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Dr. Paul's Classics Archives

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

Bellini: Quintessential Bel Canto Opera

Tue, 11/15/2011 - 1:00pm | Dr. Paul

Today's show features the overture to Bellini's opera, the masterpiece "Norma", as well as a duet and a trio from this same opera. Also heard on today's show are Gershwin's "An American in Paris", Spanish music for the guitar, the music from Aaron Copland's "Rodeo", and a flute sonata by J.S. Bach.

Vincenzo Bellini was born in Catania, Sicily in 1801, and was known as "the swan of Catania" because of his long-breathed, flowing, beautiful melodies. He is generally regarded as the most "bel" (beautiful) of the bel canto opera composers of the first part of the nineteenth century. "Norma", "I Capeletti e i Montechi", and "I Puritani" are still widely performed today. Along with J.S. Bach, he was one of the composers most admired by Chopin, and was inspirational for Chopin's melodic style. He passed away at the age of 34, in the year 1835.

Dr. Pauls Classical Music Nov 8th, 2011 Two Prominent 20th Century Pianists

Tue, 11/08/2011 - 1:00pm | Dr. Paul
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.

Interview with Lara Downes

Tue, 10/25/2011 - 1:00pm | Dr. Paul

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.
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