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Classical Notes

Classical Notes: August 8, 2011 Archive

< August 5, 2011 | Main | August 9, 2011 >

Morning Glories: 5 Must-Have Symphonies

Posted at 10:00 AM on August 8, 2011 by ClassicalMPR (6 Comments)

This week, Morning Glories will feature what we at Classical MPR have deemed five must-have symphonies. Tune in at 10 a.m. to hear them live, but if you miss them on the air, we'll be revealing each one right here on the blog every day.


We'll also have individual lists from our different hosts, and you should feel free to share your favorite symphonies in the comments section! Enjoy!



Monday: Mozart - Symphony No. 41

In the late 18th century, the symphony as we know it, with its development of themes and formal balance, was launched. Mozart's final symphony is a supreme example.




Tuesday: Tchaikovsky - Symphony No. 4

Tchaikovsky brings unflagging inventiveness to this symphony. Listen for the bold opening theme which reappears dramatically near the end.




Wednesday: Schubert - Symphony No. 9

The same gift of melody that makes Schubert a great song writer also shines through in this symphony, but at greater length — "heavenly length," as Robert Schumann called it.




Thursday: Beethoven - Symphony No. 5

If Beethoven is the archetypal composer, this is the archetypal symphony.




Friday: Brahms: Symphony No. 4

Writing in the late 19th century, Brahms continues the great tradition of the symphony, combining Classical poise and Romantic intensity.




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Steve Staruch's 5 Must-Have Symphonies

Posted at 3:04 PM on August 8, 2011 by Phillip Drier (6 Comments)

All this week, Morning Glories will feature what we at Classical MPR have deemed five must-have symphonies. Tune in at 10 a.m. to hear them live, but if you miss them on the air, we'll be revealing each one right here on the blog every day.


We'll also have individual lists from our different hosts, and today it's Steve Staruch! Enjoy!



  • Sibelius - Symphony No. 5




  • Haydn - Symphony No. 22






  • Haydn - Symphony No. 104






  • Tchaikovsky - Symphony No. 6






  • Beethoven - Symphony No. 7





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Meet Bob Milne, Musical Genius

Posted at 5:24 PM on August 8, 2011 by Hans Buetow
Filed under: Fun finds

Our friends at Radiolab posted an amazing story last week about Bob Milne, a pianist from Michigan who has amazing musical powers. Bob, a renowned ragtime player, can carry on a full conversation while performing, something that neurologists say shouldn't be possible. The story gets really spectacular when the neurologists decide to test Bob's abilities clinically, pitting his skills against a famous conductor.

The story is very well produced, putting you into Bob's head in a way that makes you rethink how you listen to music. Definitely worth a listen.

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