Our Distinguished Team of Architects
Front: (L to R) H. Berlioz, L.v. Beethoven, JS Bach, W.A. Mozart, F.J. Haydn
Back: (L to R) A. Dvorak, J. Brahms, R. Wagner (seated), F. Lizst, R. Schumann,
F. Mendelssohn, F. Schubert, F. Chopin
ILLUSTRATION BY VICTOR JUHASZ
The Architects of Music, Part One
HOSTED BY LARRY RAPCHAK
In this fascinating, witty, and listener-friendly series, Larry explores and illuminates how music is structured and how its form guides us as we listen. Some episodes are free, others can be purchased individually and all programs can be purchased as a set. Stream the first 3 minutes, then purchase the entire episode.
1. Introduction
In this FREE introductory program, you’ll meet Larry and find out what’s in store for the rest of the series.
3. Mozart-Play by Play
In this FREE program, you’ll hear the entire composition with Larry’s play-by-play commentary running over it (with a tip of the hat to Peter Schickele).
5. Haydn Symphony 102/1st mvt.-Analysis
Larry explores the great Haydn's architectural design of this magnificent movement.
2. Mozart Symphony 34/1st mvt.-Analysis
In this episode, Larry explains what makes the first movement of Mozart’s brilliant Symphony No. 34 tick.
4. Mozart Symphony 34-Music Alone
The first movement.
6. Haydn Symphony 102-Music Alone
The first movement.
Featured Audio Program
Featured Audio Program
The Architects of Music, Part Two
HOSTED BY LARRY RAPCHAK
In these four programs, Larry explores one of the oldest and most interesting forms in music: Theme and Variations. You’ll get an overview, then take a deep dive into music by Mozart, Chopin and Dvorak, and end with a wrap-up program. Stream the first 3 minutes, then purchase the entire episode.
7. Theme and Variations-Introduction
In this introductory episode, Larry provides an overview of this fascinating musical form, concentrating on the music of Pachelbel, Bach and Mozart.
9. Theme and Variations-Chopin-Music Alone
A complete recording of the Chopin Variations.
8. Theme and Variations-Part Two-Chopin
In this program, Larry takes apart an astonishing composition by Chopin composed as a student assignment when he was only 17 - the Variations on Mozart’s “Là ci darem la mano” for piano and orchestra.
10. Theme and Variations-Part Three-Dvorak
In this episode, Larry takes off on the wings of Dvorak’s Symphonic Variations, Opus 78, a masterpiece of the Theme and Variation form.
11. Theme and Variations-Part Four-Post-Game Wrap Up
Larry wraps up our exploration of the Theme and Variation form with a gallery of musical delights, each a masterpiece of the genre.
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Updates from the founder, Steve Robinson.
What People are Saying
I went through the entire site and listened to all three episodes and loved them. Everything was fabulous. The narration is sensational and the text is beautifully done because it really makes you excited to know about the life of the composer. It’s written so that it can hit a new audience as well as a sophisticated audience. The site was easy to navigate and I was able to go to the cart and all those kinds of things with no problem. This is a game changer for classical music.
Mona Golabek
PIANIST, AUTHOR, AND ACTOR
The three episodes are a wonderful blending of narration about Beethoven’s history with his music-creating a ‘story’ that was compelling to listen to. I would get a ‘nugget’ of information and then an ‘interlude’ of his music, allowing me to process the words I just hear and follow along in the progression of his career. In our hectic world too much verbiage is not welcome, and our minds wander on to the next thing on our list. But this was good ‘story telling’ as well as enlightening. A wonderful study in Beethoven for all ages.
Lora Black
HOST AND PRODUCER, NEBRASKA PUBLIC RADIO NETWORK
Congratulations! These recordings are fantastic. The project you have begun is a great concept and already presents a wonderful trove of information that could be used by persons of any music education level in seeking better understanding of Beethoven and his work. I am looking forward to all the topics you will present as your project unfolds.
My best wishes for your project and the great opportunities it will create for educators and music lovers.
Matthew Comerford
CO-ASSISTANT PRINCIPLE
TRUMPET, LYRIC OPERA OF CHICAGO