Dr. Paul's Classics

Images 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

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.

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.