In the final episode of 2020, Carl finds himself back where he started - at J. S. Bach, and has chosen his vibrant opening chorus to the Christmas Oratorio. Insta: @classicalmusic_theinsta, Email: classicalmusicstories@gmail.com


Classical Music: The Stories

J. S. Bach Christmas Oratorio - 'Jauchzet Froh Locket' [Christmas Special]

In this extra-terrestrial episode, Carl discusses the piece that British composer Gustav Holst is most famous for: his tribute to the planets!


G. Holst 'The Planets Suite: Mars, The Bringer of War'

Back from his break, Carl looks at Robert Schumann's Symphony in C major which he wrote at a particularly painful time of his life. 


R. Schumann Symphony no. 2 in C major IV: Allegro Molto Vivace

On a completely different note (and tone and genre), Carl looks at American Composer George Gershwin's opera 'Porgy and Bess'. 


'Bess you is my woman now' from Porgy and Bess - G. Gershwin

This week, Piano concertos are back on the menu, this time written by Beethoven. It's his 5th and last Concerto, entitled 'Emperor'. 


Beethoven Piano Concerto no. 5 'Emperor' 2nd Mvt.

This week comes the 'Händel Largo' with which Carl talks about the raw beauty of something so simplistic. 


'Ombra mai fu' from 'Xerxes' - G. F. Händel

This week, Carl talks about the music of Dame Ethel Smyth, regarded as the 'Forgotten Woman of Classical Music'. 


'The Boatswains Mate' Overture - Ethel Smyth DEB

Mozarts prime time from the last episode gives way to his darkest hours in this episode where Carl looks at the last piece he ever wrote. 


Requiem in D minor: Lacrimosa - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

This week, Carl chooses a movement from Mahler's 1st symphony with a very familiar tune. 


Mahler Symphony no. 1, 3rd mvt. - 'Feierlich und langsam, nicht schleppen'

In the first episode of 2021, Carl talks about classical music's greatest foodie, Rossini. And talks about his energetic opera overtures!


Overture to La Gazza Ladra - G. Rossini

Music

Music Commentary

Every week, I choose one piece from one composer to pick apart and look at in detail. I look at the stories behind it, I examine the composer and what inspired him/her to compose that music and of course offer my own opinion on the piece! New episode every Sunday. Find me on Instagram: @classicalmusic_insta, Facebook: Classical Music Stories and email: classicalmusicstories@gmail.com
Spotify playlist of all the pieces on the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/51oLhez68efe05JZtycdYG?si=EV1-f2u9Sji6AFiUliAhqA&utm_source=copy-link 

J. S. Bach Christmas Oratorio - 'Jauchzet Froh Locket' [Christmas Special]

Classical Music: The Stories

More episodes from "Classical Music: The Stories"

G. Holst 'The Planets Suite: Mars, The Bringer of War'

R. Schumann Symphony no. 2 in C major IV: Allegro Molto Vivace

'Bess you is my woman now' from Porgy and Bess - G. Gershwin

Beethoven Piano Concerto no. 5 'Emperor' 2nd Mvt.

'Ombra mai fu' from 'Xerxes' - G. F. Händel

'The Boatswains Mate' Overture - Ethel Smyth DEB

Requiem in D minor: Lacrimosa - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Mahler Symphony no. 1, 3rd mvt. - 'Feierlich und langsam, nicht schleppen'

Overture to La Gazza Ladra - G. Rossini

J. S. Bach Christmas Oratorio - 'Jauchzet Froh Locket' [Christmas Special]