The man who changed the course of European classical music is the most popular composer of all time, according to a poll taken by KDFC, long time classical station in the Bay Area (since 1948). His music is, by turns, dynamic, lyrical, gentle, and eternal. Beethoven was born in the month of December, so he will be our featured composer today (all right, November is almost over) and all month long. Today I played a lovely Beethoven sonata for piano and cello, as well as his monumental triple concerto for piano, violin, and cello, featuring superstar Yo-Yo Ma. Next week, I plan more Beethoven: any suggestions? How about the Fifth Symphony? The Ninth? Suggest a piece by submitting a comment. Today's overture and a duet for soprano and tenor were composed by Domenico Cimarosa, a contemporary of Mozart's, from his opera "The Secret Marriage". This opera is so fine, it is one of the few from the 18th century never to have gone out of production. There is also a fun duet by Rossini featuring Figaro and Count Almaviva from his masterpiece "The Barber of Seville". In this duet, Figaro demonstrates the ability of gold to inspire his devious mind. The playlist today includes a lush "Romanza" for violin and a piano duet by Schubert. Ever heard of Johann Schobert? Listen to music from this groundbreaking composer of the mid-18th century, who, like all the greats died far too young. However, he had only himself to blame. He gathered mushrooms for a family dinner, and insisted they be served despite objections from his guests that they were poisonous. Well, deadly they were, and all at his table died that night.
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