Quintessential Classics

April 10th, 2026

Frédéric Chopin, Ludwig van Beethoven, and more.

Anton Bruckner: The Curse of the Ninth

Many of classical music's most renowned symphonists famously died after writing their ninth symphony (Beethoven, Schubert, Dvořák, etc.), a phenomenon commonly called the "Curse of the Ninth," and Anton Bruckner was no exception. In fact, he actually died before he fully completed his Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, only finishing the first three movements. However, the unfinished symphony works beautifully as it is, possessing a sense of true finality. This magnificent symphony, while in many ways representing the apotheosis of late-19th century German Romanticism, was also truly ahead of its time, with the second movement in particular sounding almost like Stravinsky with its sharp rhythmic bite and intensity. The Berlin Philharmonic and Herbert von Karajan produce a stirring performance, filled with soaring strings and triumphant brass.

Great Italian Violin Concertos

In honor of the Vernal Equinox (the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere), enjoy a beautiful recording of the extraordinarily famous "Spring" from Antonio Vivaldi's The Four Seasons by the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, conductor Sir Neville Marriner, and violin soloist Alan Loveday. This immortal Baroque-era Italian violin concerto is followed by an equally magnificent recording of a quintessential early Romantic-era Italian violin concerto: Niccolò Paganini's Violin Concerto No. 1 in D Major, Op. 6, performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Charles Dutoit, and legendary violinist Salvatore Accardo.

Pure Beethoven

Enjoy this all-Beethoven program, opening with a visceral performance of Beethoven's great Coriolan Overture, Op. 62, performed by the Orchestre Lamoureux and conductor Igor Markevitch, followed by a powerful rendering of Beethoven's one and only Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 61, performed by the Berlin Philharmonic, Herbert von Karajan, and violin soloist Christian Ferras.

The Music of Jean Sibelius

In this episode, listen to two seminal works by the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, an appropriate selection for this snowy winter season. Pieces played include En Saga, performed by the Berlin Philharmonic and Herbert von Karajan, and Symphony No. 3 in C Major, performed by the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Sir Colin Davis.

Lohengrin & Brahms

In this episode, listen to the luminous and powerful prelude to Wagner's early opera Lohengrin, performed by the Vienna Philharmonic and Horst Stein, followed by Brahms's magnificent 1878 Violin Concerto in D Major, widely regarded as one of the finest ever written, performed by the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra and Riccardo Chailly, with soloist Vadim Repin.

Valentine's Day Broadcast

The day before the most romantic holiday of the year, enjoy three brilliant performances of truly romantic pieces by Richard Strauss, Alexander Scriabin, and Richard Wagner.

Johannes Brahms's Orchestral Debut

Bask in the epic grandeur of this legendary recording Brahms's Piano Concerto No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 15, performed by the Berlin Philharmonic, conductor Eugen Jochum, and piano soloist Emil Gilels. This fiery and passionate piece was Brahms's first orchestral work to be performed, and what a debut it was!

October 25th, 2025

Jean Sibelius, Edvard Grieg, and more.

October 11th, 2025

Ludwig van Beethoven, Johann Strauss II, Vulfpeck, and more.

October 4th, 2025

Johannes Brahms, J Dilla, Franz Schubert, Ludwig van Beethoven, and more.

September 27th, 2025

Alice Coltrane, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado, and more.