Saul Lilienstein (Photo: Risa Ryan)
For over 200 years nothing has filled concert halls more than the glorious sounds of a symphony performed by a magnificent orchestra, bringing joy and satisfaction to an audience. For Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, and others, their mastery of the symphony was the criterion by which they measured themselves—and the music by which they have been largely measured by music lovers ever since.
Opera and classical music expert Saul Lilienstein explores the breadth of the symphonic tradition with extended excerpts from some of the greatest works in the repertoire from the late 18th century through the end of the 19th. He provides a focus on contrasting methods of composition, revealing the essence of each composer’s individual contribution. Sessions are highlighted by recordings and film clips of notable orchestras and conductors.
February 3 What Makes it a Symphony?
The tradition begins with Haydn and Mozart.
February 10 The Orchestra Grows
Beethoven and Schubert expand the sonorities.
February 17 Classic or Romantic?
Mendelssohn and Schumann respect the past—and move beyond it.
February 24 In the Grand Manner
Brahms conquers Vienna; Dvorak goes to America.
March 3 The Russians are Coming!
Tchaikovsky fills the concert halls with sweeping melody; Rimsky-Korsakov’s drama sweeps away the structure.
5 sessions
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