Sticky Notes: The Classical Music Podcast

I've been coming back to this symphony again and again over the past couple of weeks. The story of the composition and Leningrad performance of Shostakovich 7 is one of the most remarkable stories of human perseverance, symbolism, and collective action in history. This is a story I haven't told yet on the show, but it couldn't be more relevant today. It is a story about overcoming tragedy. It is a story about hope. It is a story that I think should inspire all of us as we go through this situation together.

Never fear everyone, the podcasts are still coming during this crazy time! This week I'll take you through 7 of Beethoven's greatest overtures, pieces that distill Beethoven's storytelling abilities, compositional mastery, and blazing fire all down into just a few minutes. We'll also get a chance to explore Beethoven's creative process, and the development of the Overture itself. Come check out the Coriolan, Egmont, and Leonore Overtures 1, 2, AND 3 plus the overtures to Fidelio and Prometheus. Stay safe!

On today's Patreon-sponsored episode, we'll explore the enigmatic masterpiece known as the Schumann Cello Concerto. This is a piece that has been relentlessly criticized ever since it was written, and yet it remains a part of every cellist's repertoire all over the world. What accounts for this contradiction? This week we'll attack these criticisms head on, and also marvel at the melodic inspiration and formal innovations that run through this underrated gem from a deeply underrated composer.

Brahms' 3rd symphony is his most underrated symphony. It is a nearly perfect piece that transcends the traditional symphonic narrative over its 40 minute journey. So why doesn't it get performed as often as the other 3 symphonies? This week we dissect the symphonies' origins(hint: it has something to do with Clara Schumann), it's unique cyclical structure, and the motto that runs through the entire work. There are few symphonic hikes more satisfying than Brahms' 3rd symphony, so let's start up together!

In 1802, Beethoven wrote the Heiligenstadt Testament, a heartbreaking letter describing his deafness and his resolve to keep going despite thoughts of ending his own life. The piece that is most often associated with the Testament is the 3rd symphony, the Eroica. But the piece that Beethoven was writing DURING his stay at Heiligenstadt is the much less played 2nd symphony, a piece full of joy and irresistible brightness. Why would Beethoven write a piece like this? We'll try to answer that question today.

(Part 2 is composers 6-10: Dvorak, Sibelius, Prokofiev, Stravinsky, and Rachmaninoff)  I once was talking with a conductor about Beethoven's 8th symphony. He made a comment that stuck with me ever since: "this symphony is Opus 93, but I always want to know what was Opus 94, and we never hear those pieces." There's a lot of truth in that comment. And so I thought that today would be a good opportunity to explore some hidden gems from 10 of the biggest names in Western Classical Music. Let's go exploring

I once was talking with a conductor about Beethoven's 8th symphony. He made a comment that stuck with me ever since: "this symphony is Opus 93, but I always want to know what was Opus 94, and we never hear those pieces." There's a lot of truth in that comment. And so I thought that today would be a good opportunity to explore some hidden gems from 10 of the biggest names in Western Classical Music. Part 1 this week is composers 1-5 - Beethoven, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, and Ravel. Let's go exploring!

This week I was joined by the wonderful composer Christopher Willis for a wide ranging and fascinating conversation. Willis, who wrote the music for The Death Of Stalin, Mickey Mouse Shorts, Veep, and the new movie the Personal History of David Copperfield, divulged many secrets about the film composing world in this interview. How is film music different from classical music? What is the process of how film music is created? How does a film composer create an emotional reaction? You'll find out today!

Rachmaninoff remains extremely popular as a composer. But at the same time, a kind of condescending attitude continues to linger about Rachmaninoff’s music. People say it sounds like movie music, it's too sentimental, etc. etc. In fact, Rachmaninoff’s music is as well put together and as innovative as any composer of his time, just in a different way. And the third piano concerto is no exception. Today we'll debunk the myth of Rachmaninoff the mediocre composer, with one of his most brilliant works.

It's at the end of the second movement of this symphony that it truly leaves convention, if it was ever there in the first place! Traditionally the 3rd movement of a symphony would either be a slow movement or a fast scherzo, and then the last movement is meant to be a rousing finale sending the audience home thrilled. Tchaikovsky writes a real scherzo, but then follows it with a slow movement of immense tragedy. We'll talk about these innovations, the theories surrounding Tchaikovsky's death, and more!

A bit of a preamble is necessary here: devotees of the podcast will know that I’ve already done an episode on Tchaikovsky 6. Looking back though, I realized that a short episode was just not nearly enough to go through all of the details behind this controversial and hotly debated piece. So, I decided to open the season with a real 2 part exploration of the work, because it remains such an unusual landmark in the symphonic landscape. This week we take a look at the first two movements of the symphony.

One more week until Season 6! For now, let's look back at one more episode. People are often fascinated when I tell them what I do for a living. When it comes down to it, I always seem to get some kind of variation of the same question: "What does a conductor really do?" This week is all about answering this question, from the basic level, to the 30,000 feet level, all the way to the cosmic. Next week will be the debut of Season 6 - thanks for waiting and I can't wait to share it with you!

What is there to say about this ubiquitous holiday classic? Quite a lot, actually! This week's show will delve into the complicated process that brought the ballet to life, the not so successful premiere, and the brilliant and characteristic music that has made it such an enduring classic. This is episode is not meant only for adults, but also for parents to listen to with their children, nieces, and nephews, cousins, etc! Happy Holidays!

Since its first appearances in the early 1900s, atonal music has been one of the most polarizing topics in the classical music world. Some people believed that atonal music was the only way forward, while some thought that it would ruin music for good. Today, we're going to explore the roots of atonal music and then look at the 12 tone period and the brilliant music of Schoenberg, Berg, and Webern. If you're not a fan of atonal music, give it a chance this week. Let's open our ears and dive in together!

The Bach Cello Suites represent the apex of the path of every cellist. On this show, previously aired January 3, 2019, we go through the history of the Suites, including their disappearance, rediscovery, and now ubiquity. We'll then look at one movement from each of the Suites, comparing the wildly different approaches that cellists have taken since the first recordings appeared in 1939. You'll also learn what HIP means in the context of classical music. Thanks for listening!