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06:47

The Beauty of Tchaikovsky's Symphonies.

Classical Music Critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a 1960 recording of Tchaikovsky's last three symphonies, conducted by Yevgeny Mravinsky and performed by the Leningrad Philharmonic.

Review
10:07

Composer David Del Tredici is Ready to Leave "Alice" Behind.

Composer David Del Tredici. His works place him at the forefront of the neo-romantic movement. Del Tredici won the Pulitzer Prize for music in 1980 for his composition "In Memory of A Summer Day." From 1968 to 1985, his works evolved around themes from Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll's beloved fairy tale. It was his 1976 work, "Final Alice," commissioned by the Chicago Symphony, that first brought Del Tredici international recognition.

Interview
06:54

Jacqueline Du Pré's Brief, but Brilliant, Life and Career.

Ellen Pfeifer, music critic for The Boston Herald, reviews the brief career of cellist Jacqueline Du Pré, who died on Monday from the effects of multiple sclerosis. Her playing was a described as a mixture of elegance and ferocity. When the disease struck at the age of 26, it cut short one of the most promising solo careers in all classical music.

Commentary
07:02

Take Another Look at Conductor George Szell.

Classical Music Critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a CBS compact disc re-issue featuring the late George Szell conducting the Cleveland Orchestra in a performance of Mozart's "Sinfonia Concertante."

Review
09:43

Soprano Benita Valente

Celebrated by critics and opera aficionados, the singer is finally reaching a larger audience with recent recordings, like her CD of Schubert, Hayden, and Mozart lieder. She joins Fresh Air to talk about her technique, and the differences between singing lieder and opera.

Interview
06:48

Showcasing an Oboe Master

Classical music critic says a new recording of Elgar's Miniatures serve as a perfect vehicle for the elegant phrasing of oboist Leon Gooseens.

Review
06:48

A New Ensemble Establishing Its Legitimacy

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz has cautious admiration for the Kronos Quartet, which exclusively plays pieces from the 20th century. He says the members are excellent performers who often fail to explore the true depths of their chosen repertoire.

Review
24:39

Showcasing a Great Conductor's Skill

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a reissued recording of Arturo Toscanini conducting Berlioz--a composer not often associated with the maestro. Schwartz says the improved sound quality will help listeners better appreciate the performances.

Review
27:58

Cellist Lynn Harrell

The renowned soloist says the nature of his instrument demands that he be flexible about also playing supportively in ensemble settings. He talks about how the death of his parents, both of whom were musicians, contributed to his artistic development.

Interview
06:40

Rediscovering the Vitality of Live Performance

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz shares his admiration for the Music & Arts Programs of America, a Berkeley-based record label that reissues classic performances from earlier in the 20th century.

Commentary
06:55

Updating Don Giovanni

Director Peter Sellars helmed a modernized production of Mozart's iconic opera at this year's Pepsico Summerfare. Classical music critic Lloyd Schwarz saw the performance in Purchase, NY. He says not all of the updates worked, but the individual performances reached the audience "on a profoundly emotional level."

Review

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