Dr. Paul's Classics

Selections from the classical repertoire with commentary about the pieces, their composers, and their historical context.

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Music programs are only online for two weeks after they are broadcast.

Dr. Paul's music for a winter's solstice

yolo archiveImages of an eclipse say volumes about change and how it can positively affect us. As we experience the year's shortest days, it is useful to employ the forced inactivity to examine our lives and find ways to become better people. As the days start to lengthen, new hope is born, and, phoenix-like, we rise from the dark season and enter into the light of a new me, you, us, world, universe, etc. Dr. Paul has selected music for today's show that helps him to enter a mental state unique to this time of year to contemplate what path to take, as he emerges from the darkness of the solstice. He hopes you find the music useful as well as beautiful. Photo courtesy of Tuanna2010

Immortal Beethoven!

Today's show features Beethoven's works that, to Dr. Paul's ears, are some of the most beautiful, lyrical, and moving pieces he wrote. There are works for piano solo, violin/piano duets, a violin concerto, and even a triple concerto for violin, cello, and piano! Check out the playlist (http://kdrt.org/node/10923), if you want to preview before listening; but, by all means, please listen.

Beethoven and bugs!

yolo archiveyolo archiveWhat, you might ask, do Beethoven and bugs have in common? Listen to today's show to get the sometimes surprising answer. Yes, today's program is evenly divided ... The first hour reflects Beethoven's stormier, more dramatic music, including the Fifth Symphony, the Fifth Piano Concerto, and "Ode to Joy," the conclusion to his Ninth Symphony. The second hour features Emmet Brady, KDRT's own cultural entomologist and host of Insect News Network, http://kdrt.org/node/9234. Emmet knows about insects, classical music, and the place where the two intersect. He has selected 12 pieces composed by well-known classical music masters such as Bela Bartok and Mussorgsky. Dr. Paul and Emmet talk about their mutual love for the six-legged creatures of this planet and the music inspired by them. (Butterfly photo courtesy of Richard Bartz, Munich, aka Makro Freak.)

A noble Harp Concerto to savor!

The first hour of today's show includes a harp concerto by royalty. Yes, the composer, Carl Ditters von Dittersdorf, was ennobled by the Austrian Emperor in the 18th century in recognition of the beautiful music he composed. Also in the first hour are samplings of music composed by Aaron Copland, Johann Hummel, and Heitor Villa Lobos. The first hour starts with a prologue and aria by Donizetti from his opera, "The Elixir of Love." The second hour starts with a rousing overture by Herold, and includes music by Chopin, a guitar concerto by Carulli, a sonata for violin and piano by Mozart, and another aria by Donizetti. Check out the playlist at http://kdrt.org/node/10825, or better yet, download or play and listen to the entire show. Your ears will be forever grateful.

The legend of bel canto

Luciano Pavarotti, may God rest his merry soul, is featured prominently in today's show. For your enjoyment, Dr. Paul has selected four lovely Italian folk songs and a Mozart aria song by this legendary, unforgettable tenor, shown here at a performance in Russia in 2004. Also featured are playful sonatas by Scarlatti, and lovely music by composers working in the bel canto (beautiful song) era of the 19th century, including Chopin, Paganini, and Crusell. Check out the playlist to whet your appetite: http://kdrt.org/node/10611 Photo courtesy of www.kremlin.ru

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Comments

As always, your play list offers a fine respite from life's noise and challenges.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 05/14/2013 - 2:01pm

With lots of cello music! It's a wonderful thing to say, "I'd love to hear more cello" and than have you make it so the very next week. Thanks!

Submitted by Autumn Labbe-Renault on Mon, 09/26/2011 - 7:06pm

Was listening to your September birthdays show and heard you mention yours is coming up this month. Which day?? Whichever, enjoy!

Beth

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 09/15/2011 - 10:51pm

Wonderful Christmas show, brother. Craig

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 12/11/2009 - 8:54am

Hey Paul,
This Eric Sate (not sure of spelling)..."haunting"...I'm practically crying! Well, music should be emotive, I guess. Craig

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 08/07/2009 - 8:49am

Craig,
Haunting is a good word to describe Satie's music.If you listened to my commentary, you'll remember that he was involved in mysticism and esoteric religious practices. And he was a recluse for the latter decades of his life. His music is haunting because he was probably haunted by devils of his own making.
Paul

Submitted by Dr. Paul on Sat, 08/08/2009 - 3:54am

Hi Paul,
Glad for Friday morning replay. The Hawaiian singer was awesome...nice spin on "classical" genre. I think you're show is great...though we tend toward chamber/concerto sounds...the symphonic and other sounds are great and good to learn about...thanks for sharing this gift. Craig

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/08/2009 - 10:13am

Craig
Thanks for the kind comment, Craig. Though my taste also tends more to the chamber/concerto side of things, I can't neglect one of the most widely recognized (and loved) aspects of classical music: the symphony. I appreciate the kind word about the Hawaiian song as well. As you can see, I interpret the word classical losely. The interpretation will become even looser, I'm sure, as time goes on.
Paul

Submitted by Dr. Paul on Sat, 05/09/2009 - 7:59pm

Thanks for the lovely Haydn guitar music today...I've long been fond of the London Symphonies and hearing another piece has reminded me how long it's been since I pulled out some Haydn. Thanks, Craig

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 02/17/2009 - 2:08pm

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