56 avsnitt • Längd: 85 min • Oregelbundet
This classical music podcast explores the history and lives of some of western classical music’s most famous composers and musicians. Classical music is filled with very colorful personalities and riddled with drama of all kinds, from political intrigue to failed romances and everything in between. Through the course of the show, we will discuss composers and musicians from the distant past all the way to the present, beginning with the greatest, JS Bach.
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Bibliography for all episodes found on the website: https://www.kevinnordstrom.com/the-great-composers-podcast
The podcast The Great Composers Podcast – a classical music podcast is created by Kevin Nordstrom. The podcast and the artwork on this page are embedded on this page using the public podcast feed (RSS).
Brahms pt. 15b: we detail the course of the Brahms-Joachim relationship as they return to something like their former friendly relations and see how is other friendships and partnerships evolve, disolve, change and mature as we reach the year 1887.
Works heard in this episode in order (all by Brahms):
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Brahms pt. 15a: we return to the life narrative of our great composer, picking up where we left him in the summer of 1879 adding the finishing touches to his D major violin concerto which he had written for and with the advice of his great friend, Joseph Joachim. This was the high point of their friendship and musical partnership; but for how long would the happy feelings last, and if they didn't, how long would it take Brahms to reclaim them?
Works heard in this episode in order (all by Brahms):
- Hungarian Dances WoO 1 books 3-4, nos. 11-21
17. in F Sharp Minor (Andantino)
18. in D major (Molto Vivace)
19. in A Minor (Allegretto)
20. in D Minor (Poco Allegretto)
11. in D Minor (Poco Andante)
12. in D Minor (Presto)
13. in D Major (Andantino Grazioso)
14. in D Minor (Un Poco Andante)
15. in A Major (Allegretto Grazioso)
16. in G Minor (Con Moto)
21. in E Minor (Vivace)
Robert Gerle - Violin
Norman Shelter - Piano
- Piano Concerto no. 2 in B Flat Major, Op. 83
IV. Allegretto grazioso - Un poco più presto
- Symphony No. 3 in F major
III. Poco allegretto
- 6 Lieder and Romances, op. 93a
I. Der bucklichte Fiedler
II. Das Mädchen
III. O süsser Mai
IV. Fahr wohl!
V. Der Falke
VI. Beherzigung
Sung by Ensemberlino Vocale
https://musopen.org/music/6729-6-songs-and-romances-op-93a/
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-Concerto in D major for Violin and Orchestra, op. 77
Unmarked recording from Musopen's "European Archive" (possibly Jacques Thibaud...)
1. Allegro non troppo
2. Adagio
3. Allegretto giocoso, ma non troppo vivace
https://musopen.org/music/2130-violin-concerto-in-d-major-op-77/
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In Brahms pt. 13 we pause the narrative and retrace our steps to spend some more time with the Second Symphony. A brief discussion of the symphony and an analysis of its motives will be presented, including excerpts from it and a complete recording by the Musopen Symphony.
Works heard in this episode in order (all by Brahms):
-Symphony no. 2 in D major op. 73
Multiple excerpts recorded by Chang Ji, violin and Kevin Nordstrom, viola
1. Allegro non troppo
2. Adagio non troppo
3. Allegretto grazioso
4. Allegro con spirito
Musopen Symphony
https://musopen.org/music/65-symphony-no-2-in-d-major-op-73/
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Pt. 12: It is early November 1876 and Brahms is in the audience as the orchestra at Carlsruhe premieres his first symphony in C minor. The concert goes better than expected and riding high on his success, Brahms performs the symphony many more times elsewhere. Its positive reception gladdened his heart and he quickly produced another symphony to celebrate, then a series of other wonderful works including the first violin sonata in G major, and the monumental violin concerto for Joseph Joachim.
Works heard in this episode in order (all by Brahms):
-Symphony no. 2 in D major op. 73, mvt. 3 Allegretto grazioso
-Capriccio in B minor op. 76, no. 2, Luis Sarro, piano, https://musopen.org/music/2037-8-piano-pieces-op-76/
-Sonata in G major, op. 78, mvts. 2, 3, Chang Ji (Mrs. the GCP), violin and Haeri Su, Piano
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It is summer 1876. Brahms is vacationing with his friend George Henschel on the Baltic island or Rügen and finishing work on his first symphony in C minor...
Works heard in this episode (all by Brahms):
Symphony no. 1 in C minor op. 68
Excerpts:
performed by Chang Ji, Mrs. the GCP
- mvt. 1 mm. 1-2, mm. 41, mm. 42-46
- mvt. 4 mm. 1-3, mm. 12-14
...by The GCP House Orchestra...
- mvt. 4 mm. 30-38, mm. 61-78
Complete performance by the "Musopen Symphony"
1. Un Poco Sostenuto - Allegro
2. Andante sostenuto
3. Un poco Allegretto e grazioso
4. Adagio. Più andante. Allegro non troppo, ma con brio
https://musopen.org/music/64-symphony-no-1-in-c-minor-op-68/
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It is December 1871 and Johannes Brahms has finally established permanent residence in the music loving city of Vienna. Still, his thoughts remain in Hamburg for a time as his family slowly start to drift away from him...
He himself then drifted for a time, compositionally at least. He would begin his new position as Artistic Director of the Gesellschaft der Musik Freunde in Fall 1872 which made him so busy he hardly had time to compose. Except during the summers, when he would disappear from their sight, as it were, and work on his music. And what incredible music it would be: two string quartets, the Haydn Variations, the third piano quartet, plenty of music for the voice, and very nearly a first symphony.
Works heard in this episode (all by Brahms):
- String Quartet in C minor op. 51, no. 1
1. Allegro
2. Romanze: Poco adagio
3. Allegretto molto moderato e comodo
4. Allegro
- Variations on a Theme (Said to be) by Joseph Haydn, op. 56a
Theme
Var. 1-3
Var. 4-6
Var. 7, 8
Finale
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I am pleased to be joined during this episode by Alan Walker, celebrated author of biographies of Franz Liszt, Frederick Chopin and others, and acclaimed concert pianist Daniel Vnukowski. We discuss Liszt, Chopin, and Schumann, taking a look at their lives and music from the perspectives of biographer and performer.
Vnukowski and Dr. Walker present "In the Footsteps of Chopin" on Wednesday June 23rd 7pm Eastern, a free virtual event a part of the Collingwood Music Festival's Summer Solstice Series. You can RSVP to using the link below. See you there!
https://collingwoodfestival.com/event/footsteps-of-chopin/
Music heard in this episode, performed by Daniel Vnukowski:
Chopin "Raindrop" Prelude op. 28, no. 15
Chopin Sonata no. 3 in B minor op. 58, mvt. 4 finale
Ep. 43 – It is Good Friday, April 10, 1868 in Bremen and Brahms has just finished giving the premiere of his German Requiem. It is a complete triumph but one not celebrated with wild applause, the work is too grave for that. Instead, attendees of the premiere listened with glad hearts and in reverence, awe really of the work’s creator. Thus, Johannes Brahms became an internationally recognized composer of considerable importance and some measure of celebrity.
Works heard in this episode (all by Brahms):
-Requiem
mvt. 4 "How Lovely is They Dwelling Place"
mvt. 5 "And Ye Now are Sorrowful"
-Wiegenlied op. 49 no. 4
-Botschaft op. 47 no. 1
-Hungarian dance 1-10
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Ep 42(b) - It is early 1865. Brahms's mother has just passed away. Filled with emotion he grudgingly moves from winter to spring, entering a long period of deep and private mourning during which he would retreat into himself for a time in order to gather his thoughts and energies, and orient them toward a grand act of artistic creation in which he would immortalize his beloved mother and through which his artist soul would be elevated and ennobled and made pure.
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Works heard in this episode (all by Brahms):
Horn Trio in E-flat mvt. 3 - Adagio Mesto
mvt. 1 - Andante
mvt. 2 - Scherzo (Allegro)
mvt. 4 - Allegro con brio
German Requiem pt. 1 "Blessed are they that Mourn" (In English translation!)
Ep. 42(a) - It is late November 1862. We find Johannes Brahms in Vienna making a great success of himself for once but reeling from a devastating blow given him by the musical establishment of Hamburg. He will try to pick himself up and carry on with his work, compartmentalizing the tenderness he felt for one place from the bitterness for the other so that he might do so. And then further troubles to deal with: family strife and division that will make his life more difficult than ever; a loss that will wrench his heart and cause him the greatest pain, one for which tears aplenty would not be an adequate response but rather, music; tones and song in memoriam of a cherished loved one on a grand scale.
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Works heard in this episode (all by Brahms):
1. String Sextet in G major op. 36 mvt. 1, Allegro non troppo
2. 9 Lieder and Songs op. 32 no. 9 "Wie bist du, meine Königin"
3-5. String Sextet in G major op. 36 mvts. 2-4, Scherzo, Poco Adagio, Poco Allegro
6, 7. Piano Quintet in f minor op. 34 mvts. 2, 3, Andante, un poco Adagio, Scherzo
8. "Horn" Trio in E-flat major op. 40 mvt. 3 (beginning), Adagio Mesto
In Ep. 41 Johannes Brahms continues his toil, conducing the ladies' choir, playing concerts, and composing; working to build a life and career brick by brick with the sweat of his brow and the help of his friends. He hoped for a permanent position in Hamburg that would lead to a settled, traditional life and some financial security. Brahms's efforts were geared toward turning hope into reality, but it remained to be seen whether the music masters of Hamburg would smooth his way or block it. If Brahms found a professional and therefore personal dead end in Hamburg where else might he go? Could another city offer him the life he was seeking?
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Works heard in this episode, all by Brahms:
- Liebeslieder-Walzer, op. 52 nos. 1-18
Ensemberlino Vocale
https://musopen.org/music/6684-liebeslieder-waltzes-op-52/
Translations http://kellydeanhansen.com/opus52.html
- Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24, var. 23-25 and Fugue. Pierre Feraux, piano
https://archive.org/details/onclassical-OC17V
- Piano Quartet no. 1 in G minor op. 25, mvt. 2 Intermezzo Allegro ma non tropo, mvt. 4 Rondo alla Zingarese. Chang Ji, violin
In ep. 40 we find Johannes Brahms struggling to recover and learn from the defeat of his D minor Piano Concerto at Leipzig's Gewandhaus in January 1859. Despite nearing mastery in his craft and the untiring support of his friends he was yet unable to find a consistently appreciative audience. Success and failure, ridicule and praise, applause and hissing followed Brahms wherever he and his music went. By the Spring of 1860 his frustration and anger had grown so much that he lashed out at one of the greatest musical personalities of the age, Franz Liszt, in the most unlikely way and with pitiful results.
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Works heard in this episode, by Brahms unless otherwise noted:
1. Three Secular Songs for Choir, "Abendständchen" (Evening Serenade) Op. 42 no. 1. "...to let the light of his music shine through the darkness around him" from the intro. is my paraphrase of the last line of this song.
2. Three Secular Songs for Choir, "Darthulas Grabesgesang" (Darthulas Grave Song) op. 42 no. 3
3. Three Secular Songs for Choir, "Vineta" (Vineta) op. 42 no. 2
( 1-3 performed by Ensemberlino Vocale, https://musopen.org/music/2084-3-secular-songs-for-choir-op-42/ )
4. String Sextet in B-flat Major op. 18 mvt. 3 Scherzo
5. String Sextet in B-flat Major op. 18 mvt. 4 Rondo: Poco allegretto e grazioso
6, cont. 7, 8. Sonata in B Minor for Solo Piano, S. 178 by Franz Liszt
wonderfully played by Jean Dubé, piano https://musopen.org/music/43159-piano-sonata-in-b-minor-s-178/
I'm pleased to welcome to the show Rebecca Smithorn, cover conductor and lecturer with the National Philharmonic. Rebecca is host of the NatPhil's YouTube series "Composers in Crisis" which takes a look at composers whose lives and art were transformed by times of global crisis. In our interview we talk about several composers in crisis: Beethoven, Ravel, Ruth Crawford-Seeger, John Corigliano, Undine Smith Moore, and a good ol' good one, Louis Armstrong, who Duke Ellington said was "Born poor, died rich, and never hurt anyone in between."
"Composers in Crisis"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3agUbwO72pA&list=PLtZH2-QfYm4ypSuSDPAyl13znMQZPv24S
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Works heard in this episode:
Ravel - "Le Tombeau de Couperin"
mvt. 1, Prelude, played by Janet Seitzer
https://musopen.org/music/4728-le-tombeau-de-couperin/
mvt. 6, Toccata
In Ep. 38 we pick up with Johannes Brahms and Clara Schumann in the weeks following Robert Schumann's death in July 1856, trying to make sense of their relationship and love. They have a crucial, incredibly difficult decision to make and its consequences will color the rest of their lives. All the while, Brahms struggles to complete his first piano concerto in d minor.
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Works heard in this episode (all by Brahms):
1. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in D minor, op. 15, mvt. 1
2. Serenade no. 1 in D major, op. 11, mvt. 2 Scherzo - Allegro non troppo
3. Serenade no. 1 in D major, op. 11, mvt. 3 - Adagio non troppo
4. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in D minor, op. 15, mvt. 2
5. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in D minor, op. 15, mvt. 3
https://archive.org/details/BrahmsPianoConcertoNo.1-schnabel
Stay healthy and well!
Ep. 37 – In late 1853, having impressed important musicians across Germany, especially Robert and Clara Schumann, Johannes Brahms planned for the publication of his first opuses. His star was rising in the musical world and he had much to be proud of, but a terrible tragedy loomed on the horizon which threatened to derail his career and set his life down yet another new though unexpected path.
Very special thank you to...
Michael Calabris!
https://www.soundcloud.com/michaelcalabris
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Works heard in this episode (all by Brahms unless otherwise noted):
Sonata in C major op. 1, mvt. 3 Scherzo
Scherzo op. 4 - Natsumi Kataoka
Sonata in C major op. 1, mvt. 4
Robert Schumann op. 6 mvts. 1-6
Clara Schumann, Scherzo op. 14 no. 2 - Luis Sarro
Robert Schumann, Carnaval op. 9 “Chiarina”
4 Ballads, op. 10 no. 1 “Edward”
"Variations on a Theme by Robert Schumann" op. 9 var. 1-3
Clara Schumann "Variations on a Theme by Robert Schumann" op. 20 var. 3
Robert Schumann op. 12 mvt. 1 Des Abends, 3. Warum?
Robert Schumann Piano Quintet in E-flat major, op. 44, mvt. 2
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Michael Calabris, “Meditation (According to Byzantine Modes)” for solo organ
In this special episode "Antonio Stradivari, and the Violin Makers of Cremona" we explore the lives of Cremona's greatest violin makers. Cremona's violin making tradition began with Andrea Amati in the mid-16th century, and lasted until the death of Giuseppe Guarneri "del Gesù" some two hundred years later. In between these two men came many remarkable makers from the Amati and Guarneri families, but the greatest of them all was Antonio Stradivari who rose far above his rivals to become the most celebrated violin maker of all time.
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All music heard in this episode is by Antonio Vivaldi:
Concerto for 4 violins in B minor mvts. 1-4 (Modena Chamber Orchestra)
Concerto in F minor “Winter” for violin, strings, and continuo mvts. 1-3(MCO)
Concerto in D minor RV 565 (selections) (MCO)
Concerto for Two Violins in A minor, RV 522 mvts. 1-3
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Suggested reading and a few resources:
- "The Violin-Makers of the Guarneri Family" by W. Henry Hill, Arthur F. Hill, and Alfred Ebsworth Hill. Dover pub.
- "Antonio Stradivari, His Life & Work" by W. Henry Hill, Arthur F. Hill, and Alfred E. Hill. Dover pub.
- "Stradivari's Genius" by Toby Faber. Random House
- "The Violin, a Social History of the World's Most Versatile Instrument" by David Schoenbaum. W.W. Norton and Company
- https://www.roger-hargrave.de/Seiten/english/Bibliothek/Bibliothek.htm
- https://tarisio.com/cozio-archive/cozio-carteggio/the-young-stradivari/
- https://tarisio.com/cozio-archive/cozio-carteggio/guarneri-del-gesu-part-i-1698-1731/
- https://tarisio.com/cozio-archive/cozio-carteggio/andrea-amati-part-1/
Ep. 35 - In April 1853, Johannes Brahms left Hamburg with the Hungarian violinist Eduard Reményi for a short concert tour of North German towns. After performing in small venues and for small crowds to great success, the duo decided to try their luck in Hanover. There they met one of the most important musicians of the day, who sent them visit another, and yet another...
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Music in this episode (all by Brahms unless otherwise noted):
1. Sonata in C major op. 1, mvt. 1, Allegro
2. Hungarian Dance no 5, Fritz Kreisler and Carl Lamson
3-5. "Eine Faust Symphonie" fragments of mvt. 1 - Faust, by Franz Liszt
6. Hungarian Dance no. 2, Andreas Pfaul, piano
7. Sonata in C major op. 1, mvt. 3 Scherzo (A section)
8. FAE Sonata, mvt. 3, Scherzo, Oliver Colbenston violin
In Ep. 34 we see Johannes Brahms complete his adolescence and become a young adult. Along the way he is tested severely, leading a double life as a serious music student by day and dance hall pianist by night. Delicate and prone to migraines as a youth, this taxing work nearly ruined Johannes's physical and mental health. But as always, in times of great need a savior came his way and his health was repaired. With his strength renewed, Brahms was ready to confront the world as a professional musician and composer. It would not be easy for him at first...
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Music heard in this episode (all by Brahms):
Sixteen Waltzes of op. 39!
In order of appearance #’s 1, 2, 10, 6, 3, 11, 12, 4, 5, 15, 16
performed beautifully by Martha Goldstein.
https://musopen.org/music/2137-sixteen-waltzes-op-39/
Op. 1, Sonata for Solo Piano in C major, mvt. 1
In Ep. 33, The Life of Johannes Brahms, pt. 1 "A Cup Half Full" we meet the great composer's father, Johann Jakob Brahms. Jakob was a versatile musician who could play several instruments. He wasn't the most talented of musicians, but he was determined to succeed. In 1826 he went to Hamburg and began working as a lowly beer-fiddler. After establishing himself, he took every job he could get and slowly made his way up the professional ladder...
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Music heard in this episode (all by Brahms unless otherwise noted):
1. Serenade in D major op. 11, mvt. 1
2. The Pinzauger Waltz
3. Serenade in D major op. 11, mvt. 4 - Minuet 1 &2
4. Serenade in D major op. 11, mvt. 5 - Scherzo
5. Serenade in D major op. 11, mvt. 6 - Rondo
https://musopen.org/music/6733-serenade-no-1-in-d-major-op-11/
In this introduction to the life of Johannes Brahms we rhapsodize on key themes in the great composer's life, and begin to sketch his unique position in the history of music.
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Music heard in this episode (all by Brahms):
1. Intermezzo in B-flat minor, op. 117 no. 2
2. Serenade in D major op. 11, mvt. 1
Ep. 31 sees our Bach saga come to an end. We meet Sebastian Bach's grandson, Wilhelm Friedrich Ernst, the last musician of his line. Then we see how the family legacy was carried on by those who were Bach's in spirit but not name. Finally, we follow a few members of the family as they spread to other parts of Europe and then America.
Music heard in this episode: (By J.S. Bach)
1. Mass in B minor: Sanctus - Osanna in excelsis
2. Cantata: Jesu, der du meine Seele, BWV 78 - Chorale: Herr, ich glaube, hilf mir Schwachen
3. Mass in B minor: Gloria
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In Ep. 30, we see Johann Christian Bach round out his time in Italy by planning a new trip to London. While in London, he became immensely famous and was even given a position in the royal household of King George III and his Queen, Charlotte. Johann Christian, or as he preferred to be called, John, enjoyed a swift rise to fame. It lasted for nearly two decades, but as tastes began to change his demise came just as fast. Unable to stomach the loss of his glory, John died a broken man, mourned only by his wife and few remaining friends.
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Music heard in this episode: (All composed by J.C. Bach unless otherwise noted)
1. Symphony in E-flat major, op. 3, no. 4, mvt. 1
2. Symphony in E-flat major, op. 3, no. 4, mvt. 1 cont.
3. Sonata for two keyboards in G major, op. 15, no. 5
4. Twelve Variations on "Ah vous dirai-je, Maman", theme,
by W.A. Mozart
5. Twelve Variations on "Ah vous dirai-je, Maman", finale,
by W.A. Mozart
6. Orfeo, Minuet, by Christoph Gluck
7. Symphony in G minor, op. 6, no. 6, mvt. 1
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A complete bibliography for all episodes can be found on my website: www.kevinnordstrom.com
In Ep. 29 we follow the Great Bach's youngest son, Johann Christian born 1735, from his childhood to the early years of his maturity. Christian was one of the most brilliant and successful musicians the Bach family ever produced and he achieved a level of fame none of them ever did during their lifetimes. Christian was unique in his family and never felt compelled to adhere to the traditions of old. He moved beyond the old compositional styles of his father, and even moved beyond the confines of the Germanic homeland, eventually finding his way to Milan, Italy and great fame.
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Music heard in this episode: (All composed by J.C. Bach)
1. Symphony in E-flat major op. 18 no. 1, mvt. 1
2. Symphony in G minor op. 6 no. 6, mvt. 2 (opening)
3. Keyboard Sonata in D major op. 5 no. 2, mvt. 1
4. Symphony in E-flat major op. 18 no. 1, mvt. 3
5. Symphony in G minor op. 6 no. 6, mvt. 2 (cont.)
6. Symphony in G minor op. 6 no. 6, mvt. 3
In Ep. 28, we take a closer look at the life of Anna Magdalena Wilcke, beloved second wife of Sebastian Bach. Anna came from a long line of musicians, and was an accomplished musician herself. At the age of 20, or possibly sooner, she attained a coveted position as soprano in the Cöthen Capelle then under Sebastian's direction, who often featured her as a soloist. After their marriage in 1721 and subsequent move to Leipzig, she was a key player in the Bach family business, teaching students, copying music, making sure everyone was practicing, and generally keeping things in good working order. She was also the step-mother of Bach’s two famous sons by Maria Barbara, Friedemann and Emanuel, seeing them through difficult adolescent years, and mother to one of the most brilliant and influential composers of the 18th century, Johann Christian Bach, who was worshipped by no less a figure than Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
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Music heard in this episode:
Tracks 1, 4, 5, 6
Stephen Nordstrom - Violin
Kevin Nordstrom - Viola
Michael Way - Cello, arranger
In Ep. 27, The Lives of Some Other Bachs, pt. 4 “Carl Philipp Emanuel and the Prussian Blues” we see Emanuel Bach suffer many more years in service to King Frederick the Great of Prussia, unable to find employment elsewhere. His perpetual good cheer served him well during these troubled years and he continued to compose and make a success of himself as before. Following the Third Silesian War from 1756-1763, Emanuel had enough of royal service and was determined to leave Berlin. He set his sights on Hamburg, where his godfather Georg Philipp Telemann was music director. Luckily, Emanuel would be Telemann’s successor, and took over his new post in 1768. He spent the rest of his life there and passed away in 1788 knowing that his life had been a success from beginning to end.
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Music heard in this episode:
1. B minor sonata, H. 245 beginning of mvt. 3 (played by me)
2. Solfegio in C minor, organ version - Dick Koomans https://musopen.org/music/43229-solfeggio-in-c-minor-h-220/
3. D major symphony H. 663 mvts. 1,2,3
4. Fantasia in F-sharp minor H. 300 - Joan Benson https://musopen.org/music/9240-fantasia-in-f-sharp-minor-h-300/
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In Ep. 26 - The Lives of Some Other Bachs, pt. 3 "Carl Philipp Emanuel and All the King's Men" we will meet the Great Bach's second son, Carl Phillip Emanuel. Despite having much the same upbringing, Emanuel managed to make a success of himself while Friedemann did not. Independent, friendly, and worldly wise, Emanuel left his father's home ready to take on the world, and found himself in the service of one of the most eccentric rulers of the age.
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Music heard during this episode: (By CPE Bach unless otherwise noted)
Symphony in C major, complete, H. 659
Sonata for Solo Flute in A minor, mvt. 1 H. 562 – Marcos Granados
12 Variations on “The Follies of Spain” H. 263 – Stefano Ligoratti
The King’s subject from the Musical Offering (JS Bach)
Flute Concerto in G Major, mvt. 1, H. 445
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In Ep. 25, The Lives of Some Other Bachs, pt. 2 "Wilhelm Friedemann, The Golden Child" we explore the life of Sebastian Bach's eldest son, Friedemann (1710-1784). While he was alive, Sebastian did everything he could to support Friedemann's career. He wrote music for him, gave him instruction manuals, and even wrote at least one job application letter. For a time, it seemed that Friedemann's life was generally headed in the right direction. He was comfortably employed and his fame as a performer and composer was growing. But once the Great Bach died, his golden child took a turn for the worse and what promised to be a prosperous life slowly unraveled. Extraordinary talent—maybe even genius—was not enough to keep Friedemann from alienating himself from his peers and making enemies at every stop along his progress. Though neither were capable of realizing it, the love and affection Sebastian showered on his beloved Friedemann proved to be a fatal gift.
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Music heard in this episode is by Wilhelm Friedemann unless otherwise noted.
1. Sinfonia in d minor F. 65, complete
2. Prelude no. 1 in C major, WTC book 1
3. "Erbarme dich, mein Gott" (Have mercy, my God) from The St. Mathew Passion BWV 244, by JS Bach
4. Organ Sonata BWV 525, by JS Bach
5. Prelude (fugue sold separately) in G major BWV 541, by JS Bach
6. Polonaise in E-flat for harpsichord F. 12 no. 5 (Sylvia Kind) https://musopen.org/music/27296-12-polonaises-f-12/
7. Polonaise in d minor for harpsichord F. 12 no. 4 (Sylvia Kind) https://musopen.org/music/27296-12-polonaises-f-12/
8. Duo for two violas in G major, F. 60 mvt. 2 "Lamento" played by me and one of my students
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In Ep. 24 "The Grapes of the Vine" we will follow the Bach family tree from its founding member, Veit Bach, all the way down to JS Bach and his first born son Wilhelm Friedemann. For nearly three centuries, the Bach's produced musician after musician. All were highly skilled in their craft and some became quite famous. Not only did JS Bach's children have as a father the greatest musician of all time, but they were just the latest fruit of a long musical vine.
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Music in this episode:
1. BWV 50 - “Non ist das Heil und die Kraft “ (some think that this may not be by Bach, but JE Gardiner thinks it is and so do I! Anyways it’s a great piece)
Unless otherwise noted, the following are chorales from BWV 244, the “St. Mathew Passion” their number in the score is listed alongside.
2. “Mir hat die Welt trüglich Gerlicht” no. 32
3. “Ja nicht auf das fest” (a choral interlude during a recit. not a chorale...) no. 4
4. “Ich bin’s, Ich solte büßen” no. 10
5. “Erkenne mich, mein Hüter” no. 15
6. “Ich will hier bei der stehen” no. 17
7. “Herzliebster Jesu, was hast du verbrochen” no. 3
8. “Was mein Gott will, das g’scheh allzeit” no. 25
9. Final Chorus “Wir setzen uns mit Tränen neider” no. 68
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In Ep. 23 we welcome another very special guest, Judith Chernaik, author of the book “Schumann: the Faces and the Masks”. She and I had an in-depth discussion about her book, a brilliant telling of the tragic and beautiful story that is the life of Robert Schumann. Be sure to pick up her book wherever books are sold and at the link below! It is well worth it. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/546890/schumann-by-judith-chernaik/ Enjoy!
Music in this episode:
Schumann - Carnaval op. 9 -Préambule(Charles Rosen)
-Marche des “Davidsbündler” contres les Philistins (Guiomar Novaes)
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In Ep. 22 I am pleased to bring you a very special guest, Suzanne Bona, host of the syndicated radio program "Sunday Baroque". We met up at WGUC studios in downtown Cincinnati and enjoyed a wide ranging discussion about her show, her life, and lots of interesting musical things! She was also kind enough to let us hear a sample of her program at about 45 minutes in, a special treat indeed. Be sure to listen to Suzanne's show "Sunday Baroque" on your local radio station every Sunday morning.
For more information, visit her website: http://sundaybaroque.org
Music: -Bach Double Violin concerto in D minor mvt. 3
-Suzanne's show!
-Vivaldi Double Violin concerto in A minor
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Ep. 21 - "Through the Looking Glass" --- Its 1974, and the great composers of the Western avant-garde continue to drift ever further apart. Stockhausen tours the globe and dreams of a life among the stars, Boulez becomes a world-renowned conductor, John Cage adds to his growing list of artistic pursuits, and György Ligeti settles down to a life as a teacher and begins planning his next moves as a composer. Much more composing and much more life is to come. We see Ligeti through dry spells and periods of great productivity. We see him deal with life and death in his own way. Then we see him to the end of his life, which ended much differently than it began. Please rate, review, and subscribe on iTunes! Like our Facebook page too! https://www.facebook.com/thegreatcomposerspodcast/ www.kevinnordstrom.com
All music heard in this episode is by Ligeti unless otherwise noted. Most are short clips of the larger work. Please listen to the complete works (especially the the piano etudes and Hamburg Concerto!) after the episode.
San Francisco Polyphony
Tierkreis (Verison for clarinet, flute, trumpet, and piano)- K. Stockhausen
Pli Selon Pli, Don - Pierre Boulez
Music for Five - John Cage
Hungarian Rock for Harpsichord
"Overture" to Le Grand Macabre
Monument, from "Three Pieces for Two Pianos"
Horn Trio mvt. 2 Vivace molto ritmico
Study for player piano no. 9 - Conlon Nancarrow
Etude no. 13 L’esceliere du diable (The Devil’s Staircase)
Sonata for Viola Solo - Kevin Nordstrom, viola - mvt. 2 "Loop" - mvt. 5 "Lamento" - mvt. 6 "Chaccone Chromatique"
All materials used in this episode are meant for educational purposes only. Thank you for listening!
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Ep. 20b...Continuing where we left off... The Life of György Ligeti, pt. 2 "A Composer in Wonderland" we see our great composer through the 1960's and into the early 70's, discussing his music of that period in detail. Having at last achieved some success with the orchestral works "Apparitions" and "Atmospheres" Ligeti would rattle off a few non-musical, farcical pieces. Then in 1965, his Requiem (a deeply serious and moving work) had its premiere in Stockholm, Sweden. This was a pivotal moment in Ligeti's career and the Requiem firmly established his reputation as a formidable composer. The rest of the decade witnessed the solidification of his 'textural' style of composition, and its further use in several more pieces including the orchestral work "Lontano", the stunningly beautiful Chamber Concerto, and the 2nd String Quartet. In the early 1970's then, Ligeti's career was moving ever upwards. But he was yet to find permanent employment, and would soon begin searching for new and different things in music: harmony, melody...and much much more.
All music heard in this episode is by Ligeti unless otherwise noted. Most are short clips of the larger work. Please listen to the complete works (especially the Chamber Concerto!) after the episode.
1. Chamber Concerto mvt. 3
2. Volumina for Solo Organ and two assistants
3. My attempt at reconstructing 'Poème Symphonique'.........
4. Requiem, Dies Irae 5. "Deo gratis" - Johannes Ockeghem
6. 2nd String Quartet - Presto
7. Chamber Concerto mvt. 2 - Calmo
8. Melodien
All material in this and all episodes is meant for educational purposes only.
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In Ep. 20a, we join the Hungarian refugee, György Ligeti, as he explores the musical wonderland that was the Free West. The year is 1957, and a shivering, disheveled Ligeti has just landed on the doorstep of the great German composer Karlheinz Stockhausen. Stockhausen will show Ligeti all that he had been missing in the world of composition over the last several years, and introduce him to the new compositional methods of the West as well as the people who practiced them. But as Alice found down her own rabbit-hole, this western wonderland was fraught with peril. Competing factions and rival ideologies fought to control the future of new music and there was no telling who would eventually win out. How was a novice avant-gardist like Ligeti to steer a course of his own through the musical swamp? In this two-part episode, we will find out...
Music heard in this episode: (All music clips are composed by Ligeti unless otherwise noted, all are short clips of the larger work. Please listen to the whole work after the episode!)
1. "Atmosphères"
2. "Klavierstücke IX" - Karlheinz Stockhausen
3. "Gesang der Jünglinge" - Karlheinz Stockhausen (my favorite portion of it)
4. "Polyphnie X" modere - Pierre Boulez
5. "Structures 1a" - Pierre Boulez
6. "Artikulation" for tape
7. Chamber Concerto mvt. 3 'Movimento preciso e meccanico'
All material in this episode and all others is meant for educational purposes and use only. Thank you for listening!
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In Ep. 19, The Life of György Ligeti, pt. I "Down the Rabbit Hole" we explore the life of György Ligeti from 1923 to 1957. During this period, Ligeti and his fellow Hungarians would suffer under political domination and from social oppression by the Nazis and then the Russian Soviets. Fed up with their totalitarian overlords, the Hungarians in 1956 broke into revolt. Ligeti, who lived a life of obscurity behind the Iron Curtain, would flee his homeland with his wife, Vera, for the Free West. After a long and difficult flight to freedom, and leaving Vera safely in Vienna, Ligeti would embark on another journey, this time to Cologne, and wind up on the doorstep of the messiah of new music himself, who was waiting for him with open arms...
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Music heard in this episode: (All music clips are composed by Ligeti unless otherwise noted)
1. Gesang der Unterdrückten (Song of the Oppressed) - composed by the composer.....
2. Musica Ricercata mvt. 4 Tempo di Valse
3. La Traviata, Act I – Giuseppe Verdi
4. Concerto for Violin and Orchestra no. 2 - Béla Bartók, the incomparable Ivry Gitlis on violin
5. Musica Ricercata mvt. 1, Sostenuto – Misurato – Prestissimo
6. Métamorphoses Nocturne (opening portion)
7. Gesang der Jünglinge (Song of the Youth) – Karlheinz Stockhausen 8. Musica Ricercata mvt. 7, Cantabile, molto legato
All material in this episode is meant for educational purposes only.
Ep. 18b The Grand Finale! The Life of Ludwig van Beethoven pt. 10, "The Candle in the Wind" we see our great composer to the end of his life. The last years were not easy ones for Beethoven. He proved himself to be cruel and kind, hateful and loving, violent and sweet. But in the end, he was able to transcend the shortcomings of human existence, gain in his own way forgiveness of his many sins, and echo down the years a heroic tale of redemption.
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Music in this episode in order of appearance: All quartets played by the Pascal String Quartet unless otherwise noted
1. Symphony no. 9 in D minor, mvt. 4 (complete...eventually)
2. String Quartet no. 13 in B-flat major, op. 130, mvt. 6 "Little Finale" (Budapest Quartet)
3. String Quartet no. 12 in E-flat major, op. 127, mvt. 1
4. String Quartet no. 13 in B-flat major, op. 130, mvt. 3
5. Missa Solemnis, Sanctus
6. String Quartet no. 16 in F major, op. 135, mvt. 4
7. String Quartet no. 13 in B-flat major, op. 130 - mvt. 5, Cavatina - mvt. 6, Grosse Fugue
All material in this episode is meant for educational purposes only. The Great Composers Podcast is a classical music podcast
In Ep. 18a, Beethoven pt. 10 "The Candle in the Wind", first part of our massive grand finale(!) we start Beethoven on the last leg of his life. As a new father, and aging man with ill health, life would become more and more difficult for our great composer. His compositional life would prove more cumbersome as well, as massive new works that took a considerable amount of time to complete were now at the forefront of his mind: the "Hammerklavier" Sonata, the Missa Solemnis, the Diabelli Variations, and of course the Ninth Symphony in D minor.
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Introductory poem: "The Consolation of Philosophy" Boethius bk. 1, pg. 18-19, trans. Victor Watts (Penguin Books 1999, London.)
Music heard in this episode in order of appearance:
1. String Quartet in A minor mvt. 5 op. 132 - Pascal Quartet
2. String Quartet in A minor mvt. 3 (selection) op. 132 - Pascal Quartet
3. Sonata for Piano in B-flat major op. 106, "Hammerklavier"
4. Thirty-three Variations on a Waltz by Anton Diabelli op. 120, "theme" - Neal O'Doan, piano
5. Sonata for Piano in C minor op. 111, mvt. 1 (selection) - Neal O'Doan
6-9. Symphony in D minor op. 125, mvt. 1-4 (selections) https://archive.org/details/BeethovenQuartetNo.15InAMinorOp.132 https://musopen.org/music/33466-diabelli-variations-op-120/ https://musopen.org/music/57-piano-sonata-no-32-in-cm-op-111/
All productions of The Great Composers Podcast are intended for educational purposes only. The Great Composers Podcast is a classical music podcast
In Ep. 17 "The Ill-Made Knight" we investigate the mystery surrounding the Immortal Beloved letters, and discuss several theories which attempt to identify who she was. We then continue to parallel the lives of Beethoven and Napoleon Bonaparte, and see that the events of 1812 would hurdle both men towards destruction. Only one of them however met ruin, while the other eventually transcended the difficulties of his life to become greatness renewed.
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All material in this episode is meant for educational purposes only. Music in order of play:
Symphony no. 7 in A Major mvt. 2 Allegretto
"An Die Ferne Geliebte" (To the Distant Beloved)pt. 6
Wellington's Victory "Battle" Symphony no. 7 in A Major mvt. 4 Symphony no. 3 'Eroica' in E-flat Major mvt. 2, March Funebre
Piano Sonata no. 29 in B-flat Major mvt. 3, performed by Federic Rzewski
In Ep. 16, The Life of Ludwig van Beethoven pt. 8 "The Witch in the Wood" our great hero will ride triumphant into 1809. Though it began well enough for Beethoven, 1809 was to be a bad year for Austria. Defeat on the battlefield, a depressed economy, and a deeply wounded national pride would touch all of her citizens. As his country declined, so in a way did Beethoven. He would compose less and less, but what he did write was still of the highest quality. We close this episode in the summer of 1812, which saw Napoleon's disastrous invasion of Russia, and Beethoven's disastrous love affair with the Immortal Beloved come to an end.
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All material in this episode is meant for educational purposes only. Thank you to musopen.org!
Introductory Poem: The Consolation of Philosophy, bk. 1 - Boethius trans. Victor Watts
Music in order:
'Apassionata' Piano Sonata in F minor op. 57 mvt. 3
'Emperor' Concerto for Piano in E-flat op. 72 mvt. 1
Cello sonata in A major op. 69 mvt. 2
'Les Adieux' Piano sonata in E-flat op. 81a mvt. 1
Mozart Requiem Lacrimosa arr. for piano by Franz Liszt!!!
'Harp' Quartet in E-flat op. 74 mvt. 1 - Pascal Quartet
Egmont overture - Musopen Symphony aka the Czech Philharmonic 'Serioso' Quartet in F minor op. 95 mvt. 3 - Pascal Quartet 'Archduke' Piano Trio op. 97 mvt. 1 - Rubinstein, Heifetz, Feuermann
Symphony no. 7 in A major op. 92 mvt. 2
In Ep. 15 The Life of Ludwig van Beethoven, pt. 7 "A Hero's Life" we explore the Beethoven's life between the years late 1802 and 1808. During that time, the composer would overcome adversity to reach the pinnacle of his career. Masterpieces would fly from his pen and both the man and the legend of Ludwig van Beethoven will be formed.
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Music in this episode:
-Eroica Variations op. 35,
-"Eroica" Symphony no. 3 op. 55 - performed throughout episode by Musopen symphony
-Christus am Ölberg
-Sonata for Piano and Violin op. 47 "Kreutzer" mvt. 3 - David Oistrahk
-Andante Favori
-"Appassionata" Sonata for Piano mvt. 3 op. 57
-Leonore Overture no. 3
-Quartet op. 59 no. 1 "Razumovsky" mvt. 1, 2
-Symphony no. 6 "Pastoral" mvt. 1
-Symphony no. 5 "Grand Symphony" mvt. 4
In Ep. 14 - "Friends and Enemies" we will see Beethoven continue adding to his fame. As a new century dawns however, he will encounter dangerous enemies who will threaten to unseat him as Vienna's top piano virtuoso. But one of these enemies will seek not only to knock off his piano playing crown, but to destroy his life altogether. He will not be able to resist this new threat, and will be forced to choose between a sad, silent artistic oblivion or the absolutism of death.
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All music heard in Episode XIV is by Beethoven unless otherwise noted, and is heard in the following order:
1. Piano Sonata op. 27/2 'Moonlight' mvt. 1 - Schnabel
2. 'Adelaide', Lieder for tenor and piano
3. Piano Sonata op. 27/1 'Sonata Una Quasi Fantasia' mvt. 2 - Schnabel
4. 5th Symphony...
5. Sonata for Violin and Piano op. 12 no. 2 in A major mvt. 1
6. Piano Sonata op. 7 'Grand Sonata' mvt. 1 - Schnabel
7. Piano Sonata op. 13 'Pathetique' mvt. 2 - Schnabel
8. Carl Czerny 'The School of Velocity' op. 299 no. 10 in F major
9. Symphony no. 1 in C major op. 21 mvt. 1
10. String Quartet op. 18/1 in F major mvt. 1 - Pascal Quartet
11. Sonata for Violin and Piano 'Spring' op. 24 mvt. 1
12. Piano Sonata op. 27/2 'Moonlight' mvt. 3 - Schnabel
13. 'Eroica' Variations op. 35
All material in this episode is meant for educational purposes only. The Great Composers Podcast is a classical music podcast
In Ep. 13 - The Life of Ludwig van Beethoven pt. 5, "The Spirit of Mozart" we see our great composer arrive in Vienna in late 1792, starting out as a student of Haydn and a nobody. But within a few years, Beethoven would make a name for himself in the great music capital, and then try his luck on a tour across Germany.
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Music in this episode:
1. Sonata for Piano op. 53 in C major 'Waldstein' - Beethoven
2. 'Eroica' Symphony in E-flat major, middle of mvt. 2 - Beethoven
3. German contradance in C major - Beethoven
4. String Quartet in E-flat major op. 33 no. 2 'The Joke Quartet' - Haydn
5. String Quartet in D major op. 18 no. 3 - Beethoven performed by The Pascal Quartet
6. String Quartet in F minor op. 95 'Serioso' - Beethoven performed by The Pascal Quartet
7. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra no. 2 in B-flat major op. 19 mvt. 3 - Beethoven
8. Piano Trio op. 1 no. 3 in C minor mvt. 1 - Beethoven
9. Sonata for Cello and Piano op. 5 no. 2 mvt. 2 - Beethoven
10. Sonata in F minor op. 2 no. 1 mvt. 3 - Beethoven
Found on - https://archive.org and https://musopen.org
All material in this episode is meant for educational purposes only. The Great Composers Podcast is a classical music podcast
In Ep. 12 - "The Will to Power" we will explore Beethoven's life between the years 1787 and 1792. During these years, Beethoven will overcome personal and professional obstacles so that he might make his way back to Vienna, and pursue his dreams of becoming a virtuoso composer once more.
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Music in this episode:
- Beethoven String Quartet op. 18 no. 4 in C minor mvt. 1 (development to end) (Pascal String Quartet)
- Tchaikovsky 1812 overture...
- Haydn - 'Surprise' Symphony no. 94 in G major mvt. 2
- Beethoven - 'Waldstein' Sonata for Piano op. 53 mvt. 1 (Schnabel)
- Beethoven - String Quartet op. 18 no. 4 in C minor mvt. 4 (Pascal String Quartet) Found on - https://archive.org
All material is meant for educational purposes only.
In Ep. 11 - "The Sword in the Stone" we explore Beethoven's teenage years, the circumstance that would lead to his first trip to Vienna, and his mythologized meeting with Mozart.
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Works heard during the episode in order of appearance:
- Beethoven Sonata for Piano op. 10 no. 3 in D major mvt. 1 (Schnabel)
- Bach 'The Well Tempered Clavier' Prelude in C# major
- Beethoven Sonata for Piano in D major op. 28 'Pastorale" mvt. 2 (Schnabel)
- Berlioz 'Harold in Italy'... (The great William Primrose on viola)
- Mozart 'Don Giovani' the famous Commendatore Scene
- Beethoven String Quartet op. 18 no. 6 in B-flat major (Pascal String Quartet) Music found at https://archive.org
In Ep. 10 - The Life Of Ludwig van Beethoven, pt. 2 - 'The Dreams Of My Father' we will explore the character of Beethoven's father, Johann, and his impact upon his son's early life.
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Introductory poem 'When We Two Parted' by Lord Byron
-Music-
1. and 4. Beethoven String Quartet no. 7 mvt. 3 and 4 performed by the Pascal Quartet.
2. Beginning of Pergolesi's La Serva Padrona
3. CPE Bach Variazioni Sulla Follia di Espagna performed by Stefano Ligoratti on piano: https://musopen.org/music/3162/carl-philipp-emanuel-bach/12-variations-on-follies-of-spain-h-263/
Ep. 9 - "A Distant Mirror" begins to paint the portrait of Beethoven's life. We first describe his grandfather, the first Ludwig van Beethoven. This Ludwig was our great composer's lifelong musical idol and the one person he sought to emulate in nearly everything he did. We then meet Beethoven's father, Johann, and explore the first half of the tragedy that was his life.
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Thank you to the musicians of musopen.org!
Beethoven works played in this episode are...
1. Piano Sonata no. 17 in D minor 'The Tempest' op. 31 no. 2 mvt. 1 performed by Stefano Ligoratti
2. Piano Concerto no. 5 in E-flat major 'Emperor' op. 73 mvt. 1 performed by Ursula Openns and the Dupage Symphony Orchestra https://musopen.org/music/2330/ludwig-van-beethoven/piano-concerto-no-5-in-eb-emperor-op-73/
3. Contradances WoO 14 no.s 1-3 4. Piano Sonata no. 17 in D minor 'The Tempest' op. 31 no. 2 mvt. 3 performed by Stefano Ligoratti https://musopen.org/music/704/ludwig-van-beethoven/piano-sonata-no-17-in-d-minor-the-tempest-op-31-no-2/
Introductory Poem - excerpt from 'The Song of the Bell' by Friederich von Schiller trans. by Margarete Münsterberg
In Ep. 8, The Life of Ludwig van Beethoven, 'An Introduction' introduces us to the man who is perhaps the greatest composer in the western classical music tradition.
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Thank you to musopen.org for the historical recording of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony!
In Ep. 7, The Life of Fritz Kreisler, Part III finishes the story of the great Fritz Kreisler, from the end of the First World War, through his retirement in 1950, and all the way to the twilight of his life.
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The introductory quotation is from the close of Joseph Szigeti’s autobiography of 1947, 'With Strings Attached' - it is telling how Szigeti ends his own autobiography with a story about Kreisler... Thank you to archive.org for all the Kreisler recordings!
All works are performed by Kreisler unless otherwise noted.
1. The World is Waiting for Sunrise - by Ernst Seitz arr. Kreisler (1928) 2. Beethoven Violin Concerto in D major op. 61 (cadenza) - by Fritz Kreisler
3. String Quartet in A minor mvt. 2 'Scherzo' - by Fritz Kreisler (1935) - Fritz Kreisler and Thomas Petrie violins, William Primrose viola, Lauri Kennedy cello
4. Sicilliene et Rigaudon (in the style of Francoeur)- by Fritz Kreisler, Jascha Heifetz violin
5. Stars in My Eyes from 'Sissy" - by Fritz Kreisler (1946)
6. Songs My Mother Taught Me op. 55 no. 4 - by Antonin Dvorak arr. Kreisler (1928)
7. Beautiful Ohio Waltz - by Mary Earl (1919)
8. Recitative and Scherzo Caprice - by Fritz Kreisler, Jascha Heifetz violin
9. Violin Concerto in E minor mvt. 1 - by Felix Mendelssohn
10. Underneath the Stars - by Herbert Spencer (1917)
11. La Gitana - by Fritz Kreisler (1946)
In Ep. 6, The Life of Fritz Kreisler, Part II tells the story of this great violinist composer's life from 1900 to the end of The First World War. We will see him achieve glory on the concert stage, in composition, and on the battlefield.
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Thank you to for archive.org for all the Kreisler!
Works and performers for this episode are...
1. Caprice Viennois - Written and performed by Fritz Kreisler (1924)
2. Poeme - Ernst Chausson composer, Jascha Heifetz violin
3. Schön Rosmarin - Written and performed by Fritz Kreisler (1943)
4. Liebesfreud - Written and performed by Fritz Kreisler (1926)
5. Humoresque - by Dvorak arr. Kreisler, Fritz Kreisler violin (1938)
6. Violin Concerto in C in the style of Vivaldi - Written and performed by Kreisler
7. Liebesfreud - by Kreisler arr. Rachmaninov - performed by Rachmaninov
8. Tabourin Chinois - Written and performed by Fritz Kreilser
#1, 4, 5, 8 - https://archive.org/details/FRITZKREISLER1875-1962Violin #2 - https://archive.org/details/ChaussonPoemeOp.25heifetzMonteux
#3 - https://archive.org/details/FRITZKREISLER-TheseAreMyFavorites-NEWTRANSFER #7 - https://archive.org/details/ViolinConcertoInC
In Ep. 5, The Life of Fritz Kreisler, pt. I tells the story of Vienna's greatest violinist, Fritz Kreisler, from birth to his marriage in the beginning of the 20th century. His rise to fame was an eventful one and we will see him grow from a normal little boy into a first rate wunderkind. Following the glories of his youth, Kreisler will give up the violin to pursue the medical arts and also do a bit of soldering. But in the end, the call of music was too great and he set his sights once more on a career as a virtuoso violinist.
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A complete bibliography for all episodes can be found on my website: www.kevinnordstrom.com
Thank you as always for the music provided by musopen.org.
Works performed in the episode and their performers are...
Liebeslied by Fritz Kreisler performed beautifully by Emanuel Salvador - https://musopen.org/music/2800/fritz-kreisler/3-old-viennese-dances/
Symphony no. 3 - Scherzo by Anton Bruckner - unnamed European Orchestra - https://musopen.org/music/983/anton-bruckner/symphony-no-3-in-dm-wab-103/
Flower Duet from Lakme by Leo Delibes performed by - Mosaica - https://musopen.org/music/2742/leo-delibes/lakme-flower-duet/
Beethoven Violin Concerto mvt. 1 - unknown performer - https://musopen.org/music/1056/ludwig-van-beethoven/violin-concerto-in-d-op-61/
Brahms Violin Concerto mvt. 3 performed by Fritz Kreisler himself! - https://musopen.org/music/1064/johannes-brahms/violin-concerto-in-d-op-77/
Ep. 4, The Life of JS Bach, "Old Man Bach, The Twilight of a God" brings us to the end of the great man's life and to the beginning of his immortality. As Bach grew to old age, his music slowly faded out of fashion and appreciation for his great musical achievements diminished. Even so, he would continue his work, dedicated as always to spirits greater than his own, and press on towards musical godhood.
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A complete bibliography for all episodes can be found on my website: www.kevinnordstrom.com
Thank you to musopen.org for the royalty free music!
-Art of Fugue, Canone no. 2 "all' ottava" (https://archive.org/details/AOC26B/onclassical_palareti_bach_art-of-fugue_5-ii_canon_in_hypodiapason.mp3)
-Cantata “Jesu, der du meine Seele”, BWV 78 - museopen european Archive
-Goldberg Variations, BWV 988 Aira and var. 1 Shelley Katz, piano
-Mass in B minor, Kyrie (opening)
-The Musical Offering, Sonata for flute, violin, and keyboard mvt. 2
-The Musical Offering, Ricercar in 6 parts
-Mass in B minor, Gloria
Material produced all episodes of The GCP are for educational purposes only.
In Ep. 3, The Life of Johann Sebastian Bach pt. 3, "The Cantor of Leipzig", we see our great composer become the Cantor of Leipzig. He will encounter many obstacles during these long years in Leipzig, but will still manage to be able to keep up a relentless composition schedule and create one of the greatest bodies of work in the history of music.
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A complete bibliography for all episodes can be found on my website: www.kevinnordstrom.com
Thank you to musopen.org for the royalty free music recordings! Much appreciated as always!
Music heard in this episode:
1. St John Passion, (ending portion no. 1 Chorus: “Herr, unser Herrscher”
2-4. St. Matthew Passion (chorale selections)
5. Church Cantata no. 86
6. St. John Passion, Part 1.2
7. St. Matthew Passion, selection from Part 2
8. Cantate Profane
9. Partita no. 1 in B-flat major, Prelude
10. St. Matthew Passion, “Erbarme Dich” Special thanks again to pianist Chiara Bertoglio and the wonderful performance of the Partita no. 1 BWV 825 - Allemande.https://musopen.org/music/809/johann-sebastian-bach/partita-no-1-bwv-825/
For educational purposes only.
In Ep. 2, The Life of Johann Sebastian Bach pt. 2 'The Maturing Master', we see our hero off to Weimar, where he will play a little organ, lay down a few tunes, and cause some trouble. From there, he will journey to Cöthen and enjoy a few years of tranquility before his real life's work begins in Leipzig!
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A complete bibliography for all episodes can be found on my website: www.kevinnordstrom.com
Thanks to musopen.org for the music!
Concerto for 2 Violins in D minor mvt. 1 Vivace, David and Igor Oistrahk
Prelude no. 14 F-sharp minor, BWV 859 - Kimiko Ishizaka Organ
Concert in D minor, BWV 596 Cantata no. 182 'Himmelskonig, sei willkommen' https://archive.org/details/17HimmelsknigseiWillkommenBWV182AriaAltoLegetEuchDemHeilandUnter
French suite no. 2 in C minor, BWV 813 - 1. Allemande, Vadim Chaimovich
Prelude and fugue in C minor BWV 871, Jorg Demus
Brandenburg Concerto no. 3 in G major, BWV 1048 1. Allegro - Advent Chamber Orchestra. https://musopen.org/music/3500-brandenburg-concerto-no-3-bwv-1048/
Partita no. 2 in D minor, 'Chaconne' - Jascha Heifetz
Brandenburg Concerto no. 6 in B-flat major for two violas, BWV 1051 - US Army Strings
All content intended for educational purposes only.
In Ep. 1, The Life of Johann Sebastian Bach pt. 1 “The Young Bach”, we explore the early life of this great composer from birth until his appointment to the court at Weimar in 1708.
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A complete bibliography for all episodes can be found on my website: www.kevinnordstrom.com
Music for episode I can be found on musopen.org. Thank you to the following performers. Marcin Dabrowski https://musopen.org/music/2485/johann-sebastian-bach/prelude-and-fugue-no-2-in-cm-bwv-847/
Mehmet Okonsar for the final portion of the fugue from BWV 911 https://musopen.org/music/3224/johann-sebastian-bach/toccata-in-c-minor-bwv-911/
For educational purposes only.
Ep. 0, The GCP pilot episode! The life of Johann Sebastian Bach 'An Introduction' surveys the life of one of classical music's greatest composers.
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For all things GCP Please rate, review, and subscribe on iTunes!
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A complete bibliography for all episodes can be found on my website: www.kevinnordstrom.com
Thank you to musopen.org for the historical recording of the St. Matthew Passion!
For educationally purposes only.
En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.