Classic Ross Amico

Tag: Classical Network

Brahms & Tchaikovsky Anniversary On Air Today

They were like the Felix and Oscar of Romantic music – the high-strung, fastidious Tchaikovsky, and the acerbic, unkempt Brahms. May 7th marks the anniversary of the births of these twin titans of hirsute Romanticism.

The Classical Network will honor both artists with three hours of their music, lovingly assembled by David Osenberg from YOUR requests. These selections, submitted last week, will air today at 12:00, 4:00 & 6:00 p.m. EDT.

I always find it oddly endearing that Brahms and Tchaikovsky were able to look past their personal aversions to one another’s music to actually grow to appreciate their individual qualities as people. There’s a lesson to be learned from that, I think.

Initially, Tchaikovsky might have been right at home posting in a YouTube comments section, confiding to his diary, “I have played over the music of that scoundrel Brahms. What a giftless bastard!”

For his part, Brahms indelicately drifted off to sleep during a rehearsal of Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony – unfortunately, while in the presence of the composer.

According to the pianist Zygmunt Stojowski, “Tchaikovsky’s comment to me was that he would have been deeply hurt had he not, himself, frankly hated the Brahms symphonies.”

The two composers met unexpectedly in Leipzig in 1888. They must have been as surprised as anyone to find themselves actually delighting in one another’s company.

“I’ve been on the booze with Brahms,” Tchaikovsky wrote. “He is tremendously nice – not at all proud as I’d expected but remarkably straightforward and entirely without arrogance. He has a very cheerful disposition, and I must say that the hours I spent in his company have left me with nothing but pleasant memories.”

The following year, the two met again in Hamburg. That’s when Brahms slept through the Fifth Symphony. Tchaikovsky bore it lightly and was convivial throughout the meal they shared afterward. Although Brahms was harsh in his assessment of the last movement of the symphony and Tchaikovsky confessed an overall aversion to Brahms’ style, the evening was full of good cheer and ended with Tchaikovsky inviting Brahms to visit him in Russia.

How large a role alcohol may have played in the two men’s warmth for one another we can only guess. It was not just anyone who could be Brahms’ drinking buddy.

Regardless of their mutual affection, the two never could reconcile themselves to one another’s music. When asked what he thought of a piano trio Brahms had been rehearsing (the Trio in C minor), Tchaikovsky was polite but frank: “Don’t be angry with me, my dear friend, but I did not like it.”

Tune in today to enjoy music by both Brahms and Tchaikovsky, culled from listener-requests, at 12, 3 & 6 p.m., on WWFM – The Classical Network. And while you’re doing so, please consider supporting us during these difficult times, at wwfm.org. Thank you!

May 7, 2020
Brahms Tchaikovsky Birthday Celebration on WWFM

It just works out that way sometimes. Two titans at the top of their respective fields born on the same day. Think Rachmaninoff and Busoni (April 1). Or Kreisler and Heifetz (February 2).

On Thursday, May 7, The Classical Network will honor the dual birthdays of Johannes Brahms (born in 1833) and Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky (born in 1840), by assembling special request hours in their honor.

Have a favorite piece of music by either of these composers? Want to hear a cherished performance? Submit your requests ASAP on the WWFM Facebook page or by email at info@wwfm.org. This will give us time to hunt down the music and put it into production. The earlier you file your request, the greater the likelihood that we’ll be able to get it on air.

Also, we hope that you will renew your membership, perhaps become a member for the very first time, or make an extra gift. Any of these options would assist us greatly during this rocky time.

https://wwwfm.secureallegiance.com/wwfm/WebModule/Donate.aspx?P=DEFAULT&PAGETYPE=PLG&CHECK=vOU2bz5JCWmgCDbf53nm9ezWDeZ%2BeA1M&fbclid=IwAR3YfrpOmdmpCYBl7RQFPQbKf0amDTTbEJxc_7tnPOUbdoKr7cDIsBN731s

Celebrate Brahms. Revel in Tchaikovsky. And thank you for your support of WWFM – The Classical Network and wwfm.org.

Brahms & Tchaik: We few, we happy few, we bearded brothers…

May 3, 2020
Celebrate Bach’s Birthday Support Classical Music

Well, the day is finally upon us – Johann Sebastian Bach’s 335th birthday. And I can’t even get out to buy him a card.

Anyone can share the love, however, by making a donation to WWFM The Classical Network at wwfm.org.

Each year, it has been our custom to honor Bach by amassing 500 listener donations by March 21. We set no minimum. 500 donations IN ANY AMOUNT is what we ask for. When we reach 500, we cut the cake, and we celebrate with something of a Bach blowout.

This year, of course, that has become a bit problematic, but we are still committed to doing what we can to keep Bach in our hearts and on the air waves.

Your contribution supports not only our broadcast of Bach’s music, but also anything else we can lay our hands on that we think is worthwhile that falls under the umbrella of classical music. That’s a thousand years of the best of the best. It’s all made possible thanks to engaged listeners and active listener-support from people just like you.

We realize that money is tight for many during these uncertain times. But if you’re in a position in which you think you can afford it, please consider contributing whatever you can to help us in our ongoing mission. We’ve been here, sharing classical music with our community, since 1982. Thanks to advances in technology, that community now spans the globe.

Is classical music an essential part of your life? Please support it.

It’s convenient, and it’s safe. Simply head over to wwfm.org, and click on “Support” or follow the “Celebrate Bach” link. While you’re there, you can also monitor our progress by consulting the Bach 500 Membership Thermometer. As of Saturday morning, we stand at less than 200 contributions to go.

Make that donation, if you’re able, then join us in hoisting a bock to Bach. Thank you for your continued support of WWFM – The Classical Network and wwfm.org!

March 21, 2020
Mozart’s Humanity Celebrate His Birthday on WWFM

There’s a lot of art in Mozart. But also a lot of humanity.

Join us today on The Classical Network, as we celebrate the 264th anniversary of the birth of Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart – better known as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Current events got you down? Take the long view. This music from over two centuries ago still has the ability to touch our hearts, soothe our minds, and reach into our souls. Mozart’s music reflects what is best in Man.

Tune in for a broad sampling of his extraordinary output, including symphonies, concertos, operas, orchestral, choral, vocal, chamber and instrumental music. If you enjoy it, please support it, with your contribution at wwfm.org.

While you’re at it, pick up a thank you gift. Of course, we’ve a broad array of music-oriented loot. This time around, we’re adding a 2-CD set of Mozart adagios. This is the perfect collection to insulate yourself from the cares of the world.

The saying goes that the best things in life are free, but it sure does cost money for us to bring you the music. We’ve been able to hang in there for 37 years, thanks to the generosity and perspicacity of listeners just like you.

Please call us at 1-888-232-1212, or make your donation online at wwfm.org. Thank you for your continued support of WWFM – The Classical Network!

FUN FACT: Mozart signed his name “Amadeus” only a few times in his life, when he was playing around in letters written in a kind of mock Latin. In fact, “Amadè,” “Amadé,” or simply “Amade” were his preference (“Amadeo” in Italy). He was fairly cavalier in the placement of the accent. It was only on his death certificate that the form “Amadeus” took root. His widow, Constanze, picked up on it and used it in her appeal to the Emperor for a pension (ultimately successful), citing Mozart’s contributions. As her late husband became increasingly venerated, “Amadeus” became the standard.

Of course, we can be as pedantic as we like. But nothing changes the transcendent quality of the music and its enduring ability to elevate our mood.

Find peace with Mozart on WWFM The Classical Network.

January 27, 2020
Happy Birthday Beethoven Celebrate on WWFM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY. BEETHOVEN!

On this date in 1770, Ludwig van Beethoven was born. More than any other composer, Beethoven reimagined and reinvented music of the late 18th century. He bent and even broke rules thought to have been unbreakable. By the time he reached the late string quartets – works that still have the power to surprise – his contemporaries struggled to wrap their heads around what Louis Spohr described as “indecipherable, uncorrected horrors.”

This was music for himself, and music for the future. It’s because Beethoven was so true to his inner voice that his music remains so vital. It’s also a pretty good reflection of the man – open-hearted, full of profound feeling, startlingly explosive, and always striving to achieve the highest pinnacle.

I hope you’ll join us today on The Classical Network, as we trace the unprecedented artistic journey of the boy from Bonn, who raised himself up, through the power of imagination and sheer will, to become King of Composers. What’s more, Beethoven had the foresight and the generosity to take the rest of us with him.

We’ll be presenting the Master’s complete symphonies in exceptional recordings, lovingly curated by WWFM hosts. The celebration will begin at 9:00 EST with Alice Weiss and David Osenberg, who will introduce the Symphonies Nos. 1, 2, 3 & 4.

After a break for “Bach at 1,” Michael Wisnosky will present the Symphonies Nos. 5 & 6.

Then I’ll be along at 4:00 to storm the gates of Heaven with the Symphonies Nos. 7, 8 & 9.

As if all that weren’t enough, as an added bonus, David Dubal and Jed Distler will lend their expertise and reflections to two hours of Beethoven’s piano music, beginning tonight at 8.

Traditionally, Beethoven’s birthday has been a big fundraiser for the station. This year, our Beethoven birthday bash will come your way with limited interruptions. No breaking in between movements or playing highlights from the major works. We’re going to give you everything as the composer intended – pure, unadulterated Beethoven.

Of course, we do hope that you will be moved to support it. We will remind you of our telephone number, 1-888-232-1212, in between symphonies, hoping to take your calls. Also, you can support us anytime by visiting our website and making a donation at wwfm.org. Help yourself to one of our attractive thank you gifts as a token of our sincere gratitude.

It would be a sin not to support these symphonies. Help preserve the legacy of great music on WWFM – The Classical Network and wwfm.org. Thank you for your steadfast support!

December 16, 2019

Tag Cloud

RECENT POSTS