Sticky Notes: The Classical Music Podcast

Discover the intriguing life of Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, a composer who achieved posthumous fame despite his brief 26 years on Earth. Unraveling the mysteries of his misattributed works, we explore how his music gained popularity only after his death. Dive into the emotional depths of his Stabat Mater, a powerful setting of a medieval hymn that reflects the Virgin Mary's sorrow. Each movement showcases his innovative techniques, contrasting moods, and dramatic shifts, culminating in a breathtaking finale that resonates with enduring power.

Discover the compelling comeback story of Rachmaninoff's Second Piano Concerto, born from the ashes of his First Symphony disaster. The journey through his depression and recovery through hypnosis reveals the personal stakes behind this masterpiece. Each movement is dissected, from the iconic opening chords to the tender second movement's key shift. Joshua highlights the concerto's emotional depth and craftsmanship, illuminating why it resonates with audiences today, even inspiring adaptations from artists like Sinatra.

This episode features Aram Demirjian, a talented conductor and the Music Director of the Knoxville Symphony, renowned for his deep understanding of Handel's Messiah. He dives into the whirlwind three-week composition of the oratorio and its evolution from opera as Handel sought broader appeal. Aram shares insights on the piece's distinctive structure, the theme of hope in Jennens' libretto, and the vivid text painting in 'Every valley'. He also discusses the prevalent traditions surrounding the 'Hallelujah' chorus and the universal significance of this timeless work.

Gustav Holst is often seen as a one-hit wonder, with his epic suite, The Planets, overshadowing his other works. Delve into how Holst's personal astrological beliefs shaped the music, ordering the movements not by distance but by emotional resonance. Each movement presents unique textures—from the warlike Mars to the serene Venus. The Jupiter movement features a controversial hymn that became a famous patriotic tune. The suite's impact on film and its mystique, especially in Neptune, leaves a lasting cultural legacy.

Explore the fascinating journey of Franck's D Minor Symphony, once celebrated but now largely forgotten. Discover how this innovative work, known for its dense textures and constant modulation, faced criticism at its premiere yet thrived posthumously. Dive into its unique three-movement structure, emotional journey, and thematic intricacies. Reflect on the rise and fall of its popularity and appreciate the symphony's profound emotional sincerity that deserves to be heard again.

Discover the 'bad-boy' revolutionary side of Maurice Ravel and his role in Les Apaches, a group challenging musical conservatism. Delve into his Basque heritage and the deep friendship with Spanish composer Manuel de Falla, who admired Ravel's authentic Spanish influences. Explore Ravel's colorful orchestration in 'Rapsodie espagnole' and Falla's evocative 'Nights in the Gardens of Spain,' highlighting their shared passion for atmosphere and creativity. This dialogue between two kindred spirits reveals the essence of Spanish music.

Longtime listeners of Sticky Notes know that Shostakovich's 10 symphony was the inaugural piece covered on the show. It's been 8 years(!) since that show, so I've totally re-written the episode and had the privilege of presenting this new version live with the Aalborg Symphony Orchestra last week in Aalborg. Shostakovich, like so many composers before him, was obsessed with musical codes and messages, with songs that expressed two or more meanings, with ideas that were at once black and white and profoundly complex. This also describes Shostakovich himself, a man who was incredibly guarded with his public persona, and even his private persona as well. It is impossible to know anything for sure with Shostakovich, and to me therein lies the greatest strength of his music. The 10th symphony has been described as a portrayal of the Stalin years, as a portrayal of obsessive love, as a requiem, as sarcastic, as humorous, as agonizing, as triumphant, as, as, as….and the truth is that like all of the greatest works of Western Classical music, it is all of those things and so much more. It is a work of profound intensity, grabbing you from the start and not letting go for nearly 50 minutes, which makes sense considering that the piece was written in the shadow of another momentous event, the death of Joseph Stalin. There are very few experiences like hearing Shostakovich's 10th symphony live, and it is the kind of piece that, by the end of it, leaves you a slightly different person than you were when it started. Today on the show, we're going to be talking about a wide range of topics, from orchestral color to Joseph Stalin, from symphonic form to obsessive love, and much more. Join us!

Dive into the intriguing tale of Barber's Violin Concerto, exploring how miscommunication led to an unexpected premiere. Discover the legend behind Haydn's Symphony No. 96, where a falling chandelier sparked a nickname that overshadowed another symphony! Unpack the emotional depth of the concerto's movements, from the beloved oboe solo to the exhilarating finale that challenges even the most skilled musicians. This discussion reveals the hidden stories and complexities that make this work a quintessential piece of American music.

Delve into the art of interpretation as the podcast examines the evolution of conducting techniques through historical recordings of Beethoven's Eroica. From exploratory early 1920s styles to the contrasting philosophies of legendary conductors like Toscanini and Furtwängler, listeners are treated to insights on tempo, phrasing, and expressive choices. Discover how the historical performance movement shaped modern interpretations and what these diverse recordings reveal about understanding classical music today.

Dive into the fascinating world of Grazyna Bacewicz, a prolific Polish composer whose remarkable talent flourished despite a short life. Discover her unique neo-classical style, infused with originality and energy, that captivated audiences in Europe yet remained underexposed in the U.S. Learn about her resilience during World War II and her vast body of over 200 works. Celebrate the rediscovery of underrated composers like Bacewicz, as the podcast invites listeners to explore the vibrant contributions of female figures in classical music.