logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2021
52m 18s

Bach Chaconne for Solo Violin

JOSHUA WEILERSTEIN
About this episode

The Bach Chaconne is one of the great masterpieces of Western Classical Music, and today we're going to be diving straight into this monumental work. We'll talk about the legends behind its composition, the work itself, different interpretations of the piece, and its many many arrangements. As Brahms wrote about the piece: "On one stave, for a small instrument, the man writes a whole world of the deepest thoughts and most powerful feelings." Join us to discuss this towering artistic achievement!

Up next
Jul 23
Scriabin Poem of Ecstasy
Thence the universe resounds With a joyful cry I AM. These are the final lines of Alexander Scriabin's epic Poem of Ecstasy, a 300-line poem that takes nearly 10 minutes to read aloud and is one of the most surreal texts in the world. Scriabin wrote a Poem of Ecstasy in text and ... Show More
51m 4s
Jul 10
Sibelius Tapiola
Ancient, mysterious, brooding savage dreams; Within them dwells the Forest's mighty God, And wood-sprites in the gloom weave magic secrets. These lines are affixed to the first page of Sibelius' tone poem Tapiola, a piece that is mysterious in many ways and stands as Sibelius' la ... Show More
47m 3s
Jun 25
Arthur Honneger, Symphony No. 3, "Liturgique"
In the aftermath of World War II, the Swiss composer Arthur Honegger, who had been living in occupied Paris throughout the war, wrote a new symphony entitled "Liturgical." He wrote an extended commentary on the piece, which included these lines: "My intention in this work was to ... Show More
53m 4s
Recommended Episodes
May 2023
Chamber Music Month
Works include: Schumann's Violin Sonata #1, Bach's Brandenburg Concerto #2, Brahms' Horn Trio, Vivaldi's Cello Sonata #1 and Varese's Ionization. 
40m 36s
Nov 2009
Bach: Goldberg Variations BWV 988 : I
This is the first variation on the Aria from Bach's famous Goldberg Variations. This set of variations on a simple Aria is one of the greatest keyboard works available. Bach demonstrates his unique capability to compose so many different styles of music within the constraints of ... Show More
2m 36s
May 2010
Bach: Invention No. 1 in C Major
Bach's Invention No. 1 in C Major is one of his most well-known works, as it typically makes it into the repertory of most piano students. As a result, I decided I had better make a recording of it. I hope you enjoy my sight-reading recording of Bach's Invention No. 1 in C Major! ... Show More
1m 26s
Mar 2010
Bach's Goldberg Variations
Bach wrote his Goldberg Variations for harpsichord in the 1740s, but today it's performed by pianists all over the world. People describe the place these pieces have in their lives. This includes: * A neuroscientist from New York * Pianist Angela Hewitt * A father driving his fam ... Show More
27m 40s
Dec 2008
Bach: Minuet in G
One of Bach's most well-known works is this excerpt from his Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach. It is a delightful melody that is simple to learn and easy to appreciate. I hope you enjoy my recording of Bach's famous Minuet in G (sometimes spelled as Menuet in G - both are correct ... Show More
1m 17s
Jul 2021
Bach: Master of the Baroque
This week, we’re wrapping up our time in the Baroque Era by looking at its greatest composer, Johann Sebastian Bach! If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a comment, and share with your friends! Check us out in Patreon to support our channel: https://www.patreon.com/ ... Show More
2h 8m
Jan 2024
Let's Get Stringy
In today's episode, Stephen and Joanna pour over some of the most passionate music ever performed and conceived - the violin concerto. They explore the mechanics of violin playing, discuss their favourite virtuoso fiddlers and also explore major works by Elgar, Brahms, Tchaikovsk ... Show More
32m 49s