Classic Ross Amico

Tag: WWFM

Beethoven Handel & Hanukkah Music

Remember when 2020 was supposed to be the big Beethoven year? To mark the 250th anniversary of his birth, I mean? How did that work out?

Small compensation, I know, but how about a week’s worth of posts about Beethoven, to mark his actual birthday, commonly observed on December 16?

On the fourth evening of Hanukkah, the obvious choice is Beethoven’s “Variations on ‘See the conquering hero comes,’” from Handel’s “Judas Maccabaeus.” Here’s a performance I’ve got all cued up from a recording of the complete cello sonatas:

Beethoven was a great admirer of Handel’s music. “Handel is the greatest composer who ever lived,” he said. “I would uncover my head and kneel down on his tomb.” On his deathbed, he indicated an edition of Handel’s works and said, “There is the truth.”

Handel’s influence can also be heard in Beethoven’s “Consecration of the House Overture” (which has nothing at all to do with the Maccabees). Note the stately intro of the piece, the fanfares, and the magnificent fugal passages:

If you’ve got a long evening ahead of you, why not give Handel’s “other” holiday oratorio a whirl?

If you want to skip right to the big tune, here it is:

Then I hope you’ll join me for an hour of Hanukkah music by Michael Isaacson, Leon Stein, and Ofer Ben-Amots, on “Pieces of Eight,” on “The Lost Chord,” this Sunday night at 10:00 EST, on WWFM – The Classical Network and wwfm.org.

Judah Maccabee, 18th century style

December 13, 2020
Johnny Williams Before the Blockbusters

Before “Harry Potter.” Before “Jurassic Park.” Before “E.T.” Before “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” Before “Superman.” Before “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” Before “Star Wars.” Before “Jaws.” Before even John Williams… there was Johnny Williams.

Well before Williams became America’s most famous living composer, he was busy honing his craft as an orchestrator, an arranger, a session pianist, and a composer in the bush league of television. This week on “Picture Perfect,” we’ll hear some of “Johnny” Williams’ music for “Lost in Space.”

Also on the program will be selections from “The Alfred Hitchcock Hour” by Bernard Herrmann, the theme from “Wagon Train” by Jerome Moross, and a medley of well-known television music by Jerry Goldsmith.

Movie composers think inside the box, on “Picture Perfect,” this Saturday evening at 6:00 EST, on WWFM – The Classical Network and wwfm.org.

December 5, 2020
Riisager’s Fool’s Paradise on WWFM This Sunday

This Sunday night on “The Lost Chord,” we conclude the long, gluttonous holiday weekend with Knudage Riisager’s ballet “Slaraffenland” (usually translated as “Fool’s Paradise”).

Inspired by Bruegel’s painting “The Land of Cockaigne,” the scenario imagines a Promised Land “where roasted pigeons fly around in the air with knives and forks in their backs, and the streets are paved with marzipan and chocolate.” The plot concerns a silly boy who wanders into the country of King Sauce and becomes ill from overindulgence. Along the way, he encounters Robin Hood, the Three Musketeers, Captain Fear, Fountains of Liqueur, Cigarettes, and the Candy Princess.

Riisager was born in 1897 to Danish parents living in Estonia. He studied music at Copenhagen University and then in Paris with Albert Roussel. Though he was a prolific composer, with some 400 works to his name, including symphonies, concertos, chamber music and songs, he is probably best known, if at all, for his ballet works.

Rouse yourself for a dose of musical tryptophan. Join me for “Fool’s Paradise” – Knudage Riisager’s “Slaraffenland” – this Sunday night at 10:00 EST, on WWFM – The Classical Network and wwfm.org.

IMAGE: A very Bruegel Thanksgiving

November 29, 2020
Homebodies Thanksgiving Music on WWFM

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s hardly surprising our thoughts, memories, and desires would be full of home. It’s a good time then to listen to John Fitz Rogers’ “Magna Mysteria.”

This Sunday night on “The Lost Chord,” we’ll hear this 2010 work, which weaves together Latin biblical texts and poetic verse of the 6th century philosopher Boethius, to elevate the idea of home – and the seeking of home – to a metaphorical or spiritual realm. If you have a fondness for the choral music of Morten Lauridsen or Stephen Paulus, I think you’ll really enjoy this, though Rogers is very much his own man. The music is tonal, melodic, and quite lovely.

Also on the program will be Aaron Copland’s “Letter from Home,” from 1943-44. The work was commissioned by Paul Whiteman for his Radio Hall of Fame Orchestra, and suggests the emotions of an American soldier, as he experiences a bittersweet reprieve, if only for a few moments, while savoring a letter from his family.

In a year when reunions may be difficult to achieve, home is in our hearts. I hope you’ll join me for “Homebodies,” this Sunday night at 10:00 EST, on WWFM – The Classical Network and wwfm.org.

November 22, 2020
Thanksgiving Music WWFM

This week on “Picture Perfect,” it will be a much-needed reality check, as we pause to give thanks for the blessings of family, community, and country. Join me for selections from “The Cummington Story” (Aaron Copland), “Field of Dreams” (James Horner), “The Best Years of Our Lives” (Hugo Friedhofer), and “Lincoln” (John Williams). We’ll tune out the noise and focus on what’s really important for Thanksgiving, on “Picture Perfect,” music for the movies, this Saturday evening at 6:00 EST, on WWFM – The Classical Network and wwfm.org.

PHOTO: Homer’s homecoming in “The Best Years of Our Lives”

November 21, 2020

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