and about experimental classical music in general, you are guaranteed to hear boiling water used musically, and at least one verbal treatise on Lars Ulrich of Metallica. Take notes, people. This is pure gold. By th...
2016-09-2640 min
Classical ClassroomThe Art Of Song, All About Art Song With Mark AbelMark Abel’s life infuses his music, and music has been his life. He’s been a classical musician, a punk rocker, a reporter, and a classical musician and composer again. In this episode, Abel talks about “art song,” a very particular kind of classical music where song and poetry intersect. Learn about its history, its composers, and hear some of Abel’s own work. Music in this episode: “Roll Over Beethoven,” The Beatles “Mr. Tambourine Man,” The Byrds “A Love Supreme,” John Coltrane “Marquee Moon,” Tom Verlaine/Television “Crazy Rhythms,” The Feelies “La vie anterieure’,” Henri Duparc. Gerard Sou...
2016-09-2033 min
Classical ClassroomHappy 100th Birthday, National Parks! With Adventurer-Composer, Stephen Lias Composer Stephen Lias didn’t necessarily mean to become an “adventurer-composer.” He was minding his own business as a perfectly normal composer, having his music played by soloists and ensembles, and working as a Professor of Composition at Stephen F. Austin State University. In his free time, he liked to go on adventure trips, backpacking and kayaking. Little did he know that one day soon, his two loves would merge and that he would become Stephen Lias, Adventurer-Composer! His whole life would be changed, and he would become Composer-in-Residence at many of the United States’ National Parks. Find...
2016-09-1234 min
Classical ClassroomRERUN - Daniel Roumain’s Violin Vs. THE Violin (RR) That’s not a violin – it’s a woodbox! Daniel Bernard Roumain talks about creative appropriation in classical music. The Haitian-American composer’s creative world was cracked open when he realized that everything – including the definition of “violin” – was ripe for reinterpretation. As a kid in garage bands, he took the decidedly uncool violin and made it his own. As a classically trained musician, he brings classical music together with hip hop, rock, bluegrass, and other genres to create his signature sound. We talk about DBR’s creative journey and about how innovators like John Cage have changed classical...
2016-09-0529 min
Classical ClassroomRERUN - Branford Marsalis Gives Classical Music Jazz HandsOur summer music festival series is over, and we are frankly a little sleepy now. So this week, while we nap, we are bringing you some old gold from the vault. It’s one of our faves, featuring Branford Marsalis. If you don’t love it, too, we will be both shocked and appalled. ————————————- Branford Marsalis‘ stark 2014 solo album In My Solitude includes jazz standards like “Stardust” next to C.P.E. Bach’s Sonata in A Minor for Oboe, Wq. 132. His jazz discography is peppered with classical releases. What’s that all about?! Where do jazz and classical intersect...
2016-08-2931 min
Classical ClassroomSummer Music – Music Academy Of The West! Follow The Leader With Frank HuangIn our second annual Classical Classroom Summer Music Festival Series, we hit the (sound)waves at the Music Academy of the West in sunny Santa Barbara, California! All good things must come to an end, and...here we are. The final installment of our summer music mini-series features New York Philharmonic concertmaster (who used to be Houston Symphony concertmaster), Frank Huang. He talks about the job of a concertmaster, and about his own story of a life in two cities with two orchestras. Frank also discusses first being a student and then being a teacher and visiting artis...
2016-08-2324 min
Classical ClassroomSummer Music – Music Academy Of The West! Finding Our Voices With Thomas HampsonIn our second annual Classical Classroom Summer Music Festival Series, we hit the (sound)waves at the Music Academy of the West in sunny Santa Barbara, California! Library of Congress “Living Legend” and Grammy Award-winning baritone Thomas Hampson has reached a point in his life and career at which one might use the term “venerable” to describe him. “Wise” is another word that music journalists probably throw down when talking about him. And they would not be wrong. But even Thomas Hampson got his start somewhere. In this interview, he talks about his classical music beginnings at the Music Academy o...
2016-08-1628 min
Classical ClassroomSummer Music – Music Academy Of The West! Sympathy For The Viola With Cynthia PhelpsIn our second annual Classical Classroom Summer Music Festival Series, we hit the (sound)waves at the Music Academy of the West in sunny Santa Barbara, California! Laugh all you want at the viola – Cynthia Phelps, the New York Philharmonic’s Principal Viola, ignores the haters. She doesn’t even bother to hold up a hand and tell them to talk to it. She just produces beautiful music on the viola and lets it speak for itself. In the fourth installment of our MAW series, learn all about the viola, why people make fun of it, and why they ar...
2016-08-0836 min
Classical ClassroomSummer Music – Music Academy Of The West! The Second Nature Of Matthew AucoinIn our second annual Classical Classroom Summer Music Festival Series, we hit the (sound)waves at the Music Academy of the West in sunny Santa Barbara, California! The third installment of our MAW series features composer, conductor, and pianist, Matthew Aucoin. Aucoin is a resident at that Music Academy of the West, and a sort of serial residentialist elsewhere (like the Peabody Essex Museum and soon, the Los Angeles Opera). He talks about what a “residency” is, and how it informs a composer’s creative process; plus, he gives us a sample of what he’s been busy creati...
2016-08-0222 min
Classical ClassroomSummer Music – Music Academy Of The West! Being Present With Bill WilliamsIn our second annual Classical Classroom Summer Music Festival Series, we hit the (sound)waves at the Music Academy of the West in sunny Santa Barbara, California! The second installment of our MAW series features trumpet player, performance coach, and educator, Bill Williams. Williams initially spent his career as principal trumpet for orchestras like San Francisco, Santa Fe, and Barcelona. But when performances began to induce anxieties and other distractions, he started seeking ways to regain focus. As it turns out, Bill wasn’t alone: many musicians perform in spite of the fear of doing so. Willia...
2016-07-2637 min
Classical ClassroomSummer Music – Music Academy Of The West! Ragging On Jeremy Denk It’s time for the second annual Classical Classroom Summer Music Festival Series! This year, we hit the (sound)waves at the Music Academy of the West in sunny Santa Barbara, California. In the first installment of our MAW series, pianist Jeremy Denk talks about teaching the enormousness of Beethoven to young artists, ragging classical music, whether or not classical music today exists outside the bounds of style, and about what makes the Music Academy of the West unique to him. Throughout the MAW Summer Series, we’ll also hear from the Academy’s president and CEO Scott...
2016-07-1830 min
Classical ClassroomMusicWorks - Classical Out Of The Blue, With Jherek BischoffHow strange (and awesome) it is to be Jherek Bischoff at all. This composer, arranger, performer, and producer began his musical journey playing prog rock on bass guitar. After spending years of his youth on a boat, which his family sailed around the world playing music with locals as they went, he toured and recorded with indie rock and experimental bands. Then one day, he heard a piece of classical music that changed his life forever. Suddenly, he found himself composing for chamber groups and orchestras, learning a whole new musical and cultural language. Hear all about his journey...
2016-07-1134 min
Classical ClassroomFinal Fantasy And The Evolution Of Video Game MusicVideo games have come a long way since Pong, and so has their music. The electronic bleeps and blorps of ye olden days have evolved into composed musical scores that have their own fans and are performed by major symphony orchestras nationwide. Final Fantasy, one such game with a musical score that – as illustrated in this episode – draws on the classical music tradition, will soon be performed (again) by the Houston Symphony. Lesley Sabol, Director of Popular Programming at the Houston Symphony, and Joshua Zinn, content producer and host at Houston Public Media, talk about the relevance of video game...
2016-07-0438 min
Classical ClassroomTchaikovsky’s Dilemma, With Mei-Ann ChenWhen you hear the music of Pyotr Tchaikovsky, pretty much the last thing that comes to mind is self-doubt (Hello?! The man wrote actual cannons into his music!). But as conductor Mei-Ann Chenexplains, the Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture took him years to write because he was deeply self-critical. And his opinionated mentor, Mily Balakirev, didn’t help the situation. Learn all about Tchaikovsky’s creative process and about one of the most romantic pieces of music ever written in this episode. Music in this episode: Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Claudio Abbado...
2016-06-2834 min
Classical ClassroomHélène Grimaud Wades Into The Deep End Of “Water”Hélène Grimaud‘s recent release on Deutsche Grammophon, is a true “concept album.” Flowing with water themed music from the classical repertoire it also bathes us with new musical bridges and transitions from composer and producer, Nitin Sawhney. “What inspired the idea to record this album is really the fascination that so many composers of the 19th and 20th centuries seem to have had with the element of water,” Grimaud states. In this episode, Hélène and Dacia surf through the music selections, and wade through the details of how a project such as this e...
2016-04-1120 min
Classical ClassroomMusicWorks, A Musical Life, Indeed – With Hugh Sung Classical music renaissance man, Hugh Sung Hugh Sung is a modern classical music renaissance man: He’s a podcaster, a techie, a pianist who’s collaborated with people like Jennifer Higdon and Hillary Hahn, an author, an inventor, a former Curtis Institute Professor who now teaches online. Sung has crafted a life — and a career — that keeps him close to his passion and that constantly engages his busy mind. In this MusicWorks episode, learn how and why Hugh does it, and be inspired to create your own Musical Life. Music in this episode: Myths Op.30: I. The Fountai...
2016-03-0134 min
Classical ClassroomAlban Berg “motif-ates” The Dover String QuartetThis week, Dacia Clay has the Dover String Quartet; violinists, Joel Link, Bryan Lee; violist, Milena Pajaro-Van De Stadt; and cellist, Camden Shaw into the studio. They listen to a recording of their own concert from the night before when they played Alban Berg‘s String Quartet Opus 3 for the Chamber Music Houston series. They introduce Dacia to the twelve-tone system of music composition, and she lives to talk about it. They also discuss serialism, Schoenberg, over-protective fathers, motifs, and that Berg is pronounced like “bare-g”, not burg. Music in this episode: Alban Berg String Quartet Op. 3 from...
2016-02-0130 min
Classical ClassroomRERUN - Wesley Horner On Bach’s B Minor Mass, The Sound Of Heaven, And Classical Music Mosh PitsTeam Classroom is taking a little holiday break this week, so we present one of our favorite episodes from the wayback machine. Hope your holiday season is full of the good stuff. We’ll be back next week with new episodes! ——————— In this episode, independent producer, author, documentary filmmaker, Peabody Award-winner (et cetera, et cetera…), Wesley Horner chats with Dacia about Bach’s B Minor Mass and bringing classical music to people who hate wearing tuxedos. Audio production by Todd Hulslander with occasional grunts of approval from Dacia Clay.
2015-12-2824 min
Classical ClassroomBach Halloween Spooktacular With Keith Weber What?? Two episodes in one week? That’s right. We made you a treat: Go with us on a field trip to the Moores School of Music Organ Recital Hall at the University of Houston where we meet up with Keith “Creepy” Weber and the colossal, two-story Beckerath Organ that lurks in the hall. Learn all about Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor and why it’s the soundtrack for all things macabre in this episode, the final installment of our Bachtoberfest series. Music in this episode played by Keith Weber, except for “Toccata Remix...
2015-10-2923 min
Classical ClassroomMusicWorks - Piano Man – Jim Kozak, Piano TunerWhat’s in a piano? Jim Kozak has tuned a few, and he can tell you. He tunes pianos for the Houston Symphony, Da Camera of Houston, and for our own Houston Public Media. What does he do, and how does he do it? How does one become a piano tuner? Kozak tells all, including how a piano works, and why tuning for Alfred Brendel took two days. Music in this episode: “Montage” from the South Park episode, “Asspen“*. Written by Trey Parker. Ludwig van Beethoven, Bagatelle in A minor WoO 59 “Für Elise.” From Beethoven Piano Bagatelle...
2015-07-2027 min
Classical ClassroomWu Man, Pipa AmbassadorWu Man, world-renowned pipa player, stopped by the Classroom while she was in Houston to teach all about the French horn. JK! She taught all about the pipa, of course! In this episode, she talks about the pipa’s origins, its repertoire, about how she began playing it, and she plays some sweet tunes to illustrate the instrument’s range. Dacia Clay, Wu Man’s pipa, and Wu Man in the Geary Performance Studio. Photo by Todd Hulslander. Music in this episode played live in the Geary Performance Studio by Wu Man. Audio...
2015-06-2323 min
Classical ClassroomAwadagin Pratt on Brahms, Brunge, and BeardsThe pianist gives a lesson on one of the Big Daddies of classical music. Awadagin Pratt, a man so awesome that his website URL is just his first name, talks Johannes Brahms. Pratt is a recording artist, Professor of Piano, Artist in Residence, Chairman of the Piano Department, and Artistic Director of the Art of the Piano Festival at the College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. He talks about who Brahms was, why he is one of the Big Daddies of classical music, what it has to do with Edith Bunker, and how the b...
2015-06-0936 min
Classical ClassroomRERUN - A lesson from a real live professor – Timothy Hester on BrahmsBrahms’ Opus 118 – plus the first two Intermezzos played live! In this episode, Associate Professor Timothy Hester from the University of Houston Moores School of Music, teaches Dacia a bonafide lesson. Don’t miss Prof. Hester waxing nostalgic about his childhood love of Steppenwolf. Audio production by Todd “the Todd” Hulslander with post-hypnotic suggestions from Dacia Clay and editing by Mark DiClaudio. Music used in this episode includes: – Brahms Six Pieces for Piano, Opus 118, Intermezzos No.’s 1 & 2 For more about Timothy Hester, go here. For more about the Texas Music Festival, go her...
2015-05-1825 min
Classical ClassroomRERUN - Amy Bishop On Awesome Female ComposersProducer Todd thought he needed to take a “vacation” with his “family” last week, so we are giving you this month-appropriate rerun before returning next week with a slew, a treasure trove, a veritable cornucopia of new episodes. Meanwhile, sit back, relax, and learn about these great women of classical music. – Dacia —————————————– It’s Women’s History Month up in the Classroom! Houston Public Media’s own Amy Bishop (see also, Episode 9: Tone Poems) teaches us all about female classical music composers, from the millennia-old ethereal sounds of Hildegard von Bingen, to the contemporary works of Jennifer Higdon. Why have so many women composed clas...
2015-03-2334 min
Classical ClassroomRERUN - The Continued Education of Tracy Jacobson – Debussy’s Piano WorksThis episode is so old that Producer Todd didn’t even have funny middle names yet. But it’s so good that we wanted for you guys to hear it again. Because Debussy. And Tracy Jacobson. I mean, come on. Back next week with more new stuff! —————————– WindSync Wind Quintet bassoonist, Tracy Jacobson, takes Dacia along on her journey to continue her musical education as a professional musician. She steps outside of her comfort zone and into Debussy’s piano works. Come with us to Paris, talk in your museum voice, and have some wine. It’ll be awesome! Audio pro...
2015-02-2436 min
Classical ClassroomThe Trumpet Lesson (with video)This episode does double duty: teaches you all about the trumpet and trumpet playing, while carrying out the secondary mission of Classical Classroom, i.e., the humiliation of the show’s host. Trumpet players George Chase and Jason Adams of the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra teach host and former trumpet player, host Dacia, a trumpet lesson. Along the way, they say all kinds of important things about the history of the instrument. Plus, there are duck calls! Varieties of trumpet and mutes. Photo by Dacia Clay. Audio production by Todd “Ah!” Hulslander with running and hi...
2014-10-1424 min
Classical ClassroomRERUN - Amy Bishop’s tone poem journeyIn this episode, Classical 91.7’s Saturday Morning Music host and contra dancer extraordinaire, Amy Bishop takes Dacia on a journey with Smetana, Strauss, and Gershwin to learn about tone poems, invoking a surprising number of mermaids and mimes. Audio production by Todd Hulslander with “insightful” suggestions from Dacia Clay. Music used in this episode includes: Smetana’s “The Moldau” from Tchaikovsky/Smetana, Chesky CD65 Richard Strauss’ “Death and Transfiguration” from Metamorphosen, Tod Und Verklarung, Deutsche Grammophon 410 892 Gershwin’s “An American in Paris” from Rhapsody in Blue, RCA 68792
2014-09-1535 min
Classical ClassroomBack To School Quiz!Think you know your classical tunes? Play along in this host-humiliating “drop the needle” quiz show! Test your skills while listening to quiz master, Opera Cheat Sheet host, and Classical 91.7 program director St. John Flynn point and laugh at Dacia. Good luck! Send us an email to let us know how you do: dclay@houstonpublicmedia.org. Classical 91.7 program director St. John Flynn with Whoopee cushion. Photo by Dacia Clay. Audio production by Todd “Test Mastah” Hulslander with a really good try by Dacia Clay.
2014-09-0136 min
Classical ClassroomClassical Classroom Research Presentation: Tchaikovsky’s 1812 OvertureIn this special 4th of July edition of Classical Classroom Research Presentations, Dacia ponders why Americans listen to Russian music on their Independence Day. She uncovers the [not really that] secret history of how one man and his love of pyrotechnics made Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture the theme music for America’s most patriotic celebration. Written, produced, and otherwise manhandled by Dacia Clay. Music used in this episode includes: – Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, Boston Pops Orchestra, RCA 63516 References: For information on David Mugar, Arthur Fiedler, and the Boston Pops Orchestra, click he...
2014-06-3005 min
Classical ClassroomRERUN – Back By Popular Demand, You do what for a living?! Chamber music with WindSyncDacia Clay is either presenting a case to the Supreme Court or having a pint in Adams Morgan, I can’t remember which. Anyway, she has not shown up to work, so we are going to re-run a previous show about chamber music. What’s that? It is National Chamber Music Month? Well now, that just works out, doesn’t it? Enjoy… –Todd Chamber music, performing live as a group, and how movement informs music! In this episode, WindSync wind quintet talk about all of those things and about life as a touring group. Hotel rooms are trashed (ok...
2014-05-1921 min
Classical ClassroomDouble-Header With Rachel Barton Pine Rachel Barton Pine, classical violinist, and member of the metal band Earthen Grave, has played with orchestras all over the world, and under the baton of many renowned conductors. But in this episode of the Classical Classroom, she comes back to a piece – over, and over, and over, and over – studied by every young violin player. Rachel shows us how Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E Minor has been interpreted by violinists across history and cultures, and how this ebullient piece is given new life by each new musician who plays it. Rachel Barton Pine, classica...
2014-04-0533 min
Classical ClassroomThe Miseducation of Dacia Clay – midterm exam!1, 2…1, 2 this is just a test… A classical music test! In this episode, Professor St. John Flynn gives Dacia an oral examination of terms she's (supposedly) learned in the last 26 episodes of Classical Classroom. Has she learned anything?? It's nail-biter! Audio production by Todd “Totes” Hulslander with late night cramming and pizza consumption by Dacia Clay.
2013-11-0140 min
Classical ClassroomWhy the clarinet is cat-like, & other fascinating clarinet facts with Alexandra DoyleAll things clarinet! In this episode, clarinetist, radio host, and Classical 91.7 MusicLab intern, Alexandra Doyle talks with Dacia. Among many things, we learn that auditioning may or may not make one pee one's pants. If you like reeds and/or David Bowie, you'll like this one. Audio production by Todd “Toddly Winks” Hulslander with paroxysms of approval from Dacia Clay. Music used in this episode includes: – Hector Berlioz, Symphonie fantastique, Op.14: V. Songe d’une nuit du Sabbat – Sergei Prokofiev, Peter and the Wolf, Philadelphia Orchestra with Eugene Ormandy, narrated by Davide Bowi...
2013-08-1627 min
Classical ClassroomFrom Schubert to Gaga, the Unfinished Symphony with Jade SimmonsArtists as entrepreneurs, Lady Gaga, horror movies, and Schubert! In this episode, concert pianist, author, lecturer, Huffington Post contributor, and probable superhero, Jade Simmons chats with Dacia about how Schubert's "Unfinished" Symphony changed her life. Audio production by Todd “ToHu” Hulslander with knowing winks of encouragement from Dacia Clay. Music from this episode includes: – Schubert, Symphony, No. 8 in B minor D.759, aka the “Unfinished Symphony”
2013-07-2629 min
Classical ClassroomKeith Weber on Agee’s existential crisis in Knoxville w/ Samuel Barber, & Eleanor SteberSamuel Barber's "Knoxville: Summer of 1915", as sung by – no, not Bryan Adams – Eleanor Steber. In this episode, Keith Weber, Grammy-nominated Producer, Director of Music and Organist at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Houston, and Artistic Director of Grace Song, Inc., teaches Dacia about this all-American commissioned piece. Audio production by Todd “Todd Almighty” Hulslander with spiritual guidance from Dacia Clay.
2013-07-1927 min
Classical ClassroomClassical Classroom Research Presentation: Why we listen to Russian music on an American holidayIn this special 4th of July edition of Classical Classroom Research Presentations, Dacia ponders why Americans listen to Russian music on their Independence Day. She uncovers the [not really that] secret history of how one man and his love of pyrotechnics made Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture the theme music for America’s most patriotic celebration. Written, produced, and otherwise manhandled by Dacia Clay. Music used in this episode includes: – Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, Boston Pops Orchestra, RCA 63516 References: For information on David Mugar, Arthur Fiedler, and the Boston Pops Orchestra, click h...
2013-07-0405 min
Classical ClassroomA lesson from a real live professor! Timothy Hester on BrahmsBrahms’ Opus 118 – plus the first two Intermezzos played live! In this episode, Associate Professor Timothy Hester from the University of Houston Moores School of Music, teaches Dacia a bonafide lesson. Don’t miss Prof. Hester waxing nostalgic about his childhood love of Steppenwolf. Timothy Hester. Courtesy of the UH website. Audio production by Todd “the Todd” Hulslander with post-hypnotic suggestions from Dacia Clay and editing by Mark DiClaudio. Music used in this episode includes: – Brahms Six Pieces for Piano, Opus 118, Intermezzos No.’s 1 & 2 For more about Timothy Hester, go here. ...
2013-07-0429 min
Classical ClassroomThe Continued Education of Tracy Jacobson – Debussy’s piano worksWindSync Wind Quintet bassoonist, Tracy Jacobson, takes Dacia along on her journey to continue her musical education as a professional musician. She steps outside of her comfort zone and into Debussy’s piano works. Come with us to Paris, talk in your museum voice, and have some wine. It’ll be awesome! Audio production by Todd Hulslander with encouraging yelps from Dacia Clay, and s few nods and shakes of the head from Tracy Jacobson, too. For more about WindSync: www.windsync.org. Thumbnail photo of Tracy Jacobson courtesy of WindSync’s website. A...
2013-06-2936 min
Classical ClassroomMendelssohn, “love potion”, and Shakespeare with Catherine LuMendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream", Suite from Incidental Music! In this episode, Classical 91.7 announcer and producer, and Cheeto the cat's person, Catherine Lu chats with Dacia. Learn about scherzos, nerds, and Dacia's totally plausible theory about Puck's "love potion". Audio production from Todd Hulslander, with a lot of help this time actually from Dacia Clay. Music used in this episode includes: – Mendelssohn: Incidental Music to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Op. 61 (We used CBS/Sony 37760 with Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra, which is not available – we think – for MP3 download, but here is anoth...
2013-06-2240 min
Classical ClassroomOboe Playing As An X-treme Sport With ROCO’s Alecia Lawyer In this episode, River Oaks Chamber Orchestra's Artistic Director, founder, and principal oboist, Alecia Lawyer takes Dacia inside the mind of an oboe player. In this strange world, people grow their own (bamboo), enjoy fame alongside Willie Nelson, and live on the edge without all of the annoying parachutes and bungee cords. Audio production by Todd Hulslander, with pearls of editing wisdom from Dacia Clay. Music used in this episode includes: – Le Tombeau de Couperin by Ravel: St. Paul chamber Orchestra with Kathy Greenbanks, principal oboist – La Scala...
2013-06-1529 min
Classical ClassroomAmy Bishop Goes On A Tone Poem Journey Through Bohemia, Death, And 1920’s ParisIn this episode, Classical 91.7’s Saturday Morning Music host and contra dancer extraordinaire, Amy Bishop takes Dacia on a journey with Smetana, Strauss, and Gershwin to learn about tone poems, invoking a surprising number of mermaids and mimes. Audio production by Todd Hulslander with “insightful” suggestions from Dacia Clay. Music used in this episode includes: Smetana’s “The Moldau” from Tchaikovsky/Smetana, Chesky CD65 Richard Strauss’ “Death and Transfiguration” from Metamorphosen, Tod Und Verklarung, Deutsche Grammophon 410 892 Gershwin’s “An American in Paris” from Rhapsody in Blue, RCA 68792
2013-06-0835 min
Classical ClassroomWesley Horner On Bach’s B Minor Mass, The Sound Of Heaven, And Classical Music Mosh PitsIn this episode, independent producer, author, documentary filmmaker, Peabody Award-winner (et cetera, et cetera…), Wesley Horner chats with Dacia about Bach’s B Minor Mass and bringing classical music to people who hate wearing tuxedos. Audio production by Todd Hulslander with occasional grunts of approval from Dacia Clay.
2013-05-3124 min
Classical ClassroomSayles on Sayles – a composer’s creative processIn this episode, Classical 91.7's Senior Recording Engineer, host of Music from the Movies, and Emmy-nominated composer, Brad Sayles talks to Dacia about his own work and the creative process of a classical music composer. Audio production by Todd Hulslander with assistance from Dacia Clay. You can find music used in this episode at www.bradsayles.com.
2013-05-2224 min
Classical ClassroomKeith Weber teaches Camille Saint-Saëns’ Organ SymphonyIn this episode, Grammy-nominated Producer, Director of Music and Organist at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Houston, and Artistic Director of Grace Song, Inc. Keith Weber teaches Dacia about Camille Saint-Saëns' Organ Symphony. Audio production by (also Grammy-nominated!) Todd Hulslander with assistance from Dacia Clay.
2013-05-1029 min
Classical ClassroomSt. John Flynn Teaches Strauss’ Four Last SongsClassical 91.7 audio librarian, Dacia Clay has a deep, dark secret: she knows next to nothing about classical music. But she wants to learn! Luckily, she’s surrounded by classical music experts every day. In each episode of the Classical Classroom, Dacia’s colleagues and some local classical music luminaries take turns giving her classical music “homework assignments” and educating her. You’ll learn about everything from bel canto aria to the use of leitmotif in the score to Star Wars. Come learn with us in the Classical Classroom. In this episode, Dacia Clay talks with Classical 91.7 program director S...
2013-05-0123 min