Classic Ross Amico

Tag: WPRB

Remembering Boulez Provocateur of Music

He wanted to blow up the opera houses and destroy the Mona Lisa. Sometimes it’s necessary to push hard in order to find equilibrium.

Pierre Boulez might not be to everyone’s taste, either as a composer or a conductor, but if he did one thing well it was to force everyone to think – about music, about progress and about the reasons we value the things we hold sacred.

It had originally been my intention to show up for my WPRB shift tomorrow and enjoy a lazy morning of English music, since I really didn’t have any other plans. As soon as I drafted my Facebook announcement, however, I was blindsided by the news that Boulez died yesterday at the age of 90.

Now, I can’t claim to be passionate about Boulez, but he is too important a figure in the world of classical music simply to ignore. Besides, I do like his recordings of Bartók and Debussy, he made a fine set of Schoenberg’s choral music, and the last time I listened to “Le marteau sans maître,” I thought, you know, this isn’t so bad.

Boulez proclaimed, “A civilization that conserves is one that will decay!” Just the same, I think he’d be glad to join me tomorrow morning from 6 to 11 ET, on WPRB 103.3 FM and at wprb.com, as I share Boulez records from my collection. It certainly beats the alternative, says Classic Ross Amico.

January 6, 2016
WRTI After WPRB Classical Music

When you’re finished listening to Marvin Rosen’s dance party (on Classical Discoveries, from 5:30 to 11 a.m., on WPRB 103.3 FM or at wprb.com), consider sharing your second cup of coffee with me, over at WRTI. I’ll be spinning the platters from 10 to 2, on 89.1 FM (Philadelphia) or at wrti.org. A full list of frequencies available at the station’s website.

PHOTO: A cautionary tale about the importance of minding the volume on your headphones

December 30, 2015
Christmas Music Mix on Classic Ross Amico

I’m sure many of you have been swept into the Christmas maelstrom by now. I’ve got so much to do myself, I shouldn’t even be hosting this program.

Be that as it may, I hope I am able to provide a warm soundtrack to your morning, as you dash to wrap everything up at work or spend a good part of your day in the car, running next-to-last-minute errands. (There’s still tomorrow, you know.)

In case you haven’t heard the news, Marvin Rosen has been kind enough to switch with me this week. So Classical Discoveries will be heard tomorrow morning, as opposed to today, from 5:30 to 11 ET. Tune in then to hear the third leg of Marvin’s Christmas Trilogy, which will include music of the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque eras. Knowing Marvin, he’ll range a great deal further than Schütz and Praetorius.

I’ll be your host this morning, mixing up a fruit cake full of holiday light music, classic film scores, transporting choral performances, Christmas songs sung by some of the great opera singers, candied sackbuts and crumhorns, some musical sleigh-rides, seasonal works by contemporary composers, and a garland of cozy Christmas nostalgia.

Everybody likes fruit cake, right? RIGHT?

Join me from 6 to 11 ET, on WPRB 103.3 FM and at wprb.com, for a full morning of egg nog and gingerbread. You’ll find me standing under the mistletoe, on Classic Ross Amico.

December 23, 2015
Christmas Music Sleigh Ride on WPRB

Get ready! Get set! And try not to get upsot…

Coming up in the 9:00 hour, we’ll be going on some musical sleigh-rides. It’s all music for the Christmas season this morning until 11 ET, on WPRB 103.3 FM and at wprb.com

December 23, 2015
WPRB Holiday Music Marathon & More

The first day of “winter.” With temperatures rising into the 70s by Christmas Eve, the hosts at WPRB will do their best to keep you thinking frosty thoughts.

First of all, Marvin Rosen and I will be switching shifts this week, Marvin kindly consenting to take Christmas Eve morning to allow me a full day of last-minute panic. So tune in on Thursday at 5:30 a.m., not Wednesday, for the third leg of Marvin’s annual Christmas Trilogy. The focus will be on Christmas music of the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque eras.

Tomorrow, Marvin’s usual day and time, I’ll present part two of my own Christmas revels, including a wintry mix of Christmas film scores, some light music, some lovely choral performances, Christmas songs sung by some of the great opera singers, Early Music, seasonal works by contemporary composers, and music evocative of Christmases past – occasionally long past!

On Christmas Eve, for the 27th consecutive year, Jon Solomon will don the Santa hat for a 25-hour mix of holiday music, beginning at 5 p.m. The show will include “never-before-played pieces and original stories/songs specifically recorded for the program… plus all your past favorites.” There will be live-listener chat and webcam functions available during the broadcast. More information will be posted at http://wprb.com/jon-solomons-25-hour-holiday-radio-show-2/

On Saturday, Marvin will embark on his annual, 24-hour-plus “Viva 21st Century” marathon (that’s another way of saying it too is a 25-hour show), beginning at 2 p.m. This year, Marvin will celebrate the 75th anniversary of WPRB with works by more than 75 living composers. More information at https://www.facebook.com/events/1102695103095837/

And since Marvin doesn’t know the meaning of the word sleep, he’ll be back the first thing on Monday morning with a 5 ½ hour salute to American maverick Henry Cowell, to mark the 50th anniversary of his death. “Cowell-Mania” will commence Monday at 5:30 a.m.

On December 30, Marvin’s Classical Discoveries will be back to its regular day and time, as he celebrates the impending New Year with his annual program, “Shall We Dance,” from 5:30 to 11 a.m.

Teri Noel Towe will be filling in for me on New Year’s Eve morning, so be sure to tune in bright and early if you like champagne in your stirrup cup. As you probably know, he too likes to go on the air at 5:30. (What is it with these people?)

I hope you’ll join me tomorrow morning, from 6 to 11 ET, on WPRB 103.3 FM and at wprb.com. I’ll be wishing you a Mele Kalikimaka on Classic Ross Amico.

December 22, 2015

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