Dr. Paul's Classics

Today's show features the talent of two pianists, Jose Iturbi, on the right, and Daniel Barenboim, each special and successful in their own, very different, ways. Also on the show is an overture to an opera by Donizetti, an aria by Bellini, and some guitar music played by the Australian, nee British guitarist, John Williams, as well as the usual commentary by Dr. Paul about the lives, times, and music of the featured composers and artists, and other selections (see playlist...or listen!). Jose Iturbi was a pianist born in Valencia, Spain, of Basque descent in November of 1895, and died in Beverly Hills in 1980. He became a Hollywood star, playing himself in movies, and contributing his pianism to the soundtracks of many Hollywood movies. Because of this connection to the movies, his talent was often disregarded by the opinion makers of Classical music. However, Dr. Paul heard him live at the Opera House in S.F. in the 1970's, and can attest to his considerable talents at the keyboard.

Yes, that's right, Dr. Paul interviews Lara Downes live in the studio in anticipation of her performance of 13 ways of Looking at the Goldberg at the Mondavi Center on 11/12-13/2011, and her family concert Green Eggs and Ham on 12/12-13/2011. Discover how she first fell in love with Bach's Goldberg Variations as a little girl. A revealing interview with a talented local pianist. The interview begins midway through the show, at the 60 minute mark on the archive.