Sticky Notes: The Classical Music Podcast

A deep dive into Tchaikovsky's emotional sincerity and why critics have long debated his reputation. Exploration of myths around his death and the true context of his Sixth Symphony. Close looks at the expansive first movement, its famous bassoon opening, and the limping 5/4 waltz that recalls earlier themes.

I'm always tickled by composer trivia questions, like which standard canon works begin in a major key and end in a minor key? I'll give you one, but please comment others below: Mendelssohn's 4th Symphony. Well, how about this one: how many of Beethoven's 16 string quartets end in a minor key? The answer? Just one, Op. 59, No. 2, the subject of today's show. And that minor key is hugely important to this darkest of the three Op. 59 quartets, three towering achievements that changed the string quartet repertoire for good. Beethoven, as I've said many times on the show, was a revolutionary within limits, always expanding, rethinking, and reshaping what was possible without breaking anything beyond repair. But make no mistake: the Op. 59 quartets were revolutionary works. No one had written anything like them before in terms of scope, emotional intensity, difficulty, and complexity. In fact, like a few of Beethoven's greatest works, they were received with confusion and, in some cases, anger by musicians, audiences, and critics. Famously, the cellist of the first string quartet to receive the parts of Op. 59, No. 1 saw the Morse code-like, one-note theme of the second movement, threw the music aside, and stomped on it! These quartets were Beethoven going out on a limb, applying the intensity and drama of his Middle Heroic Period to a genre that had been at least partly the province of amateur musicians, but not anymore. Op. 59, No. 2, as I said, is the darkest of this group: four movements all centered around the key of E, and with the exception of the glorious second movement, all in minor, presenting a seriousness and directness of purpose that is powerfully compelling. This might be my favorite of the Op. 59 quartets, and so I'm very excited to dig into it with you today. We'll discuss the enigmatic and ecstatic aspects of this quartet, as well as Beethoven's own philosophical views on life, which come to light in the second movement, one of Beethoven's greatest creations. Recording: Cleveland Quartet

A live performance of Brahms’s Second Symphony gets framed as either sunny pastoral or haunted by deeper shadows. Discussion zeroes in on a unifying three-note germ, horn calls, and unexpected trombone moments. The program traces form, rhythmic displacements, violin fireworks, tempestuous developments, and an ambiguous, unresolved ending that keeps the music lingering.

A passionate love affair turned artistic obsession sparks a tone poem rooted in Hans Christian Andersen. Intense letters and diary entries frame a fin-de-siècle Romantic outpouring. The music’s sea-world textures, leitmotifs, storm rescue, and aching climaxes are traced across movements. Themes of longing, transformation, heartbreak, and transfiguration drive the narrative.

Discover the intriguing life of Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, a composer who achieved posthumous fame despite his brief 26 years on Earth. Unraveling the mysteries of his misattributed works, we explore how his music gained popularity only after his death. Dive into the emotional depths of his Stabat Mater, a powerful setting of a medieval hymn that reflects the Virgin Mary's sorrow. Each movement showcases his innovative techniques, contrasting moods, and dramatic shifts, culminating in a breathtaking finale that resonates with enduring power.

Discover the compelling comeback story of Rachmaninoff's Second Piano Concerto, born from the ashes of his First Symphony disaster. The journey through his depression and recovery through hypnosis reveals the personal stakes behind this masterpiece. Each movement is dissected, from the iconic opening chords to the tender second movement's key shift. Joshua highlights the concerto's emotional depth and craftsmanship, illuminating why it resonates with audiences today, even inspiring adaptations from artists like Sinatra.

This episode features Aram Demirjian, a talented conductor and the Music Director of the Knoxville Symphony, renowned for his deep understanding of Handel's Messiah. He dives into the whirlwind three-week composition of the oratorio and its evolution from opera as Handel sought broader appeal. Aram shares insights on the piece's distinctive structure, the theme of hope in Jennens' libretto, and the vivid text painting in 'Every valley'. He also discusses the prevalent traditions surrounding the 'Hallelujah' chorus and the universal significance of this timeless work.

Gustav Holst is often seen as a one-hit wonder, with his epic suite, The Planets, overshadowing his other works. Delve into how Holst's personal astrological beliefs shaped the music, ordering the movements not by distance but by emotional resonance. Each movement presents unique textures—from the warlike Mars to the serene Venus. The Jupiter movement features a controversial hymn that became a famous patriotic tune. The suite's impact on film and its mystique, especially in Neptune, leaves a lasting cultural legacy.

Explore the fascinating journey of Franck's D Minor Symphony, once celebrated but now largely forgotten. Discover how this innovative work, known for its dense textures and constant modulation, faced criticism at its premiere yet thrived posthumously. Dive into its unique three-movement structure, emotional journey, and thematic intricacies. Reflect on the rise and fall of its popularity and appreciate the symphony's profound emotional sincerity that deserves to be heard again.

Discover the 'bad-boy' revolutionary side of Maurice Ravel and his role in Les Apaches, a group challenging musical conservatism. Delve into his Basque heritage and the deep friendship with Spanish composer Manuel de Falla, who admired Ravel's authentic Spanish influences. Explore Ravel's colorful orchestration in 'Rapsodie espagnole' and Falla's evocative 'Nights in the Gardens of Spain,' highlighting their shared passion for atmosphere and creativity. This dialogue between two kindred spirits reveals the essence of Spanish music.