Classic Ross Amico

Tag: KWAX

Beecham Handel Before It Was Cool Lost Chord

Sir Thomas Beecham was championing Handel before it was cool.

At a time when most people’s knowledge of the composer’s large-scale vocal works began and ended with “Messiah,” Beecham was dipping into the operas and polishing up the oratorios for the delectation of a new age. He defended these curations and modifications, stating that “without some effort along these lines, the greater portion of [Handel’s] magnificent output will remain unplayed, possibly to the satisfaction of drowsy armchair purists, but hardly to the advantage of the keenly alive and enquiring concertgoer.”

Experience the vitality of Beecham’s beautiful Handel realizations this week on “The Lost Chord.” I hope you’ll join me today for “Handeling Beecham,” now in syndication on KWAX, the radio station of the University of Oregon!

Remember, KWAX is on the West Coast, so there’s a three-hour difference for those of you listening in the East. Here are the respective air-times for all three of my recorded shows (with East Coast conversions in parentheses):

PICTURE PERFECT, the movie music show – Friday on KWAX at 5:00 PM PACIFIC TIME (8:00 PM EASTERN)

SWEETNESS AND LIGHT, the light music program – ALL NEW! – Saturday on KWAX at 8:00 AM PACIFIC TIME (11:00 AM EASTERN)

THE LOST CHORD, unusual and neglected rep – Saturday on KWAX at 4:00 PM PACIFIC TIME (7:00 PM EASTERN)

Stream all three, at the times indicated, by following the link!

https://kwax.uoregon.edu/

May 18, 2024
May Flowers & Floral Music on Sweetness and Light

This morning on “Sweetness and Light,” we’ll take some time to smell the flowers – May flowers, that is! No, you wiseacres, nothing to do with the Pilgrims. Rather a celebration of gardens and all things floral. I’ve assembled some bouquets of music by Albert Ketèlbey, Johann Strauss II, Ethelbert Nevin, Edward MacDowell, Scott Joplin, Gilbert & Sullivan, Billy Mayerl, Percy Grainger, Léo Delibes, and Sergei Rachmaninoff.

The centerpiece will be “L’horoge de flore” (“The Flower Clock”) by Jean Françaix, written for John de Lancie, principal oboist of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Each of the seven movements corresponds to a flower whose blooms open at a certain time of day. The first floral clock was formulated by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus, back in 1748.

Surely, there are more accurate ways to keep time. Use one to mark the minutes until “Sweetness and Light,” a program of music calculated to charm and to cheer, this Saturday morning at 11:00 EDT/8:00 PDT, exclusively on KWAX, the radio station of the University of Oregon!

Stream it, wherever you are, at the link:

https://kwax.uoregon.edu/

May 18, 2024
Out Sick But KWAX Shows Still Airing

For anyone expecting a response from me today, I am sorry to have to report that I am sick. Horrible chills and light-headedness and an afternoon spent shuddering under the covers, in robe and many layers of pajamas, but no sleep. Not looking for your pity; it’s just that I know I promised a bunch of you I would get back to you today, as soon as I finished recording tomorrow morning’s show (“Sweetness and Light”) for KWAX. Miraculously, I was able to get it in. I wonder if Esa-Pekka Salonen cast the runes and put the whammy on me for my scathing review of his Sibelius that I posted earlier this week? In any case, I am not ignoring you! I’ve just been too active and not getting enough sleep, and now I’m paying for it. I’ll respond as soon as I am feeling up to it. My weekend shows will air as scheduled, at the times below. Thank you for your patience, and have a great weekend!

Remember, KWAX is on the West Coast, so there’s a three-hour difference for those of you listening in the East. Here are the respective air-times for all three of my recorded shows (with East Coast conversions in parentheses):

PICTURE PERFECT, the movie music show – Friday on KWAX at 5:00 PM PACIFIC TIME (8:00 PM EASTERN)

SWEETNESS AND LIGHT, the light music program – ALL NEW! – Saturday on KWAX at 8:00 AM PACIFIC TIME (11:00 AM EASTERN)

THE LOST CHORD, unusual and neglected rep – Saturday on KWAX at 4:00 PM PACIFIC TIME (7:00 PM EASTERN)

Stream all three, at the times indicated, by following the link!

https://kwax.uoregon.edu/

May 17, 2024
Mother’s Day Music Sweetness and Light on KWAX

Get ready for the mother of all shows this week, on “Sweetness and Light.” It’s music for Mom for Mother’s Day!

Enjoy works on nursery themes by Grace Williams, Charles Williams, and Vaughan Williams (all unrelated). Also, Wolfgang Amadeus Williams – er, I mean Mozart.

Of course, Mom deserves more, so I’ve also enlisted Yo-Yo Ma (despite his name, not really a mother, though if said properly, guaranteed to get Mom’s attention) and Luciano Pavarotti (accompanied by Henry Mancini, no less).

Start your day with a musical candygram. It’s a suite of sweets for Mom on “Sweetness and Light, this Saturday morning at 11:00 EDT/8:00 EDT, exclusively on KWAX, the radio station of the University of Oregon!

Stream it, wherever you are, at the link.

https://kwax.uoregon.edu/

May 11, 2024
Star Wars Day John Williams on KWAX

Looking for a good start to your “Star Wars Day?” Meet your recommended daily allowance of John Williams’ music by joining me for no less than 12 selections from the principal feature films of the “Star Wars” saga.

The original “Star Wars” actually opened on May 25, 1977. But why let historical accuracy get in the way of a good pun? May the Fourth be with you!

Strap yourselves in – we’re ready to make the jump to “Sweetness and Light” speed, this Saturday morning at 11:00 EDT/8:00 EDT, exclusively on KWAX, the radio station of the University of Oregon!

Stream it, wherever you are, at the link:

https://kwax.uoregon.edu/

May 4, 2024

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