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.

'Love' in two languages

After careful consideration, Dr. Paul feels that the duet between Sandrina and Belfiore is the highlight of today's show. This in spite of the fact that the show starts with a multi-climactic concert overture by Dvorak, continues with a glittering piano concerto by the romantic composer/virtuoso Henselt, and includes illustrious composers named Beethoven, Boccherini, and Rachmaninoff. You'll find this duet in the second hour of today's show. Yes, Dr. Paul feels so strongly about this that he has included links to two charming videos of this duet, both in the original Italian. The first link is with English subtitles, the second with Spanish subtitles. Dr. Paul plays this duet for you today in the German translation. In any language, love triumphs over all hurdles in this superb duet by Mozart.

The two Julians: Gli due Giuliani

The two "Julians"--Julian Bream, 20th century world-class guitar virtuoso, and Mauro Giuliani, world-class guitar virtuoso of the 19th century--team up to present for your listening pleasure a gorgeous guitar concerto composed by the latter in Vienna in 1808. As the show progresses, you will be thrilled by selections from a tragic opera by Donizetti, charmed by Dohnanyi's take on "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," wowed by a baroque trumpet concerto, soothed by a fantasy for viola by Hummel, and swept off your feet by some Chopin waltzes. To preview, see the playlist: http://kdrt.org/node/9856

Here's some classical love!

Dr. Paul always sends, via the airwaves, the love he has for classical music. Join him today as he plays some of his most beloved recordings gleaned from a lifetime of listening joy. Of course, the show would have to be infinitely long to play all the classical music that Dr. Paul thinks has the stamp of superior quality and immortality. Dr. Paul prefers pieces of classic virtuosity, with an ear for beautiful, singable melodies that get under his skin. He thinks you will find the music today some of the best recorded. But, never forget, that Dr. Paul plays nothing that he doesn't love. Check out the playlist at http://kdrt.org/node/9793, and see if you can resist a listen! Image courtesy of Nevit Dilman

Dr. Paul wishes you a classic 4th of July!

Open a can of spinach, and celebrate the 4th of July with Popeye and his all-American friends who composed music as familiar to us in America as our flag. March with John Phillip Sousa, swing with Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue," view the Grand Canyon from the saddle of a mule, rhumba with Gottschalk's "A Night in the Tropics," and when it's all over, lie back and swoon to "Starry Nights, Doggy Days" by John London. Dr. Paul wishes you all to have a wonderful, safe, and happy 4th of July!

The Mozart effect

Did you know that Adolphe Adam, the composer of the Christmas carol, "O Holy Night," also wrote musical theater? Do you know what a "baryton" is? Did you know that Sir Edward Elgar wrote five "Pomp and Circumstance" marches? Listen to today's show and learn the amazing answers to these intriguing questions. Then Dr. Paul will personally guarantee that you will amaze your friends, confuse your enemies, and attract beautiful, glamorous women. Look what it did for the Nobel Prize winner pictured to your left. To see the playlist, follow this link: http://kdrt.org/node/9685

Today's special: Two spectacular overtures for your listening pleasure!

Today's show starts with not one but two overtures! Each by composers laboring at the same time, one in Vienna, one in Paris. Both are pictured, Offenbach (at right) and Van Suppe. Both were very successful composers of light operas in the mid 19th century. In addition, we have a very cool a capella choral piece by Hungarian composer, Ligeti, as well as compositions by two 20th century composers of Russian origin, Khatchaturian and Stravinsky. For the romantics among you, there is an aria d'amore by Mozart, two Italian love songs sung by Pavarotti, a gorgeous flute concerto by Boccherini, and driving Spanish dances by Granados composed for the piano.

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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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