The Great Composers Podcast 6cw4n

In this special episode "Antonio Stradivari, and the Violin Makers of Cremona" we explore the lives of Cremona's greatest violin makers. Cremona's violin making tradition began with Andrea Amati in the mid-16th century, and lasted until the death of Giuseppe Guarneri "del Gesù" some two hundred years later. In between these two men came many remarkable makers from the Amati and Guarneri families, but the greatest of them all was Antonio Stradivari who rose far above his rivals to become the most celebrated violin maker of all time. --------------- Try nkoda! All the digital sheet music you could ever need right on one app. I use it for my own practice, in lessons, and when I just want something fun to play on the piano or guitar! https://www.nkoda.com ----------------- Subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-star review! our app! Visit and like our Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/thegreatcomposerspodcast/?ref=bookmarks ----------------- All music heard in this episode is by Antonio Vivaldi: Concerto for 4 violins in B minor mvts. 1-4 (Modena Chamber Orchestra) Concerto in F minor “Winter” for violin, strings, and continuo mvts. 1-3(MCO) Concerto in D minor RV 565 (selections) (MCO) Concerto for Two Violins in A minor, RV 522 mvts. 1-3 ------------------------------ Suggested reading and a few resources: - "The Violin-Makers of the Guarneri Family" by W. Henry Hill, Arthur F. Hill, and Alfred Ebsworth Hill. Dover pub. - "Antonio Stradivari, His Life & Work" by W. Henry Hill, Arthur F. Hill, and Alfred E. Hill. Dover pub. - "Stradivari's Genius" by Toby Faber. Random House  - "The Violin, a Social History of the World's Most Versatile Instrument" by David Schoenbaum. W.W. Norton and Company - https://www.roger-hargrave.de/Seiten/english/Bibliothek/Bibliothek.htm - https://tarisio.com/cozio-archive/cozio-carteggio/the-young-stradivari/ - https://tarisio.com/cozio-archive/cozio-carteggio/guarneri-del-gesu-part-i-1698-1731/ - https://tarisio.com/cozio-archive/cozio-carteggio/andrea-amati-part-1/

In this special episode "Antonio Stradivari, and the Violin Makers of Cremona" we explore the lives of Cremona's greatest violin makers. Cremona's violin making tradition began with Andrea Amati in the mid-16th century, and lasted until the death of Giuseppe Guarneri "del Gesù" some two hundred years later. In between these two men came many remarkable makers from the Amati and Guarneri families, but the greatest of them all was Antonio Stradivari who rose far above his rivals to become the most celebrated violin maker of all time. --------------- Try nkoda! All the digital sheet music you could ever need right on one app. I use it for my own practice, in lessons, and when I just want something fun to play on the piano or guitar! https://www.nkoda.com ----------------- Subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-star review! our app! Visit and like our Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/thegreatcomposerspodcast/?ref=bookmarks ----------------- All music heard in this episode is by Antonio Vivaldi: Concerto for 4 violins in B minor mvts. 1-4 (Modena Chamber Orchestra) Concerto in F minor “Winter” for violin, strings, and continuo mvts. 1-3(MCO) Concerto in D minor RV 565 (selections) (MCO) Concerto for Two Violins in A minor, RV 522 mvts. 1-3 ------------------------------ Suggested reading and a few resources: - "The Violin-Makers of the Guarneri Family" by W. Henry Hill, Arthur F. Hill, and Alfred Ebsworth Hill. Dover pub. - "Antonio Stradivari, His Life & Work" by W. Henry Hill, Arthur F. Hill, and Alfred E. Hill. Dover pub. - "Stradivari's Genius" by Toby Faber. Random House  - "The Violin, a Social History of the World's Most Versatile Instrument" by David Schoenbaum. W.W. Norton and Company - https://www.roger-hargrave.de/Seiten/english/Bibliothek/Bibliothek.htm - https://tarisio.com/cozio-archive/cozio-carteggio/the-young-stradivari/ - https://tarisio.com/cozio-archive/cozio-carteggio/guarneri-del-gesu-part-i-1698-1731/ - https://tarisio.com/cozio-archive/cozio-carteggio/andrea-amati-part-1/

Ep. 35 - In April 1853, Johannes Brahms left Hamburg with the Hungarian violinist Eduard Reményi for a short concert tour of North German towns. After performing in small venues and for small crowds to great success, the duo decided to try their luck in Hanover. There they met one of the most important musicians of the day, who sent them visit another, and yet another... --------------- Try nkoda! All the digital sheet music you could ever need right on one app. I use it for my own practice, in lessons, and when I just want something fun to play on the piano or guitar! https://www.nkoda.com ----------------- Subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-star review! our app! Visit and like our Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/thegreatcomposerspodcast/?ref=bookmarks ----------------- Music in this episode (all by Brahms unless otherwise noted): 1. Sonata in C major op. 1, mvt. 1, Allegro 2. Hungarian Dance no 5, Fritz Kreisler and Carl Lamson 3-5. "Eine Faust Symphonie" fragments of mvt. 1 - Faust, by Franz Liszt 6. Hungarian Dance no. 2, Andreas Pfaul, piano 7. Sonata in C major op. 1, mvt. 3 Scherzo (A section) 8. FAE Sonata, mvt. 3, Scherzo, Oliver Colbenston violin 

Ep. 35 - In April 1853, Johannes Brahms left Hamburg with the Hungarian violinist Eduard Reményi for a short concert tour of North German towns. After performing in small venues and for small crowds to great success, the duo decided to try their luck in Hanover. There they met one of the most important musicians of the day, who sent them visit another, and yet another... --------------- Subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-star review! our app! Visit and like our Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/thegreatcomposerspodcast/?ref=bookmarks ----------------- Music in this episode (all by Brahms unless otherwise noted): 1. Sonata in C major op. 1, mvt. 1, Allegro 2. Hungarian Dance no 5, Fritz Kreisler and Carl Lamson 3-5. "Eine Faust Symphonie" fragments of mvt. 1 - Faust, by Franz Liszt 6. Hungarian Dance no. 2, Andreas Pfaul, piano 7. Sonata in C major op. 1, mvt. 3 Scherzo (A section) 8. FAE Sonata, mvt. 3, Scherzo, Oliver Colbenston violin 

In Ep. 34 we see Johannes Brahms complete his adolescence and become a young adult. Along the way he is tested severely, leading a double life as a serious music student by day and dance hall pianist by night. Delicate and prone to migraines as a youth, this taxing work nearly ruined Johannes's physical and mental health. But as always, in times of great need a savior came his way and his health was repaired. With his strength renewed, Brahms was ready to confront the world as a professional musician and composer. It would not be easy for him at first... --------------- Try nkoda for free! All the digital sheet music you could ever need right on one app. I use it for my own practice, in lessons, and when I just want something fun to play on the piano or guitar! https://www.nkoda.com ----------------- Subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-star review! our app! Visit and like our Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/thegreatcomposerspodcast/?ref=bookmarks ----------------- Music heard in this episode (all by Brahms): Sixteen Waltzes of op. 39! In order of appearance #’s 1, 2, 10, 6, 3, 11, 12, 4, 5, 15, 16 performed beautifully by Martha Goldstein. https://musopen.org/music/2137-sixteen-waltzes-op-39/ Op. 1, Sonata for Solo Piano in C major, mvt. 1     

In Ep. 34 we see Johannes Brahms complete his adolescence and become a young adult. Along the way he is tested severely, leading a double life as a serious music student by day and dance hall pianist by night. Delicate and prone to migraines as a youth, this taxing work nearly ruined Johannes's physical and mental health. But as always, in times of great need a savior came his way and his health was repaired. With his strength renewed, Brahms was ready to confront the world as a professional musician and composer. It would not be easy for him at first... --------------- Subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-star review! our app! Visit and like our Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/thegreatcomposerspodcast/?ref=bookmarks ----------------- Music heard in this episode (all by Brahms): Sixteen Waltzes of op. 39! In order of appearance #’s 1, 2, 10, 6, 3, 11, 12, 4, 5, 15, 16 performed beautifully by Martha Goldstein. https://musopen.org/music/2137-sixteen-waltzes-op-39/ Op. 1, Sonata for Solo Piano in C major, mvt. 1     

In Ep. 33, The Life of Johannes Brahms, pt. 1 "A Cup Half Full" we meet the great composer's father, Johann Jakob Brahms. Jakob was a versatile musician who could play several instruments. He wasn't the most talented of musicians, but he was determined to succeed. In 1826 he went to Hamburg and began working as a lowly beer-fiddler. After establishing himself, he took every job he could get and slowly made his way up the professional ladder...  --------------- Try nkoda for free! All the digital sheet music you could ever need right on one app. I use it for my own practice, in lessons, and when I just want something fun to play on the piano or guitar! https://www.nkoda.com ----------------- Subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-star review! our app! Visit and like our Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/thegreatcomposerspodcast/?ref=bookmarks ----------------- Music heard in this episode (all by Brahms unless otherwise noted): 1. Serenade in D major op. 11, mvt. 1 2. The Pinzauger Waltz 3. Serenade in D major op. 11, mvt. 4 - Minuet 1 &2 4. Serenade in D major op. 11, mvt. 5 - Scherzo 5. Serenade in D major op. 11, mvt. 6 - Rondo https://musopen.org/music/6733-serenade-no-1-in-d-major-op-11/  

In Ep. 33, The Life of Johannes Brahms, pt. 1 "A Cup Half Full" we meet the great composer's father, Johann Jakob Brahms. Jakob was a versatile musician who could play several instruments. He wasn't the most talented of musicians, but he was determined to succeed. In 1826 he went to Hamburg and began working as a lowly beer-fiddler. After establishing himself, he took every job he could get and slowly made his way up the professional ladder...  --------------- Subscribe on iTunes and give us a 5-star review! our app! Visit and like our Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/thegreatcomposerspodcast/?ref=bookmarks ----------------- Music heard in this episode (all by Brahms unless otherwise noted): 1. Serenade in D major op. 11, mvt. 1 2. The Pinzauger Waltz 3. Serenade in D major op. 11, mvt. 4 - Minuet 1 &2 4. Serenade in D major op. 11, mvt. 5 - Scherzo 5. Serenade in D major op. 11, mvt. 6 - Rondo https://musopen.org/music/6733-serenade-no-1-in-d-major-op-11/  

In this introduction to the life of Johannes Brahms we rhapsodize on key themes in the great composer's life, and begin to sketch his unique position in the history of music. ---------------- Try nkoda for free! https://www.nkoda.com They have all the digital sheet music you could ever need right on one app. Find it in your favorite app store. I use nkoda for my own practice, in lessons, and just for fun when I want to dig up some nice music for piano or guitar! When you our sponsors you the show! ----------------- Subscribe and give a 5-star review on iTunes! our app! Visit and like our Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/thegreatcomposerspodcast/?ref=bookmarks ----------------- Music heard in this episode (all by Brahms): 1. Intermezzo in B-flat minor, op. 117 no. 2 2. Serenade in D major op. 11, mvt. 1  

In this introduction to the life of Johannes Brahms we rhapsodize on key themes in the great composer's life, and begin to sketch his unique position in the history of music. ---------------- Try nkoda for free! https://www.nkoda.com They have all the digital sheet music you could ever need right on one app. Find it in your favorite app store. I use nkoda for my own practice, in lessons, and just for fun when I want to dig up some nice music for piano or guitar! When you our sponsors you the show! ----------------- Subscribe and give a 5-star review on iTunes! our app! Visit and like our Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/thegreatcomposerspodcast/?ref=bookmarks ----------------- Music heard in this episode (all by Brahms): 1. Intermezzo in B-flat minor, op. 117 no. 2 2. Serenade in D major op. 11, mvt. 1  

Ep. 31 sees our Bach saga come to and end. We will meet Sebastian Bach's grandson, Wilhelm Friedrich Ernst, the last musician of his line. Then we will see how the family legacy was carried on by those who were Bach's in spirit if not name. Finally, we follow a few of the family as they spread to other parts of Europe and then America. Music heard in this episode: (By J.S. Bach) 1. Mass in B minor: Sanctus - Osanna in excelsis 2. Cantata: Jesu, der du meine Seele, BWV 78 - Chorale: Herr, ich glaube, hilf mir Schwachen 3. Mass in B minor: Gloria The App!  https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-great-composers-the-g/id1465809545?fbclid=IwAR0tQTElluT8I3jn6SYFcQst70IY0Ym52LjEz1Z3DR11oq5ZGDLV_URNyHk&ls=1  Like our Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/thegreatcomposerspodcast/ A complete bibliography for all episodes can be found on my website: www.kevinnordstrom.com

In Ep. 30, we see Johann Christian Bach round out his time in Italy by planning a new trip to London. While in London, he became immensely famous and was even given a position in the royal household of King George III and his Queen, Charlotte. Johann Christian, or as he preferred to be called, John, enjoyed a swift rise to fame. It lasted for nearly two decades, but as tastes began to change his demise came just as fast. Unable to stomach the loss of his glory, John died a broken man, mourned only by his wife and few remaining friends.  The App!  https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-great-composers-the-g/id1465809545?fbclid=IwAR0tQTElluT8I3jn6SYFcQst70IY0Ym52LjEz1Z3DR11oq5ZGDLV_URNyHk&ls=1 Music heard in this episode: (All composed by J.C. Bach unless otherwise noted) 1. Symphony in E-flat major, op. 3, no. 4, mvt. 1 2. Symphony in E-flat major, op. 3, no. 4, mvt. 1 cont. 3. Sonata for two keyboards in G major, op. 15, no. 5 4. Twelve Variations on "Ah vous dirai-je, Maman", theme, by W.A. Mozart 5. Twelve Variations on "Ah vous dirai-je, Maman", finale, by W.A. Mozart 6. Orfeo, Minuet, by Christoph Gluck 7. Symphony in G minor, op. 6, no. 6, mvt. 1 For all things G Please rate, review, and subscribe on iTunes! Like our Facebook page too! https://www.facebook.com/thegreatcomposerspodcast/ A complete bibliography for all episodes can be found on my website: www.kevinnordstrom.com

In Ep. 29 we follow the Great Bach's youngest son, Johann Christian born 1735, from his childhood to the early years of his maturity. Christian was one of the most brilliant and successful musicians the Bach family ever produced and he achieved a level of fame none of them ever did during their lifetimes. Christian was unique in his family and never felt compelled to adhere to the traditions of old. He moved beyond the old compositional styles of his father, and even moved beyond the confines of the Germanic homeland, eventually finding his way to Milan, Italy and great fame. Music heard in this episode: (All composed by J.C. Bach) 1. Symphony in E-flat major op. 18 no. 1, mvt. 1 2. Symphony in G minor op. 6 no. 6, mvt. 2 (opening) 3. Keyboard Sonata in D major op. 5 no. 2, mvt. 1 4. Symphony in E-flat major op. 18 no. 1, mvt. 3 5. Symphony in G minor op. 6 no. 6, mvt. 2 (cont.) 6. Symphony in G minor op. 6 no. 6, mvt. 3  

In Ep. 28, we take a closer look at the life of Anna Magdalena Wilcke, beloved second wife of Sebastian Bach. Anna came from a long line of musicians, and was an accomplished musician herself. At the age of 20, or possibly sooner, she attained a coveted position as soprano in the Cöthen Capelle then under Sebastian's direction, who often featured her as a soloist. After their marriage in 1721 and subsequent move to Leipzig, she was a key player in the Bach family business, teaching students, copying music, making sure everyone was practicing, and generally keeping things in good working order. She was also the step-mother of Bach’s two famous sons by Maria Barbara, Friedemann and Emanuel, seeing them through difficult adolescent years, and mother to one of the most brilliant and influential composers of the 18th century, Johann Christian Bach, who was worshipped by no less a figure than Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.   Music heard in this episode: Organ Trio Sonata in G major, BWV 530, mvt. 1, arr. Michael Way Cantata No.51 - I. Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen.2 Brandenburg Concerto no. 4 in G major, BWV 1049, Presto Partita no. 5 in G major, BWV 829, mvt. 6 apied, arr. Michael Way Ice run zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ, BWV 639, arr. Michael Way Organ Trio Sonata in G major, BWV 530, mvt. 3, arr. Michael Way   Tracks 1, 4, 5, 6 Stephen Nordstrom - Violin Kevin Nordstrom - Viola Michael Way - Cello, arranger

In Ep. 27, The Lives of Some Other Bach’s, pt. 4 “Carl Philipp Emanuel and the Prussian Blues” we see Emanuel Bach suffer many more years in service to King Frederick the Great of Prussia, unable to find employment elsewhere. His perpetual good cheer served him well during these troubled years and he continued to compose and make a success of himself as before. Following the Third Silesian War from 1756-1763, Emanuel had enough of royal service and was determined to leave Berlin. He set his sights on Hamburg, where his godfather Georg Philipp Telemann was music director. Luckily, Emanuel would be Telemann’s successor, and took over his new post in 1768. He spent the rest of his life there and ed away in 1788 knowing that his life had been a success from beginning to end. Music heard in this episode: 1. B minor sonata, H. 245 beginning of mvt. 3 (played by me) 2. Solfegio in C minor, organ version - Dick Koomans https://musopen.org/music/43229-solfeggio-in-c-minor-h-220/ 3. D major symphony H. 663 mvts. 1,2,3 4. Fantasia in F-sharp minor H. 300 - Joan Benson https://musopen.org/music/9240-fantasia-in-f-sharp-minor-h-300/ For all things G Please rate, review, and subscribe on iTunes! Like our Facebook page too! https://www.facebook.com/thegreatcomposerspodcast/ A complete bibliography for all episodes can be found on my website: www.kevinnordstrom.com

In Ep. 26 - The Lives of Some Other Bach's, pt. 3 "Carl Philipp Emanuel and All the King's Men" we will meet the Great Bach's second son, Carl Phillip Emanuel. Despite having much the same upbringing, Emanuel managed to make a success of himself while Friedemann did not. Independent, friendly, and worldly wise, Emanuel left his father's home ready to take on the world, and found himself in the service of one of the most eccentric rulers of the age. Music heard during this episode: Symphony in C major, complete, H. 659 Sonata for Solo Flute in A minor, mvt. 1 H. 562 – Marcos Granados 12 Variations on “The Follies of Spain” H. 263 – Stefano Ligoratti The King’s subject from the Musical Offering Flute Concerto in G Major, mvt. 1, H. 445 For all things G Please rate, review, and subscribe on iTunes! Like our Facebook page too! https://www.facebook.com/thegreatcomposerspodcast/ A complete bibliography for all episodes can be found on my website: www.kevinnordstrom.com

In Ep. 25, The Lives of Some Other Bach's, pt. 2 "Wilhelm Friedemann, The Golden Child" we explore the life of Sebastian Bach's eldest son, Friedemann (1710-1784). While he was alive, Sebastian did everything he could to Friedemann's career. He wrote music for him, gave him instruction manuals, and even wrote at least one job application letter. For a time, it seemed that Friedemann's life was generally headed in the right direction. He was comfortably employed and his fame as a performer and composer was growing. But once the Great Bach died, his golden child took a turn for the worse and what promised to be a prosperous life slowly unraveled. Extraordinary talent—maybe even genius—was not enough to keep Friedemann from alienating himself from his peers and making enemies at every stop along his progress. Though neither were capable of realizing it, the love and affection Sebastian showered on his beloved Friedemann proved to be a fatal gift. Music heard in this episode is by Wilhelm Friedemann unless otherwise noted. 1. Sinfonia in d minor F. 65, complete 2. Prelude no. 1 in C major, WTC book 1 3. "Erbarme dich, mein Gott" (Have mercy, my God) from The St. Mathew ion BWV 244, by JS Bach 4. Organ Sonata BWV 525, by JS Bach 5. Prelude (fugue sold separately) in G major BWV 541, by JS Bach 6. Polonaise in E-flat for harpsichord F. 12 no. 5 (Sylvia Kind) https://musopen.org/music/27296-12-polonaises-f-12/ 7. Polonaise in d minor for harpsichord F. 12 no. 4 (Sylvia Kind) https://musopen.org/music/27296-12-polonaises-f-12/ 8. Duo for two violas in G major, F. 60 mvt. 2 "Lamento" played by me and one of my students For all things G Please rate, review, and subscribe on iTunes! Like our Facebook page too! https://www.facebook.com/thegreatcomposerspodcast/ A complete bibliography for all episodes can be found on my website: www.kevinnordstrom.com

In Ep. 24 "The Grapes of the Vine" we will follow the Bach family tree from its founding member, Veit Bach, all the way down to JS Bach and his first born son Wilhelm Friedemann. For nearly three centuries, the Bach's produced musician after musician. All were highly skilled in their craft and some became quite famous. Not only did JS Bach's children have as a father the greatest musician of all time, but they were just the latest fruit of a long musical vine. Music in this episode: 1. BWV 50 - “Non ist das Heil und die Kraft “ (some think that this may not be by Bach, but JE Gardiner thinks it is and so do I! Anyways it’s a great piece) Unless otherwise noted, the following are chorales from BWV 244, the “St. Mathew ion” their number in the score is listed alongside. 2. “Mir hat die Welt trüglich Gerlicht” no. 32 3. “Ja nicht auf das fest” (a choral interlude during a recit. not a chorale...) no. 4 4. “Ich bin’s, Ich solte büßen” no. 10 5. “Erkenne mich, mein Hüter” no. 15 6. “Ich will hier bei der stehen” no. 17 7. “Herzliebster Jesu, was hast du verbrochen” no. 3 8. “Was mein Gott will, das g’scheh allzeit” no. 25 9. Final Chorus “Wir setzen uns mit Tränen neider” no. 68 For all things G Please rate, review, and subscribe on iTunes! Like our Facebook page too! https://www.facebook.com/thegreatcomposerspodcast/ Want to help out? Donate to the show! https://www.gofundme.com/manage/thegreatcomposerspodcast

In Ep. 23 we welcome another very special guest, Judith Chernaik, author of the book “Schumann: the Faces and the Masks”. She and I had an in-depth discussion about her book, a brilliant telling of the tragic and beautiful story that is the life of Robert Schumann. Be sure to pick up her book wherever books are sold and at the link below! It is well worth it. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/546890/schumann-by-judith-chernaik/ Enjoy! Music in this episode: Schumann - Carnaval op. 9 -Préambule(Charles Rosen) -Marche des “Davidsbündler” contres les Philistins (Guiomar Novaes) For all things G...see below! Please rate, review, and subscribe on iTunes! Like our Facebook page too! https://www.facebook.com/thegreatcomposerspodcast/ Want to help out? Donate to the show! https://www.gofundme.com/manage/thegreatcomposerspodcast

In Ep. 22 I am pleased to bring you a very special guest, Suzanne Bona, host of the syndicated radio program "Sunday Baroque". We met up at WGUC studios in downtown Cincinnati and enjoyed a wide ranging discussion about her show, her life, and lots of interesting musical things! She was also kind enough to let us hear a sample of her program at about 45 minutes in, a special treat indeed. Be sure to listen to Suzanne's show "Sunday Baroque" on your local radio station every Sunday morning. For more information, visit her website: http://sundaybaroque.org Music: -Bach Double Violin concerto in D minor mvt. 3 -Suzanne's show! -Vivaldi Double Violin concerto in A minor For all things G...see below! Please rate, review, and subscribe on iTunes! Like our Facebook page too! https://www.facebook.com/thegreatcomposerspodcast/ Want to help out? Donate to the show! https://www.gofundme.com/manage/thegreatcomposerspodcast www.kevinnordstrom.com