GaySA Radio

Robert Schumann’s role as a critic and editor of the Neue Zeitschrift für Musik (New Journal for Music) had a profound impact on the music of the Romantic period. Schumann became what we would call today “an influencer.” As both an advocate and commentator, Schumann used his platform not only to shape musical tastes but also to promote the works of emerging composers. Schumann’s writings helped de...

Today we look at the influence that Beethoven had on future composers, and today specifically on Schumann who was himself an influential musical giant, and editor of the Neue Zeitschrift für Musik, a new and most important and influential journal. Beethoven’s influence on the generations of composers who followed him was monumental. He bridged the Classical and Romantic eras, transforming music in...

Today we look at the influence that Beethoven had on future composers, and today specifically on Schumann who was himself an influential musical giant, and editor of the Neue Zeitschrift für Musik, a new and most important and influential journal. Beethoven’s influence on the generations of composers who followed him was monumental. He bridged the Classical and Romantic eras, transforming music in...

And so we enter the New Year 2025 and my wish for each one of you is “Happy New Year, and let it be your best one yet!” Our gentle start to our New Year’s listening is with well-known pieces by Dvorak, Bizet, Rachmaninov, Faure, Brahms, Mozart, Wagner and Elgar. Antonin Dvorak: Slavonic Dance No. 2, Op. 72 Performed by Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks condicted by Rafael Kubelik &middo...

In this programme I present some well-known music which is both inspirational and motivational, so that we can individually meditate about how our 2024 year has been. The music is by Aaron Copeland, Carl Orff, Gustav Holst, Jules Massenet, Samuel Barber, Stanley Myers, Giuseppe Verdi, Johann Strauss, and Joey Tempest. Aaron Copeland: Fanfare for the Common Man “The Presidents Own®” U.S. Marine Ban...

The programme this week is Christmas and Sacred music by John Rutter. There are original compositions and a selection of well-known carols in exquisite arrangements. Please feel free to join me and allow the music to stir the emotions in you in the spirit of the Christmas season! A Christmas Overture Performed by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra · Hark the Herald Angels Sing Performed by Th...

Today we look at Beethoven's influence on future composers, specifically Schumann, an influential musical giant and editor of the Neue Zeitschrift für Musik, a new and most important and influential journal. Beethoven’s influence on the generations of composers who followed him was monumental. He bridged the Classical and Romantic eras, transforming music into a deeply personal and expressive art...

Today we look at the influence that Beethoven had on future composers, and today specifically on Chopin. Beethoven’s influence on the generations of composers who followed him was monumental. He bridged the Classical and Romantic eras, transforming music into a deeply personal and expressive art form and opening the door for further experimentation in structure, harmony, and emotional depth. Ludwi...

Today, we look at Harmonic and Modulation developments in Beethoven’s music. This programme is rather difficult and tricky, but it is well worth paying attention to the information and examples. Beethoven extended these two aspects of composition and set the tone for the next generation of composers in the nineteenth century. Enjoy! Ludwig van Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 9 in E Major, Op. 14 No. 1...

This week and last I have been preparing to travel and then travelling, so I will not be doing any sort of formal discussion today. Instead we will simply listen to some music of the contemporaries of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. I will announce the items, but what I would like you to pay attention to is the strong similarity of style between these composers. This is because all were writing durin...

I am preparing to travel and then travelling this week and next, so I will not be doing any formal discussions today and next week. Instead, we will listen to some music from the contemporaries of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. I will announce the items, but I would like you to pay attention to the strong similarity of style between these composers. This is because all were writing during the 18th c...

We are still on the path to compare and be able to identify the music of the three classical giants, Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. Today we look at Thematic, Rhythmic and Emotional developments in Beethoven’s music. We start with the famous Symphony 5 with the “fate” motif, and in this symphony, we will find examples of the features I call Beethoven’s fingerprints. After that a much easier work, a...

Beethoven as a composer bridged between two periods in the history of music. He was taught and influenced by Haydn as well as Johann Baptist Schenk, Emanuel Aloys Förster, Anton Salieri, and Johann Georg Albrechtsberger. Beethoven held the music of Mozart in high regard, although it is unknown if the two ever met. We are on the path to compare and be able to identify the music of the three classic...

Beethoven as a composer bridged between two periods in the history of music. He was taught and influenced by Haydn as well as Johann Baptist Schenk, Emanuel Aloys Förster, Anton Salieri, and Johann Georg Albrechtsberger. Beethoven held the music of Mozart in high regard, although it is unknown if the two ever met. We are on the path to compare and be able to identify the music of the three classic...

We are progressing in our exploration of musical fingerprints today by looking a third time at the music of Franz Josef Haydn, a Classical Period composer. This we will do for at least one more week, leading up to comparing the style of Haydn with that of Mozart and Beethoven. Today there is a Symphony, a Piano Sonata, and a Piano Trio – the first a little sad, the others extremely warm and humoro...

We are progressing in our exploration of musical fingerprints today by looking a second time at the music of Franz Josef Haydn, a Classical Period composer. We will do this for at least one more week, leading up to comparing the style of Haydn with that of Mozart. Today there are two Symphonies and a String Quartet. And a couple of jokes. I hope you will be with me for the journey! Franz Josef Hay...

We are progressing in our exploration of musical fingerprints today by looking at the music of Franz Josef Haydn, a Classical Period composer. We will do this for at least one more week, leading up to comparing the style of Haydn with that of Mozart. I hope you will be with me for the journey! Franz Josef Haydn: String Quartet in C Major, Op. 76 No. 3, Hob. Lll:77 Emperor Performed by the Emerson...

Two A major Concerto’s by Mozart today. Mozart’s Concertos for Piano and for Clarinet, are both in A major. This is one of Mozart’s “happy keys”, along with E flat major and C major. In the context of the Doctrine of the Affections, each musical key was believed to have its own inherent emotional qualities, and composers used these keys deliberately to evoke specific emotions or moods in their com...

So, let us imagine that you are listening to a piece of music, but you cannot place it. What is its name? We reviewing some music from an earlier programme, looking at musical fingerprints in this episode, things that can help us find out what that piece of music is. Domenico Scarlatti: Sonata in E major Kk380 Performed on Harpsicord by Scott Ross · Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Serenade in G ma...

Today I am going to give you three characteristics of the music of Bach and Händel by which you will be able to tell them apart. These are: Style and Complexity, Harmonic Language, and Form and Structure. These are illustrated by Fugues, Theme and Variations, and Suites from each composer for direct comparison. So, lend me your ears and let’s investigate! Johan Sebastian Bach: Art of Fugue, BWV 10...

Today’s programme is part 2 of 3 in which we look at the structure called the Suite, which was an instrumental staple of the Baroque period, and a forerunner of the Classical symphony. The Suite is based on stylized dances of the period (or earlier), and consequently are quite easy listening. In part 1 we looked at those by Bach; now in part 2 those by Handel and also a concerto by Vivaldi which f...

Today’s programme is part 1 of 3 in which we look at the structure called the Suite, which was an instrumental staple of the Baroque period, and a forerunner of the Classical symphony. The Suite is based on stylized dances of the period (or earlier), and consequently are quite easy listening. In part 1 we look at those by Bach; in part 2 those by Handel and also a concerto by Vivaldi which fits th...

Today’s programme is about the most advanced and exciting product of the Baroque period – the Fugue. We already did the lesson section last week, but I’m repeating that section by request (the first 16 minutes). Fugue is not an easy concept, so this is another opportunity to get to grips with Fugue. I’m about to make it easy to understand! This week the music is not only for piano – I have fugues...

Today’s programme is about the most advanced and exciting product of the Baroque period – the Fugue. Yes, it’s complicated. But I’m about to make it easy to understand! And give you many opportunities to practice listening to this challenging but enjoyable music. I can’t wait to share this with you! Johan Sebastian Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1: Preludes and Fugues 1 - 8, BWV 846 – 853 a...

In the next programme in the series, we are looking at Musical Fingerprints Part 11. What are these? These are the unique characteristics of individual composers, instruments, periods of music, musical styles and specific compositional types that an observant listener will immediately identify. In today’s programme I am going to play 6 mystery items for you. My challenge to you will to identify th...