Dec 29th, 2009 · Mahler's grand-scale "Resurrection" Symphony marked the real beginning of his career as a composer. It's the work with which he answered the metaphysical challenge of Beethoven's Ninth, with a turbulent beginning and a triumphant conclusion.
Nov 24th, 2009 · The Bohemian composer claimed that "everyone who has a nose must smell America" in his Symphony No. 9. But rather than serve as a musical postcard from abroad, Dvorak's Symphony From the New World ultimately serves as more of a fond look back toward home.
Oct 27th, 2009 · It may have been written in 1830, but Berlioz's groundbreaking music provides the soundtrack to some wild nights — complete with dancing, drugs, an execution and a rowdy party of witches. The symphony's unusual effects and instruments tell the story of a wild-eyed musician in love.
Oct 6th, 2009 · Finnish composer Jan Sibelius introduces some of his most memorable ideas in his fifth symphony. Inspired by swans in flight, the symphony ends in a magnificent blaze of glory.
Oct 1st, 2009 · Carnegie Hall kicks off its season in New York with a new work by prolific Hollywood composer John Williams. It's a concerto for harp and orchestra, and Williams wrote it specifically for Ann Hobson Pilot. For the past 40 years she's been the Principal Harpist for the Boston Symphony Orchestra. She was the first African American woman to win a seat with the BSO, and one of the first in any major symphony. Now she's ready to enjoy the music from a new perspective- the audience's.
Aug 11th, 2009 · Whenever the reclusive Carlos Kleiber conducted an orchestra, it was a major event. Hear him bring out all the pent-up emotions in Brahms' final symphony, with the help of the Vienna Philharmonic.
Jun 25th, 2009 · The Mexican capital is a noisy metropolis of more than 20 million people, known for its colonial church bells and relentless traffic. But it's also a place where sounds have meaning. If you listen just right, amid the chaos, a disjointed symphony is waiting to be heard.
Jun 11th, 2009 · The San Francisco, Chicago and Boston symphony orchestras have all released new live albums recently; classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz had a listen, and he has a review.