Shows
The Classical Music MinuteA Quick Note From Me đ€DescriptionRather than just disappearing for a few weeksâI thought I'd let you know that I am taking a rest until mid-September. Enjoy the rest of the summer!Fun FactWhen Steven isn't recording podcast episodes, he is auditioning for tv commercials and series/film or feeding his cats milk. đ±__________________________________________________________________About Steven, HostSteven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto. Through his music, he creates a range of works, with an emphasis on the short-form genreâhis muse being to offer the listener...2023-08-1600 minThe Classical Music MinuteMozart's Piano Music: Complexity Masked In SimplicityDescriptionAt first glance, Mozartâs piano music may look simple. Yet for many pianists, the musicâs greatest challenge lies in that seeming simplicity. Take a minute to get the scoop!Take a listen: Mozart Piano Sonata No 16 C major K 545 Barenboim c/o YouTubeFun FactAnother challenge for the pianist is Mozartâs complete mastery of orchestration. Many of the piano sonatas have a symphonic sweep and soundworld in their opening and closing movements, while the slow movements are soprano arias with dramatic interludes. Such piano writing...2023-01-2301 minThe Classical Music MinuteFelix Mendelssohn & Wagner's ContemptDescriptionThough Felix Mendelssohn was one of the most beloved composers of the Romantic period, 270 of his works remained unpublished until recent years. But why? Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactThanks to the work of The Mendelssohn Project many of his pieces are now being shared along with his story, letters and artworks. The project aims to establish itself as the world's central resource point for all matters pertaining to the prominent Mendelssohn family.About Steven, HostSteven is a Canadian composer...2023-01-1601 minThe Classical Music MinutePablo Casals & The Bach Solo SuitesDescriptionThe Bach Six Solo Cello Suites are considered a staple for every budding cellist. But in Bachâs day, the cello was not considered a solo instrument and these works were shelved for decades. Not until Pablo Casals came along. Take a minute to get the scoop!Bach Cello Suite No. 2 in D min. BWV 1008 Casals c/o YouTubeFun FactSince the earliest manuscripts copied by his wife Anna Magdalena Bach contain no markings as to the bowings, tempo, character, or articulation of the pieces, the suites ha...2023-01-0901 minThe Classical Music MinuteHow Did FrĂ©dĂ©ric Chopin Feed His Creativity?DescriptionFrĂ©dĂ©ric Chopin loved his food and was afforded great opportunities to develop his rather expensive tastes. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactChopinâs favorite restaurant was âAu Rocher de Cancale,â and that particular eatery is still located at rue Montorgueil, Paris 75002. The composer also liked to eat at the âCafĂ© de Foyâ when it was actually called CafĂ© Tortoni. About Steven, HostSteven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto. Through his music, he creates a range of works, with an...2023-01-0201 min
The Classical Music MinuteAddressing Childhood Trauma Through Music in Rwanda w/Patrick Rutikanga (Bonus Episode)DescriptionThis holiday season I had the priviledge to talk with Patrick Rutikanga, Executive Director of the Gisimba Memorial Center in Rwanda. They run an after school program for children, part of which introduces music into their lives. The purpose of the program is to build strong relationships, heal families, restore dignity, and create hope in vulnerable East African communities. Take a listen.About GisimbaUsing a holistic, trauma-informed approach Gisimba provides art and academic enrichment, family education, and therapeutic services to communities recovering from conflict or neglect. Every Child has t...2022-12-2832 min