The Great Composers Podcast
1) Sergei Rachmaninoff, Chapter 8: A Stunning Finale
When the urge to compose finally struck again, Rachmaninoff took a little theme by Nicolo Paganini and turned it into a tour de force for the piano and orchestra, called Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganin...Show More
2) Sergei Rachmaninoff, Chapter 7: The Making Of A Sacred Masterwork
After four long years living outside of Russia due to political instability, Rachmaninoff was finally able to bring his family home. He returned with a determination to write a Russian sacred piece th...Show More
3) Sergei Rachmaninoff, Chapter 6: Triumph And Revolution
Clickety clack. That’s all Sergei Rachmaninoff heard as he practiced his new Piano Concerto No. 3 in advance of his big American tour, during which he would debut the piece. That’s because he finished...Show More
4) Sergei Rachmaninoff, Chapter 5: The Reluctant Hit Maker
Sergei Rachmaninoff just wasn't hungry -- literally and figuratively. So, after the success of his Piano Concerto No. 2, he took the less obvious route for a composer and dedicated himself to con...Show More
5) Sergei Rachmaninoff, Chapter 4: It Takes A Village
Sergei Rachmaninoff finds himself in a funk. It’s been three years since the disastrous premiere of his Symphony No. 1 and the composer has barely written a note since then. His confidence is crushed....Show More
6) Sergei Rachmaninoff, Chapter 3: A Bullseye On His Back
Crouched low. Hiding in a fire escape backstage with his fingers plugging his ears. This is how Sergei Rachmaninoff experienced the premiere of his Symphony No. 1. What should have been a triumphant n...Show More
7) Sergei Rachmaninoff, Chapter 2: Tchaikovsky And Rachmaninoff
We all need a little help from friends, and one of Sergei Rachmaninoff's most supportive friends was none other than the great Russian composer Peter Tchaikovsky. Tchaikovsky cheered for Rachmani...Show More
8) Sergei Rachmaninoff, Chapter 1: A Prelude To A Life Filled With Sorrow And Beauty
Why do we love Rachmaninoff's music so much? Is it the romantic themes? The dark, brooding undercurrents? Whatever it is, it's hooked listeners for more than a century. Our new miniseries on...Show More
9) Leonard Bernstein: 100 Years Of A Great American Composer
An intimate look at the life and legacy of a singular musical figure, featuring insights from conductor Marin Alsop. Bernstein was born Aug. 25, 1918, and classical music lovers across the world are m...Show More
10) Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Chapter 5: The People’s Composer
Mozart's "The Magic Flute" marries high art with catchy tunes, and makes us wonder what the composer would have written if he had lived longer. It's the final of five episodes on Mozart, kic...Show More