Composer Michael Torke can appreciate the abstract tonal elements of modern classical music, but he personally want his music to be approachable and enjoyable. Torke's intent is music that is at first welcoming, then explored over and over. On today's show, join us for a Nashville Symphony performance of Adjustable Wrench, by Michael Torke.
Antonin Dvorak didn't like having a reputation as a composer of light, charming, toe-tapping tunes. He wanted to create something profound. With that in mind, he began composing a new symphony, and he wrote to a friend: "...this (piece) must shake the world!" Experience the earth-shaking Symphony No. 7, by Dvorak, on this episode of Performance Today.
A-sharp and B-flat are different spellings of the same note; they're called enharmonics. But Baroque composer Giovanni Valentini viewed those notes as completely different pitches, with different functions in music. On today's show, hear an explanation of Valentini's concept, in words and music, from a concert in Charleston, South Carolina.
Diwali, the festival of lights, is underway in India and in communities around the world. It's a time to celebrate the victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance. On today's episode, we'll celebrate Diwali with music by Indian-American composer Reena Esmail.
Composer Elena Ruehr wrote a string quartet with thoughts of an abbey high above the Rhine River...and a composer who lived and worked there 900 years ago. On today's show, hear Elena Ruehr's 21st century music, inspired by the 12th century composer Hildegard von Bingen.
Diwali, the festival of lights, is underway in India and in communities around the world. It's a time to celebrate the victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance. On today's episode, we'll celebrate Diwali with music by Indian-American composer Reena Esmail.
Tippet Rise is an art center located on a working ranch near Fishtail, Montana. The center incorporates musical performance venues along with large-scale art installations. It's a peaceful and inspiring destination. On today's show, we'll hear music performed next to one of the massive sculptures under the big Montana sky at Tippet Rise.
Composer Richard Danielpour recently wrote a piece in honor of those affected by the pandemic. On today's show, pianist Simone Dinnerstein plays from Richard Danielpour’s ‘An American Mosaic’.
Death himself saunters into a graveyard at midnight and plays his fiddle. The clattering bones of dancing skeletons accompany his diabolical tune until the morning rooster scares them all away. On today's show, we'll hear a supernatural take on the Danse Macabre by Camille Saint-Saens.
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