Classically Speaking https://www.nashvillepublicradio.org/programs/classically-speaking Tue, 12 Apr 2022 15:04:20 -0000 Wed, 16 Aug 2023 18:35:07 -0000 60 en help@prx.org (PRX) Go behind the scenes of classical music in Nashville. Musician Colleen Phelps takes you backstage for interviews with composers, conductors, and instrumentalists to give you an in-depth look at life in the orchestra, on the stage, and behind an instrument. Get closer to the music and musicians behind classical music in Music City.

]]> Arts Music Society & Culture PRX Feeder v1.0.0 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss https://feeds.feedburner.com/ClassicallySpeakingNashville Nashville Public Radio episodic no podcasts@wpln.org Nashville Public Radio Go behind the scenes of classical music in Nashville. Musician Colleen Phelps takes you backstage for interviews with composers, conductors, and instrumentalists to give you an in-depth look at life in the orchestra, on the stage, and behind an instrumen Go behind the scenes of classical music in Nashville. Musician Colleen Phelps takes you backstage for interviews with composers, conductors, and instrumentalists to give you an in-depth look at life in the orchestra, on the stage, and behind an instrument. Get closer to the music and musicians behind classical music in Music City. Arts prx_243_adbac157-279b-4d57-a447-7cf9d471d046 Classically Speaking: Anna and Dmitri Shelest Cannot Be Silent Tue, 12 Apr 2022 15:04:20 -0000 https://beta.prx.org/stories/416137 Music is visibly at the heart of the Ukrainian people, as can easily be seen during the ongoing Russian invasion of the country. Piano duo Anna and Dmitri Shelest have taken to heart the encouragement to use their talents for their fellow Ukrainian people and re-released their 2018 album Ukrainian Rhapsody.

Hear from Anna and Dmitri why the cultural front in this war is so important, as well as the joys of putting four hands together on one keyboard.

]]> Piano duo Anna and Dmitri Shelest share music from their home country of Ukraine. false full 22:14 Nashville Public Radio Music is visibly at the heart of the Ukrainian people, as can easily be seen during the ongoing Russian invasion of the country. Piano duo Anna and Dmitri Shelest have taken to heart the encouragement to use their talents for their fellow Ukrainian people and re-released their 2018 album Ukrainian Rhapsody.

Hear from Anna and Dmitri why the cultural front in this war is so important, as well as the joys of putting four hands together on one keyboard.

]]> Ukraine, classical music, music, music interview prx_243_2718a3b9-1873-43d5-a8d9-6e195b06a921 Ben Folds Is The Rock Star Who Wrote A Concerto Mon, 28 Mar 2022 16:45:55 -0000 https://beta.prx.org/stories/414148 This is the re-release of an episode from 2019.

When you've been playing in a rock band for your whole career the way Ben Folds has, getting in front of a huge symphony orchestra feels completely different.

In writing his Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, Folds was composing a piece for the dancers of Nashville Ballet, while at the same time telling hThe concerto was released as part of Folds's album So There, which also includes his collaboration with classical ensemble YMusic. In this video from a CBS broadcast in 2015 you can see the partnership in action. is own story: that of a rock pianist composing a concerto. In this Classically Speaking interview, he compares composition to songwriting, and concerto playing to rock.

The concerto was released as part of Folds's album So There, which also includes his collaboration with classical ensemble YMusic. In this video from a CBS broadcast in 2015 you can see the partnership in action.

]]> Re-release from 2019. When you've been playing in a rock band for your whole career the way Ben Folds has, getting in front of a huge symphony orchestra feels completely different.  full 22:20 Nashville Public Radio This is the re-release of an episode from 2019.

When you've been playing in a rock band for your whole career the way Ben Folds has, getting in front of a huge symphony orchestra feels completely different.

In writing his Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, Folds was composing a piece for the dancers of Nashville Ballet, while at the same time telling hThe concerto was released as part of Folds's album So There, which also includes his collaboration with classical ensemble YMusic. In this video from a CBS broadcast in 2015 you can see the partnership in action. is own story: that of a rock pianist composing a concerto. In this Classically Speaking interview, he compares composition to songwriting, and concerto playing to rock.

The concerto was released as part of Folds's album So There, which also includes his collaboration with classical ensemble YMusic. In this video from a CBS broadcast in 2015 you can see the partnership in action.

]]> ballet, classical music, composer, interview, piano, rock prx_243_bc8d6e8b-263a-49f5-b842-cf2e9ff4a4c5 Rhiannon Giddens Hath They Wish Hast Thy Will Sun, 20 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0000 https://91classical.org/?p=4730&preview=true While thoughts of love, sex and power dominate Nashville Ballet's Lucy Negro Redux, for Rhiannon Giddens the work is about uncovering a hidden part of history.

]]> While thoughts of love, sex and power dominate Nashville Ballet's Lucy Negro Redux, for Rhiannon Giddens the work is about uncovering a hidden part of history. full 22:06 Colleen Phelps While thoughts of love, sex and power dominate Nashville Ballet's Lucy Negro Redux, for Rhiannon Giddens the work is about uncovering a hidden part of history.

]]> Black history, ballet, classical music, composer prx_243_a56143f5-7cef-4efa-be17-56567a4972a0 Classically Speaking: Titus Underwood And The Oboe In The Easy Bake Oven Tue, 20 Apr 2021 10:59:00 -0000 https://beta.prx.org/stories/366364 For Nashville Symphony Principal Oboist Titus Underwood, the pandemic has been a fairly prolific time. It’s also been a successful year - with a regional Emmy Award and the Sphinx Medal of Excellence, as well as a viral sensation on YouTube. And while he looks forward to a return to the Schermerhorn stage, he also has a lot of goals for the future of orchestral music - including equity in auditions, and a new broader focus in musicians’ training.

]]> For Nashville Symphony Principal Oboist Titus Underwood, the pandemic has been a fairly prolific time. And while he looks forward to a return to the Schermerhorn stage, he also has a lot of goals for the future of orchestral music. full 23:25 Nashville Public Radio For Nashville Symphony Principal Oboist Titus Underwood, the pandemic has been a fairly prolific time. It’s also been a successful year - with a regional Emmy Award and the Sphinx Medal of Excellence, as well as a viral sensation on YouTube. And while he looks forward to a return to the Schermerhorn stage, he also has a lot of goals for the future of orchestral music - including equity in auditions, and a new broader focus in musicians’ training.

]]> classical music, equity, oboe, orchestra, woodwind prx_243_7d1ed462-f657-496d-b940-3e972d59c175 Classically Speaking: The 51 Percent Tue, 16 Mar 2021 10:59:00 -0000 https://beta.prx.org/stories/361974 Nashville’s chamber orchestra Intersection has commissioned new works from 25 female-identifying composers for a project titled “Listen.” So, we did just that - assembling a panel of the composing participants. Their diverse life experiences are reflected in their music, and also in the misconceptions they face on a daily basis.

]]> A panel of five female identifying composers busts myths about the field of classical music. full 21:56 Nashville Public Radio Nashville’s chamber orchestra Intersection has commissioned new works from 25 female-identifying composers for a project titled “Listen.” So, we did just that - assembling a panel of the composing participants. Their diverse life experiences are reflected in their music, and also in the misconceptions they face on a daily basis.

]]> prx_243_e72a05cb-f6ad-477f-84d9-50f3f806aca9 Classically Speaking: Maurice Ravel's Wonderful World of Childhood Tantrums Mon, 22 Feb 2021 12:34:04 -0000 https://beta.prx.org/stories/359063 There's nothing more wild yet utterly predictable than a child's tantrum. But in Maurice Ravel's opera L’enfant et les sortilèges, the consequences take the child completely by surprise. Vanderbilt Opera Theater's production of the piece is Nashville's latest example of how performing arts have pivoted to create new and interesting projects during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode of Classically Speaking hear from director Gayle Shay and music director Jennifer McGuire about how Vanderbilt students learned a whole new set of skills to put on this production.

]]> Vanderbilt Opera Theater's production of Maurice Ravel’s L’enfant is Nashville's latest example of how performing arts have pivoted to create new and interesting projects during the COVID-19 pandemic. full 21:38 Nashville Public Radio There's nothing more wild yet utterly predictable than a child's tantrum. But in Maurice Ravel's opera L’enfant et les sortilèges, the consequences take the child completely by surprise. Vanderbilt Opera Theater's production of the piece is Nashville's latest example of how performing arts have pivoted to create new and interesting projects during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode of Classically Speaking hear from director Gayle Shay and music director Jennifer McGuire about how Vanderbilt students learned a whole new set of skills to put on this production.

]]> animation, classical music, french art, french music, french opera, music, opera, world war i prx_243_043e6574-4b57-453d-bb43-daab693032ba Classically Speaking: Synth Patches, Spy Games, and Songs In Code - Composing ‘Call Of Duty’ Mon, 01 Feb 2021 10:55:00 -0000 https://beta.prx.org/stories/356356 The newest “Call of Duty” game hit the market in late 2020. In” Black Ops - Cold War” it’s composer Jack Wall’s job to transport you to the turbulence of the 1980s. From green computer screens to hidden messages in Russian lyrics, Wall’s scores are epic thanks to their use of a full orchestra – recorded right here in Nashville. Hear all about building the game’s story scene by scene.

]]> Composer Jack Wall on setting the turbulence of the 1980s to music in “Call of Duty: Black Ops - Cold War.” full 18:49 Nashville Public Radio The newest “Call of Duty” game hit the market in late 2020. In” Black Ops - Cold War” it’s composer Jack Wall’s job to transport you to the turbulence of the 1980s. From green computer screens to hidden messages in Russian lyrics, Wall’s scores are epic thanks to their use of a full orchestra – recorded right here in Nashville. Hear all about building the game’s story scene by scene.

]]> prx_243_ea173a8a-0c49-4610-bf6c-689450827846 Classically Speaking: Leila Adu And The Fierce Guardian Of Compassion Mon, 11 Jan 2021 11:00:40 -0000 https://beta.prx.org/stories/353711 While this episode of Classically Speaking was prepared in a tumultuous time, we never could have predicted how many more shocking things would happen before its release. That being said, Leila Adu's Mahakala Oratorio is still the right piece of music for this exact moment. The piece itself is well-timed invocation to a deity whose charge is to protect the good in all of us. Adu describes how meditation informs her music making, how she comes to her minimalism honestly, and how the project of premiering this oratorio took on new life during the COVID-19 pandemic.

]]> Star 2021 with an invocation of a Buddhist deity who is a protector of compassion. full 19:38 Nashville Public Radio While this episode of Classically Speaking was prepared in a tumultuous time, we never could have predicted how many more shocking things would happen before its release. That being said, Leila Adu's Mahakala Oratorio is still the right piece of music for this exact moment. The piece itself is well-timed invocation to a deity whose charge is to protect the good in all of us. Adu describes how meditation informs her music making, how she comes to her minimalism honestly, and how the project of premiering this oratorio took on new life during the COVID-19 pandemic.

]]> buddhism, chamber music, classical music, composer, composition prx_243_91805fb6-693e-40de-bfb6-8ba6ab704b40 Classically Speaking: Love, Magic, And A Mechanical Tree Fri, 18 Dec 2020 23:00:00 -0000 https://beta.prx.org/stories/351258 From the archive:

Perennial holiday favorite The Nutcracker has a special local treatment from Nashville Ballet. This year, as the work makes its local television debut, get behind the scenes with Artistic Director Paul Vasterling.

]]> A look at Nashville's Nutcracker with Artistic Director Paul Vasterling. full 20:12 Nashville Public Radio From the archive:

Perennial holiday favorite The Nutcracker has a special local treatment from Nashville Ballet. This year, as the work makes its local television debut, get behind the scenes with Artistic Director Paul Vasterling.

]]> ballet, classical music, music, orchestra prx_243_c268df27-ac86-4ceb-8cff-8a801d0b8365 Classically Speaking: A Bubble, A Chapel, And 30 Million Hearing Lessons And Carols Mon, 14 Dec 2020 09:00:00 -0000 https://beta.prx.org/stories/350204 During the COVID-19 pandemic, singing in large groups has been an off-limits activity. But, King’s College Cambridge has gone to extraordinary lengths to continue its Christmas services safely. Hear from Director of Music Daniel Hyde on how King’s is carrying on through this challenging time. Woven with the choral music that for many of us, has heralded the beginning of Christmas for nearly a century.

]]> In a holiday season unlike any other, one tradition remains: King's College Cambridge will still broadcast A Service of Nine Lessons and Carols. full 23:18 Nashville Public Radio During the COVID-19 pandemic, singing in large groups has been an off-limits activity. But, King’s College Cambridge has gone to extraordinary lengths to continue its Christmas services safely. Hear from Director of Music Daniel Hyde on how King’s is carrying on through this challenging time. Woven with the choral music that for many of us, has heralded the beginning of Christmas for nearly a century.

]]> choir, choral music, christmas, christmas music, church music, classical music, holiday music prx_243_21c10eb7-1922-471e-8aca-ed76724a0281 Classically Speaking: A Word On Beethoven's Nine Tue, 01 Dec 2020 13:46:54 -0000 https://beta.prx.org/stories/348386 As composer Ludwig van Beethoven approaches his semiquincentennial birthday, we’re taking you through all nine of his symphonies. Nashville Symphony conductor Giancarlo Guerrero joins host Colleen Phelps for a quick look at each one, focused on the history and the music itself.

]]> A Word On Beethoven's Nine Ludwig van Beethoven is turning 250 this December, so we created a short guide to all nine symphonies. full 26:54 Nashville Public Radio As composer Ludwig van Beethoven approaches his semiquincentennial birthday, we’re taking you through all nine of his symphonies. Nashville Symphony conductor Giancarlo Guerrero joins host Colleen Phelps for a quick look at each one, focused on the history and the music itself.

]]> beethoven, classical music, conductor, music, orchestra prx_243_1cc3ca2f-c9bc-406c-aa76-82ee098d2cc6 Celebrating Beethoven, On The Count Of Four Mon, 16 Nov 2020 08:00:00 -0000 https://beta.prx.org/stories/346546 Birthday or not, Beethoven has come up quite often in Classically Speaking. So, in this episode we featured clips from previous conversations. In what turned out to be one of composer Christopher Rouse's last interviews before he died in 2019, Rouse connected the opening of his 5th symphony to Beethoven's 5th. That same short-short-short-long also started Mahler's 5th, a parallel drawn by Nashville Symphony conductor Giancarlo Guerrero. Pianists Yefim Bronfman, Stephen Hough, and Lara Downes also illuminate the influence that Beethoven has had on their work, and the canon of piano literature.

]]> Clips from past conversations, illuminating looming legacy of Beethoven. full 21:00 Nashville Public Radio Birthday or not, Beethoven has come up quite often in Classically Speaking. So, in this episode we featured clips from previous conversations. In what turned out to be one of composer Christopher Rouse's last interviews before he died in 2019, Rouse connected the opening of his 5th symphony to Beethoven's 5th. That same short-short-short-long also started Mahler's 5th, a parallel drawn by Nashville Symphony conductor Giancarlo Guerrero. Pianists Yefim Bronfman, Stephen Hough, and Lara Downes also illuminate the influence that Beethoven has had on their work, and the canon of piano literature.

]]> Beethoven, classical music, music prx_243_f36b4ff5-0431-406b-85d7-31271e1ed1ec Classically Speaking: Harpist Parker Ramsay Pulled Some Strings Mon, 19 Oct 2020 08:00:26 -0000 https://beta.prx.org/stories/343101 Since they were composed in 1741 JS Bach’s set of pieces known as the Goldberg Variations have been a favored musical puzzle for keyboardists of all varieties. Now musician Parker Ramsay has taken them on as a harpist on his debut album. From rising above the skepticism behind historically informed performance, to his hopes for the future of the instrument itself, and what we can bring from the past into today’s musical experience. 

]]> Parker Ramsay has taken JS Bach’s 1741 Goldberg Variations from the keyboard to the harp. full 22:06 Nashville Public Radio Since they were composed in 1741 JS Bach’s set of pieces known as the Goldberg Variations have been a favored musical puzzle for keyboardists of all varieties. Now musician Parker Ramsay has taken them on as a harpist on his debut album. From rising above the skepticism behind historically informed performance, to his hopes for the future of the instrument itself, and what we can bring from the past into today’s musical experience. 

]]> classical music, early music, harp, music prx_243_f967544b-fab0-4408-8187-7dfdf9621155 Classically Speaking: Wide Awake With Pianist Lara Downes Sun, 27 Sep 2020 11:00:00 -0000 https://beta.prx.org/stories/340325 If you’ve been riding a wave of insomnia for the last few months, you’re not alone. That’s why pianist Lara Downes put together The Bedtime Sessions, an album of lullabies. This collection of soothing music includes Downes’s signature expansion of the pianistic canon. Including music by Florence Price, William Grant Still, and Leonard Bernstein, all performed by Downes herself, as well as a piece by Margaret Bonds performed by Downes along with Rhiannon Giddens.

]]> Pianist Lara Downes discusses her new release The Bedtime Sessions and how she’s expanding the canon of repertoire. full 20:05 Nashville Public Radio If you’ve been riding a wave of insomnia for the last few months, you’re not alone. That’s why pianist Lara Downes put together The Bedtime Sessions, an album of lullabies. This collection of soothing music includes Downes’s signature expansion of the pianistic canon. Including music by Florence Price, William Grant Still, and Leonard Bernstein, all performed by Downes herself, as well as a piece by Margaret Bonds performed by Downes along with Rhiannon Giddens.

]]> classical music, music, pianist, piano, piano music prx_243_639fcf5e-41b5-41fd-b9b9-1b52a4b84a58 Three Superconductors Take On 2020 Mon, 07 Sep 2020 10:00:00 -0000 https://beta.prx.org/stories/337737 With a post-coronavirus return to music-making on the horizon for American orchestras, these institutions are bringing a renewed commitment to a healthier and more representative environment. We assembled three of the orchestra world’s superheroes to show us how it’s done. Jeri Lynne Johnson, JoAnn Falletta, and Mei-Ann Chen discussed their hopes and their priorities as their ensembles face the rest of 2020.

]]> As orchestras prepare to move forward from closures, JoAnn Falletta, Mei-Ann Chen, and Jeri Lynne Johnson discuss what that world can look like. full 19:07 Nashville Public Radio With a post-coronavirus return to music-making on the horizon for American orchestras, these institutions are bringing a renewed commitment to a healthier and more representative environment. We assembled three of the orchestra world’s superheroes to show us how it’s done. Jeri Lynne Johnson, JoAnn Falletta, and Mei-Ann Chen discussed their hopes and their priorities as their ensembles face the rest of 2020.

]]> prx_243_6e7d5e6b-cfe0-465c-b45b-1bc01468c2b8 Classically Speaking: Bespoke Music Making With Jennifer Higdon Mon, 17 Aug 2020 10:30:33 -0000 https://beta.prx.org/stories/335173 Composer Jennifer Higdon has music for just about any ensemble – orchestra, band, opera, choir… you name it. And her catalog of concerti is just as varied. Including her Concerto for Low Brass and Orchestra, the origin of which she describes in this episode of Classically Speaking. She also tells the story behind “Blue Cathedral,” and how she now feels that particular piece “belongs to the world.” Plus, why she’s helped many young band students remember to have a pencil on their music stand.

]]> Composer Jennifer Higdon has music that’s a perfect fit for just about any ensemble or occasion. full 23:21 Nashville Public Radio Composer Jennifer Higdon has music for just about any ensemble – orchestra, band, opera, choir… you name it. And her catalog of concerti is just as varied. Including her Concerto for Low Brass and Orchestra, the origin of which she describes in this episode of Classically Speaking. She also tells the story behind “Blue Cathedral,” and how she now feels that particular piece “belongs to the world.” Plus, why she’s helped many young band students remember to have a pencil on their music stand.

]]> brass, classical music, composer, concerto, music, orchestra, symphony, trombone, tuba prx_243_c5331804-e1b1-4d6e-a65e-d54eecb87526 Classically Speaking: Joann Falletta, A Pair Of Lovers, And A Waltz Mon, 03 Aug 2020 13:43:04 -0000 https://91classical.org/post/classically-speaking-joann-falletta-a-pair-of-lovers-and-a-waltz/ “Romeo and Juliet” is a tale of woe. And actually, so is “La Valse.” Conductor Joann Falletta paired these pieces together for a program of music by Sergei Prokofiev and Maurice Ravel. Two pieces with fascinating history and devastating stories are the subject of this Classically Speaking. Musical performances are by the Buffalo Philharmonic, the London Philharmonic, and the Nashville Symphony. 

]]> Conductor Joann Falletta brings two tales of woe with lush musical scores. full 22:45 Nashville Public Radio “Romeo and Juliet” is a tale of woe. And actually, so is “La Valse.” Conductor Joann Falletta paired these pieces together for a program of music by Sergei Prokofiev and Maurice Ravel. Two pieces with fascinating history and devastating stories are the subject of this Classically Speaking. Musical performances are by the Buffalo Philharmonic, the London Philharmonic, and the Nashville Symphony. 

]]> ballet, classical music, conducting, music prx_243_8f784383-b740-41c6-9e9e-3f0b917e608c Classically Speaking: Not A Moment Too Soon - Joel Thompson and "The Seven Last Words Of The Unarmed" Mon, 27 Jul 2020 08:00:00 -0000 https://91classical.org/post/classically-speaking-not-a-moment-too-soon-joel-thompson-and-the-seven-last-words-of-the-unarmed/   The biblical Seven Last Words of Christ are vulnerable and humanizing. That’s the same effect the seven last words of unarmed Black men who were killed in the last decade had on composer Joel Thompson. So, he set them to music. And performances of the piece have been starting conversations ever since. Hear from the Thompson and a panel of musicians, administrators, and clergy, on Classically Speaking. Find it wherever you get your podcasts, or on 91Classical.org        

]]> Joel Thompson’s “Seven Last Words of the Unarmed” serves as an example of advocacy in the arts in a panel discussion hosted by Classically Speaking. full 21:09 Nashville Public Radio   The biblical Seven Last Words of Christ are vulnerable and humanizing. That’s the same effect the seven last words of unarmed Black men who were killed in the last decade had on composer Joel Thompson. So, he set them to music. And performances of the piece have been starting conversations ever since. Hear from the Thompson and a panel of musicians, administrators, and clergy, on Classically Speaking. Find it wherever you get your podcasts, or on 91Classical.org        

]]> black lives matter, choir, classical music, composition, music prx_243_73453156-3674-46fe-9039-413dc718e937 Music Should Face The Moment - Garrett McQueen And Scott Blankenship Mon, 13 Jul 2020 10:00:00 -0000 https://beta.prx.org/stories/329951 While protests overnight in Minneapolis following the death of George Floyd, Garrett McQueen and Scott Blankenship had the task of getting to work and hosting overnight classical music on the radio in nearby St. Paul. The story of that night, plus music for the historic time where we find ourselves, and a look at Trilloquy – the podcast where Garrett and Scott challenge the definition of classical music.

Featuring: “Five O’Clock Waltz” by Cristina Spinei, “The Seven Last Words of the Unarmed” by Joel Thompson, Symphony No. 9 by Antonin Dvorak, “Grover’s Corners” from “Our Town” by Aaron Copland, Hip-Hop’s Love Ballad by Thee Phantom and Phoenix, “Confessions” by Sudanese Archives, “Scheherazade” by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, and “Lift Every Voice and Sing” arranged by Titus Underwood. Find Trilloquy at Trilloquy.org.

]]> Garrett McQueen and Scott Blankenship are ready to challenge your definition of classical music. full 22:36 Nashville Public Radio While protests overnight in Minneapolis following the death of George Floyd, Garrett McQueen and Scott Blankenship had the task of getting to work and hosting overnight classical music on the radio in nearby St. Paul. The story of that night, plus music for the historic time where we find ourselves, and a look at Trilloquy – the podcast where Garrett and Scott challenge the definition of classical music.

Featuring: “Five O’Clock Waltz” by Cristina Spinei, “The Seven Last Words of the Unarmed” by Joel Thompson, Symphony No. 9 by Antonin Dvorak, “Grover’s Corners” from “Our Town” by Aaron Copland, Hip-Hop’s Love Ballad by Thee Phantom and Phoenix, “Confessions” by Sudanese Archives, “Scheherazade” by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, and “Lift Every Voice and Sing” arranged by Titus Underwood. Find Trilloquy at Trilloquy.org.

]]> Black Lives Matter, classical music, music, podcasts, radio prx_243_937530f6-5ca5-4b34-b5a2-a26e39dd8ae8  Video And The Radio Star Mon, 22 Jun 2020 08:00:00 -0000 https://beta.prx.org/stories/326753 Doors are locked, auditoriums are empty, and no tickets have been sold. In the middle of an unprecedented concert hall closure, virtual music making is the only path forward for a while. Virtual choirs are putting forth the image of what they would do in person, while some of Nashville’s youngest musicians are making digital connections to senior citizens. Meanwhile, protests continue across the country. Classically Speaking is not going to ignore this moment, but first we wanted to spotlight the voices of two podcasts that feature Black creators. “Overture” to “Trilloquy” Season 2 includes a look at Joel Thompson’s “Seven Last Words of the Unarmed” plus host Garrett McQueen’s description of working just blocks away from Minneapolis protests. Also, “We Can’t Breathe…Again” is an episode of Delanie Harris and Katie Brown’s podcast “Classically Black.” 

]]> Doors are locked, auditoriums are empty, and no tickets have been sold. In the middle of an unprecedented concert hall closure, virtual music making is the only path forward for a while. Virtual choirs are putting forth the image of what they would do in person, while some of Nashville’s youngest musicians are making digital connections to senior citizens. full 30 09:56 Nashville Public Radio Doors are locked, auditoriums are empty, and no tickets have been sold. In the middle of an unprecedented concert hall closure, virtual music making is the only path forward for a while. Virtual choirs are putting forth the image of what they would do in person, while some of Nashville’s youngest musicians are making digital connections to senior citizens. Meanwhile, protests continue across the country. Classically Speaking is not going to ignore this moment, but first we wanted to spotlight the voices of two podcasts that feature Black creators. “Overture” to “Trilloquy” Season 2 includes a look at Joel Thompson’s “Seven Last Words of the Unarmed” plus host Garrett McQueen’s description of working just blocks away from Minneapolis protests. Also, “We Can’t Breathe…Again” is an episode of Delanie Harris and Katie Brown’s podcast “Classically Black.” 

]]> prx_243_e1e2d339-05be-45a3-b731-3107bfdea7dc Erin Hall And The Great Comeback Mon, 25 May 2020 20:52:08 -0000 https://91classical.org/post/classically-speaking-erin-hall-and-the-great-comeback/ Nashville Symphony Assistant Concertmaster Erin Hall has words of wisdom for those who are taking a forced break from playing their instrument. full 29 09:17 Nashville Public Radio Nashville Symphony Assistant Concertmaster Erin Hall has words of wisdom for those who are taking a forced break from playing their instrument. prx_243_ac6d83c9-0b88-4987-a37a-678cc1fd9ee2 The Happy Hour Expert, Harpist Kirsten Agresta Copley Mon, 27 Apr 2020 08:00:00 -0000 https://91classical.org/post/classically-speaking-the-happy-hour-expert-harpist-kirsten-agresta-copley/ One year ago how many of us would have predicted that our spring would be filled with meetings and social calls over video-conference? Even happy hour, the perennial post-work get-together has been transferred, in many cases to Zoom and Google Hangouts. As Classically Speaking continues to document these unprecedented times, it felt like the right moment to consult an expert in happy hours.

Harpist Kirsten Agresta Copley is experienced with these situations, and gave her advice for transferring them to the digital world. She, like so many musicians, is looking forward to being with a live audience once again. But she's also been working to translate as much of her work as possible to an online format.

]]> Harpist Kirsten Agresta Copley gives her advice for transferring musical happy hours to the digital world. full 28 09:32 Nashville Public Radio One year ago how many of us would have predicted that our spring would be filled with meetings and social calls over video-conference? Even happy hour, the perennial post-work get-together has been transferred, in many cases to Zoom and Google Hangouts. As Classically Speaking continues to document these unprecedented times, it felt like the right moment to consult an expert in happy hours.

Harpist Kirsten Agresta Copley is experienced with these situations, and gave her advice for transferring them to the digital world. She, like so many musicians, is looking forward to being with a live audience once again. But she's also been working to translate as much of her work as possible to an online format.

]]> prx_243_05c1971f-5d47-4e4b-8845-6e7d71e60bdd Safe At Home And Making Music Mon, 20 Apr 2020 08:00:00 -0000 https://91classical.org/post/classically-speaking-safe-at-home-and-making-music/ A dispatch from social isolation with musician Matthew Phelps. 

]]> A dispatch from social isolation with musician Matthew Phelps.  bonus 27 09:34 Nashville Public Radio A dispatch from social isolation with musician Matthew Phelps. 

]]> prx_243_f32ea41a-aeb6-4e01-99f1-7ef3efe70ec6 Two Horns Take The Stage Mon, 16 Mar 2020 21:17:58 -0000 https://91classical.org/classically-speaking-two-horns-take-the-stage While the English horn and the French horn couldn’t be much more different as instruments, the Nashville Symphony has given both their time to shine, thanks to the talents of Roger Wiesmeyer and Leslie Norton. Norton answers the audience’s most burning questions about the French horn. And Wiesmeyer describes making peace with the oboe and English horn’s inherent quirks. Both players do so through the lens of stunning pieces of solo playing from recent seasons.

]]> While the English horn and the French horn couldn’t be much more different as instruments, the Nashville Symphony has given both their time to shine, thanks to the talents of Roger Wiesmeyer and Leslie Norton. full 26 27:14 Nashville Public Radio While the English horn and the French horn couldn’t be much more different as instruments, the Nashville Symphony has given both their time to shine, thanks to the talents of Roger Wiesmeyer and Leslie Norton. Norton answers the audience’s most burning questions about the French horn. And Wiesmeyer describes making peace with the oboe and English horn’s inherent quirks. Both players do so through the lens of stunning pieces of solo playing from recent seasons.

]]> prx_243_1a8d0383-4e53-4d11-94e1-f313bae77002 Jazz In C Mon, 02 Mar 2020 09:00:00 -0000 https://91classical.org/post/classically-speaking-jazz-in-c/ Hear something new in this mixtape of performances from Live in Studio C. Classical meets jazz in four very different ways, as local artists bring the crossover. Performances by guitarist Richard Todd, Duo Versal, Avila Joy Strings, and the Tachoir Duo. Music by Frederic Hand, Paulo Olivera, Melanie Alvey, and the Tachoir Duo.

]]>  Classical music meets jazz in this Live in Studio C mixtape. full 25:20 Nashville Public Radio Hear something new in this mixtape of performances from Live in Studio C. Classical meets jazz in four very different ways, as local artists bring the crossover. Performances by guitarist Richard Todd, Duo Versal, Avila Joy Strings, and the Tachoir Duo. Music by Frederic Hand, Paulo Olivera, Melanie Alvey, and the Tachoir Duo.

]]> prx_243_e026dfc9-10e8-49d5-8f18-d4085d1d8a2e Clara Schumann's 200th Birthday Party, Part 2 Mon, 24 Feb 2020 09:00:00 -0000 https://91classical.org/category/classically-speaking/ To celebrate the bicentennial of one of the most important musicians of the Romantic era, 91Classical held a two-week festival of concerts, broadcasts, and storytelling in her honor. Join Vanderbilt history professor Jim Lovensheimer to learn all about the remarkable life of Clara Schumann in a special two-part episode.

]]> Mixed with performances of her music, historian Jim Lovensheimer tells the remarkable life story of Clara Schumann in this two-part episode. full 20:34 Nashville Public Radio To celebrate the bicentennial of one of the most important musicians of the Romantic era, 91Classical held a two-week festival of concerts, broadcasts, and storytelling in her honor. Join Vanderbilt history professor Jim Lovensheimer to learn all about the remarkable life of Clara Schumann in a special two-part episode.

]]> prx_243_dc1b367e-9c7d-4995-b1f1-7064b57c38e5 Clara Schumann's 200th Birthday Party, Part 1 Mon, 17 Feb 2020 09:00:00 -0000 https://91classical.org/post/classically-speaking-clara-schumann-at-200-part-1 To celebrate the bicentennial of one of the most important musicians of the Romantic era, 91Classical held a two-week festival of concerts, broadcasts, and storytelling in her honor. Join Vanderbilt history professor Jim Lovensheimer to learn all about the remarkable life of Clara Schumann in a special two-part episode. 

]]> Mixed with performances of her music, historian Jim Lovensheimer tells the remarkable life story of Clara Schumann in this two-part episode.  full 23 26:03 Nashville Public Radio To celebrate the bicentennial of one of the most important musicians of the Romantic era, 91Classical held a two-week festival of concerts, broadcasts, and storytelling in her honor. Join Vanderbilt history professor Jim Lovensheimer to learn all about the remarkable life of Clara Schumann in a special two-part episode. 

]]> classical music prx_243_1134cf43-2bd1-47f8-958f-3d294818f4bc  Stephen Hough And The Seven “Con Fuoco” Mon, 03 Feb 2020 09:00:00 -0000 https://91classical.org/post/classically-speaking-stephen-hough-and-the-seven-con-fuoco/ On the eve of a performance of Felix Mendelssohn’s “Piano Concerto No.1” pianist Stephen Hough finds the fire in the piece – implied by the seven times the composer indicates it should be played “con fuoco” (“with fire”). Hough even describes how the pianist chooses which instrument to play on a givenweekend, anddescribes playing it on Queen Victoria’s piano at Royal Albert Hall.

]]> On the eve of a performance of Felix Mendelssohn’s “Piano Concerto No.1” pianist Stephen Hough finds the fire in the piece. full 23:50 Nashville Public Radio On the eve of a performance of Felix Mendelssohn’s “Piano Concerto No.1” pianist Stephen Hough finds the fire in the piece – implied by the seven times the composer indicates it should be played “con fuoco” (“with fire”). Hough even describes how the pianist chooses which instrument to play on a givenweekend, anddescribes playing it on Queen Victoria’s piano at Royal Albert Hall.

]]> prx_243_856b2b25-f62a-4ab4-b05e-244c52597ff0 For Rhiannon Giddens, There Is No Other Mon, 20 Jan 2020 10:00:00 -0000 https://91classical.org/post/classically-speaking-for-rhiannon-giddens-there-is-no-other/ When Rhiannon Giddens returned to Nashville to accept the Legacy Award from the Americana Association in thefall of 2019she once again spoke with Classically Speaking. This time she gave exclusive insight into her recent album with FrancescoTurrisi“There is no Other,” as well as a sneak peek at her upcoming opera about Quran scholar Omar Ibn Said.

]]> Rhiannon Giddens gives exclusive insight into the recording of her recent album with Francesco Turrisi, “There is no Other.” full 23:39 Nashville Public Radio When Rhiannon Giddens returned to Nashville to accept the Legacy Award from the Americana Association in thefall of 2019she once again spoke with Classically Speaking. This time she gave exclusive insight into her recent album with FrancescoTurrisi“There is no Other,” as well as a sneak peek at her upcoming opera about Quran scholar Omar Ibn Said.

]]> prx_243_02eeba97-7d08-4602-943a-83915e78c48a Cristina Spinei’s Music For Dance Mon, 02 Dec 2019 10:00:00 -0000 https://91classical.org/post/classically-speaking-cristina-spineis-music-for-dance/ Looped and layered rhythmic lines give Cristina Spinei’s music an amazing amount of motion. This is what has put her work in demand with choreographers. For Nashville Public Radio’s Podcast Party, Spinei wrote a brand new piece of music, which was choreographed by Nashville Ballet company member Gerald Watson. Hear the full piece, and what drew Cristina to Nashville in the first place. Edited by Anita Bugg. Engineered by Carl Pedersen and Cameron Adkins. Recorded live at Nashville’s Children’s Theatre. Includes the world premiere of “In Between” by Cristina Spinei, performed by Alicia Enstrom and Sari Reist. Other music includes “Bootleg Sugar Lips” and “Relics” by Cristina Spinei. 

]]> Learn how Cristina Spinei sets music in motion for dance.  full 18:46 Nashville Public Radio Looped and layered rhythmic lines give Cristina Spinei’s music an amazing amount of motion. This is what has put her work in demand with choreographers. For Nashville Public Radio’s Podcast Party, Spinei wrote a brand new piece of music, which was choreographed by Nashville Ballet company member Gerald Watson. Hear the full piece, and what drew Cristina to Nashville in the first place. Edited by Anita Bugg. Engineered by Carl Pedersen and Cameron Adkins. Recorded live at Nashville’s Children’s Theatre. Includes the world premiere of “In Between” by Cristina Spinei, performed by Alicia Enstrom and Sari Reist. Other music includes “Bootleg Sugar Lips” and “Relics” by Cristina Spinei. 

]]> prx_243_2025aa5e-efe0-4772-953c-240b92822223 The Tearjerkers Mon, 18 Nov 2019 09:00:00 -0000 https://beta.prx.org/stories/299206 Since being used to commemorate the funerals of the likes of FDR, JFK and Albert Einstein, Samuel Barber's famous, lush tearjerker Adagio for Strings has become an unnoficial anthem of communal mourning. But the work has also elicited some very different emotions by appearing in some unexpected places, like an episode of Seinfeld or the floors of a dance club. Take a deep dive into the piece itself.

]]> Explore two closely related works, chosen by two of Middle Tennessee's leading musicians— Kelly Corcoran and Cedric Dent— as examples of music that makes us feel big emotions... and how. full 25:23 Nashville Public Radio Since being used to commemorate the funerals of the likes of FDR, JFK and Albert Einstein, Samuel Barber's famous, lush tearjerker Adagio for Strings has become an unnoficial anthem of communal mourning. But the work has also elicited some very different emotions by appearing in some unexpected places, like an episode of Seinfeld or the floors of a dance club. Take a deep dive into the piece itself.

]]> prx_243_ee564e07-39d2-4b83-8e11-b79d6db01310 After Inspiration, Before Notation Mon, 04 Nov 2019 08:00:00 -0000 https://www.nashvillepublicradio.org/post/classically-speaking-after-inspiration-notation For every piece of music that's ever been notated there's a moment, however brief, where the composer has the inspiration, but nothing is yet written down.

That's where the conversation begins with TJ Cole. She visited Nashville in 2018 to get to know Intersection and Nashville in Harmony. The two groups had co-commissioned a piece of music on the theme of gender identity. Cole discussed her ideas, and agreed to meet us again when the piece was set to premiere.

When she came back? She had something completely different than what she had planned. Mostly due to how inspired she was by individual testimonials from members of Nashville in Harmony.

]]> For every piece of music that's ever been notated there's a moment, however brief, where the composer has the inspiration, but nothing is yet written down. full 23:18 Nashville Public Radio For every piece of music that's ever been notated there's a moment, however brief, where the composer has the inspiration, but nothing is yet written down.

That's where the conversation begins with TJ Cole. She visited Nashville in 2018 to get to know Intersection and Nashville in Harmony. The two groups had co-commissioned a piece of music on the theme of gender identity. Cole discussed her ideas, and agreed to meet us again when the piece was set to premiere.

When she came back? She had something completely different than what she had planned. Mostly due to how inspired she was by individual testimonials from members of Nashville in Harmony.

]]> prx_243_841c14f1-82ff-4dc7-afda-f4a3607c1ee4 Hearing Beethoven Mon, 14 Oct 2019 09:00:00 -0000 https://www.nashvillepublicradio.org/post/classically-speaking-hearing-beethoven As a musicologist, Dr. Robin Wallace has devoted much of his career to studying Beethoven. 

Then his wife, Barbara, went deaf. 

In this episode of Classically Speaking, Wallace discusses how Barbara's adjustments to deafness lead him to new insights and inspired his latest book, Hearing Beethoven: A Story of Musical Loss and Discovery. In it, Wallace busts some major Beethoven myths and challenges some of the conventional ways the hearing world thinks about the composer's deafness. 

]]> Dr. Robin Wallace discusses how his wife's own adjustments to deafness gave him new insight into Beethoven's experiences. full 19:18 Nashville Public Radio As a musicologist, Dr. Robin Wallace has devoted much of his career to studying Beethoven. 

Then his wife, Barbara, went deaf. 

In this episode of Classically Speaking, Wallace discusses how Barbara's adjustments to deafness lead him to new insights and inspired his latest book, Hearing Beethoven: A Story of Musical Loss and Discovery. In it, Wallace busts some major Beethoven myths and challenges some of the conventional ways the hearing world thinks about the composer's deafness. 

]]> Beethoven, Classical Music, Deafness, Orchestra, Piano prx_243_333c16c6-b97b-4f61-b2f7-5ed3354d169d Hannibal Lokumbe and the Sacred Covenant of Music Mon, 30 Sep 2019 09:00:00 -0000 https://www.nashvillepublicradio.org/post/classically-speaking-hannibal-lokumbe-and-sacred-covenant-music Hannibal Lokumbe is not caught up in what classical music "should" be. On his visit to Nashville this past winter for a residency with local chamber ensemble Intersection, the main event was a performance of his massive piece Crucifixion/Resurrection: 9 Souls A Traveling. The work is massive and emotional - a large scale choral/orchestral requiem for the Charleston Nine. But Lokumbe also made time for public speaking on the topics of mass incarceration, the spiritual existence of people of color, and the life of Fannie Lou Hamer. When he spent time with 91Classical he spoke a little bit about all of these topics, as well as his history on his family's farm, and how he finds artistic inspiration from his ancestors.

]]> Hannibal Lokumbe is not caught up in what classical music "should" be. full 16 24:45 Nashville Public Radio Hannibal Lokumbe is not caught up in what classical music "should" be. On his visit to Nashville this past winter for a residency with local chamber ensemble Intersection, the main event was a performance of his massive piece Crucifixion/Resurrection: 9 Souls A Traveling. The work is massive and emotional - a large scale choral/orchestral requiem for the Charleston Nine. But Lokumbe also made time for public speaking on the topics of mass incarceration, the spiritual existence of people of color, and the life of Fannie Lou Hamer. When he spent time with 91Classical he spoke a little bit about all of these topics, as well as his history on his family's farm, and how he finds artistic inspiration from his ancestors.

]]> Classical Music, Fine Arts, Jazz, Music, Music Education, Performing Arts prx_243_eae93ddb-6efa-4b6d-8a8c-3938b341b4d8 Cheap Trills Live At PodX Mon, 26 Aug 2019 08:00:00 -0000 https://www.nashvillepublicradio.org/post/classically-speaking-cheap-trills-live-podx Four friends got together and started a band? That's so Nashville. The friends are a violinist, cellist, lute player, and countertenor? Yep. Still very Nashville. 

When Classically Speaking was invited to produce a live episode recording at national podcasting conference PodX, we wanted to showcase an ensemble that's worked hand in hand with 91Classical since the beginning. Cheap Trills made their debut on Live in Studio C, and even let our audience "name the band" in the fall of 2018. 

In this episode you'll hear three full pieces of music performed live by the ensemble, including an aria by J.S. Bach, a spiritual, and a tune by Stevie Wonder. All arranged in collaboration among the members of the group. This kind of team work is a great introduction to Nashville's classical music scene.

]]> Four friends got together and started a band? That's so Nashville. The friends are a violinist, cellist, lute player, and countertenor? Yep. Still very Nashville.  full 15 42:54 Nashville Public Radio Four friends got together and started a band? That's so Nashville. The friends are a violinist, cellist, lute player, and countertenor? Yep. Still very Nashville. 

When Classically Speaking was invited to produce a live episode recording at national podcasting conference PodX, we wanted to showcase an ensemble that's worked hand in hand with 91Classical since the beginning. Cheap Trills made their debut on Live in Studio C, and even let our audience "name the band" in the fall of 2018. 

In this episode you'll hear three full pieces of music performed live by the ensemble, including an aria by J.S. Bach, a spiritual, and a tune by Stevie Wonder. All arranged in collaboration among the members of the group. This kind of team work is a great introduction to Nashville's classical music scene.

]]> prx_243_550d5bc8-3711-40d7-ab10-14a6c0faa1d0 Ben Folds Is The Rock Star Who Wrote A Concerto Mon, 29 Jul 2019 08:00:00 -0000 https://www.nashvillepublicradio.org/post/classically-speaking-ben-folds-rock-star-who-wrote-concerto When you've been playing in a rock band for your whole career the way Ben Folds has, getting in front of a huge symphony orchestra feels completely different. 

In writing his Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, Folds was composing a piece for the dancers of Nashville Ballet, while at the same time telling hThe concerto was released as part of Folds's album So There, which also includes his collaboration with classical ensemble YMusic. In this video from a CBS broadcast in 2015 you can see the partnership in action. is own story: that of a rock pianist composing a concerto. In this Classically Speaking interview, he compares composition to songwriting, and concerto playing to rock. 

The concerto was released as part of Folds's album So There, which also includes his collaboration with classical ensemble YMusic. In this video from a CBS broadcast in 2015 you can see the partnership in action. 

]]> When you've been playing in a rock band for your whole career the way Ben Folds has, getting in front of a huge symphony orchestra feels completely different.  full 21:49 Nashville Public Radio When you've been playing in a rock band for your whole career the way Ben Folds has, getting in front of a huge symphony orchestra feels completely different. 

In writing his Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, Folds was composing a piece for the dancers of Nashville Ballet, while at the same time telling hThe concerto was released as part of Folds's album So There, which also includes his collaboration with classical ensemble YMusic. In this video from a CBS broadcast in 2015 you can see the partnership in action. is own story: that of a rock pianist composing a concerto. In this Classically Speaking interview, he compares composition to songwriting, and concerto playing to rock. 

The concerto was released as part of Folds's album So There, which also includes his collaboration with classical ensemble YMusic. In this video from a CBS broadcast in 2015 you can see the partnership in action. 

]]> 51958 as https://wpln.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net Heart Is There Mon, 15 Jul 2019 10:00:00 -0000 https://wpln.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/classically-speaking-heart-there For Wu Fei, playing by heart doesn't mean playing from memory. It means improvisation.

]]> For Wu Fei, playing by heart doesn't mean playing from memory. It means improvisation. full 13 23:09 Colleen Phelps For Wu Fei, playing by heart doesn't mean playing from memory. It means improvisation.

]]> 50313 as https://wpln.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net A Fiddle Has Strings Mon, 29 Apr 2019 10:00:00 -0000 https://wpln.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/classically-speaking-fiddle-has-strings This Classically Speaking mixtape walks across the fine line between classical music and American folk music.

]]> This Classically Speaking mixtape walks across the fine line between classical music and American folk music. full 12 17:25 Colleen Phelps This Classically Speaking mixtape walks across the fine line between classical music and American folk music.

]]> 49930 as https://wpln.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net Roller Coaster In G Minor Mon, 15 Apr 2019 09:00:00 -0000 https://wpln.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/classically-speaking-roller-coaster-g-minor Robert Schumann was just 20 years old when he started composing his Piano Sonata No. 2 in G minor, Op. 22 in 1830. It took him eight years to complete it, and over the course of that time Schumann experienced both major setbacks and tremendous joy – emotions you can feel in the contours of the sonata.

]]> Robert Schumann was just 20 years old when he started composing his Piano Sonata No. 2 in G minor, Op. 22 in 1830. It took him eight years to complete it, and over the course of that time Schumann experienced both major setbacks and tremendous joy – full 11 17:52 Kara McLeland Robert Schumann was just 20 years old when he started composing his Piano Sonata No. 2 in G minor, Op. 22 in 1830. It took him eight years to complete it, and over the course of that time Schumann experienced both major setbacks and tremendous joy – emotions you can feel in the contours of the sonata.

]]> 49171 as https://wpln.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net Rhiannon Giddens Hath Her Wish, Hast Thy Will Mon, 18 Mar 2019 08:00:00 -0000 https://wpln.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/classically-speaking-rhiannon-giddens-hath-her-wish-hast-thy-will While thoughts of love, sex and power dominate Nashville Ballet's Lucy Negro Redux, for Rhiannon Giddens the work is about uncovering a hidden part of history.

]]> While thoughts of love, sex and power dominate Nashville Ballet's Lucy Negro Redux, for Rhiannon Giddens the work is about uncovering a hidden part of history. full 10 21:39 Colleen Phelps While thoughts of love, sex and power dominate Nashville Ballet's Lucy Negro Redux, for Rhiannon Giddens the work is about uncovering a hidden part of history.

]]> 48507 as https://wpln.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net The Youngest Organist In Methodism Mon, 25 Feb 2019 13:06:26 -0000 https://wpln.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/classically-speaking-youngest-organist-methodism Wilma Jensen, soon to turn age 90, has come a long way since the first mention of her playing in print, calling her "the youngest organist in Methodism." Although, given that she was 11 years old at the time, the author was probably correct.

]]> Wilma Jensen, soon to turn age 90, has come a long way since the first mention of her playing in print, calling her "the youngest organist in Methodism." Although, given that she was 11 years old at the time, the author was probably correct. full 9 18:22 Colleen Phelps Wilma Jensen, soon to turn age 90, has come a long way since the first mention of her playing in print, calling her "the youngest organist in Methodism." Although, given that she was 11 years old at the time, the author was probably correct.

]]> 47379 as https://wpln.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net That Sounds Different Mon, 28 Jan 2019 08:17:00 -0000 https://wpln.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/classically-speaking-sounds-different Not every instrument you hear on 91Classical can be found in the orchestra.

]]> Not every instrument you hear on 91Classical can be found in the orchestra. full 8 26:02 Colleen Phelps Not every instrument you hear on 91Classical can be found in the orchestra.

]]> 46163 as https://wpln.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net Love, Magic And A Mechanical Tree Wed, 12 Dec 2018 10:26:00 -0000 https://wpln.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/classically-speaking-love-magic-and-mechanical-tree Nashville Ballet Artistic Director Paul Vasterling says that Tchaikovsky's ballet The Nutcracker is all about magic.

]]> Nashville Ballet Artistic Director Paul Vasterling says that Tchaikovsky's ballet The Nutcracker is all about magic. full 7 19:37 Colleen Phelps Nashville Ballet Artistic Director Paul Vasterling says that Tchaikovsky's ballet The Nutcracker is all about magic.

]]> 45444 as https://wpln.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net Playing Hope And History Wed, 14 Nov 2018 10:17:00 -0000 https://wpln.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/classically-speaking-6-jun-iwasaki The Violins of Hope took residence in Nashville in early 2018. For months, they were displayed, discussed, and even played.

]]> The Violins of Hope took residence in Nashville in early 2018. For months, they were displayed, discussed, and even played. full 6 18:25 Colleen Phelps The Violins of Hope took residence in Nashville in early 2018. For months, they were displayed, discussed, and even played.

]]> 45169 as https://wpln.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net Once More The Fate Motive Wed, 07 Nov 2018 11:03:00 -0000 https://wpln.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/classically-speaking-5-giancarlo-guerrero There's an unspoken rule in classical music that 5th symphonies are not to be taken lightly.

]]> There's an unspoken rule in classical music that 5th symphonies are not to be taken lightly. full 5 23:12 Colleen Phelps There's an unspoken rule in classical music that 5th symphonies are not to be taken lightly.

]]> 44788 as https://wpln.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net Thus Spoke The Timpanist Wed, 31 Oct 2018 09:46:00 -0000 https://wpln.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/classically-speaking-4-joshua-hickman There is a section of the orchestra that is not always in the same place. Sometimes they are up, sometimes down. Sometimes they sit on stage for a half hour before they play a single note. But when it's their turn, you definitely hear them: it's the percussion section.

]]> There is a section of the orchestra that is not always in the same place. Sometimes they are up, sometimes down. Sometimes they sit on stage for a half hour before they play a single note. But when it's their turn, you definitely hear them: it's the full 4 24:16 Colleen Phelps There is a section of the orchestra that is not always in the same place. Sometimes they are up, sometimes down. Sometimes they sit on stage for a half hour before they play a single note. But when it's their turn, you definitely hear them: it's the percussion section.

]]> 44061 as https://wpln.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net And There Was Light Wed, 17 Oct 2018 09:00:00 -0000 https://wpln.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/classically-speaking-3-chorus-director-tucker-biddlecombe In 1795 composer Franz Josef Haydn was handed a libretto — something for which a symphonist would have no need. The title was "The Creation of the World." Nashville Symphony Chorus director Tucker Biddlecombe describes the piece it became, Haydn's Creation , as a gateway piece of orchestral music for choral singers.

]]> In 1795 composer Franz Josef Haydn was handed a libretto — something for which a symphonist would have no need. The title was "The Creation of the World." Nashville Symphony Chorus director Tucker Biddlecombe describes the piece it became, Haydn's full 3 20:45 Colleen Phelps In 1795 composer Franz Josef Haydn was handed a libretto — something for which a symphonist would have no need. The title was "The Creation of the World." Nashville Symphony Chorus director Tucker Biddlecombe describes the piece it became, Haydn's Creation , as a gateway piece of orchestral music for choral singers.

]]> 43934 as https://wpln.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net For The Hundredth Time Wed, 10 Oct 2018 09:17:00 -0000 https://wpln.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/classically-speaking-2-pianist-yefim-bronfman When asked to estimate how many times he has performed Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3 in C min, Op. 37 , Yefim Bronfman leaned back, sighed, and guessed, "Oh... surely at least 100 times."

]]> When asked to estimate how many times he has performed Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3 in C min, Op. 37 , Yefim Bronfman leaned back, sighed, and guessed, "Oh... surely at least 100 times." full 2 18:10 Colleen Phelps When asked to estimate how many times he has performed Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3 in C min, Op. 37 , Yefim Bronfman leaned back, sighed, and guessed, "Oh... surely at least 100 times."

]]> 43810 as https://wpln.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net Christopher Rouse Does Not Play An Instrument Wed, 03 Oct 2018 13:15:03 -0000 https://wpln.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/classically-speaking-1-composer-christopher-rouse "Short, short, short, long" is not so exciting when you read it out in words. But for composers Ludwig van Beethoven and Christopher Rouse, it was fate set to music.

]]> "Short, short, short, long" is not so exciting when you read it out in words. But for composers Ludwig van Beethoven and Christopher Rouse, it was fate set to music. full 1 24:04 Colleen Phelps "Short, short, short, long" is not so exciting when you read it out in words. But for composers Ludwig van Beethoven and Christopher Rouse, it was fate set to music.

]]> prx_243_953a4185-37cf-4117-9ece-56979d8dceda Trailer Mon, 01 Oct 2018 13:41:54 -0000 https://91classical.org/category/classically-speaking/ Classically Speaking is a classical music podcast that brings you in close to the people behind classical music in Nashville — from the Nashville Symphony to the city's most experimental ensembles. Listen in as musician and host Colleen Phelps talks one-on-one with composers, conductors and instrumentalists to give you an in-depth look at life in the orchestra.

]]> Listen in as musician and host Colleen Phelps talks one-on-one with composers, conductors and instrumentalists to give you an in-depth look at life in the orchestra. trailer 01:42 Nashville Public Radio Classically Speaking is a classical music podcast that brings you in close to the people behind classical music in Nashville — from the Nashville Symphony to the city's most experimental ensembles. Listen in as musician and host Colleen Phelps talks one-on-one with composers, conductors and instrumentalists to give you an in-depth look at life in the orchestra.

]]> adfree