Classical Discoveries

Explore the life and works of Nino Rota, the Italian composer celebrated for both his iconic film scores and his classical music. Discover his collaborations with legendary directors, his opera The Florentine Straw Hat, and his distinctive gift for blending nostalgia, optimism, and humor in his music.Chapters0:20 Introduction1:02 Biographical Facts1:58 Italian Hollywood4:05 Rota and Opera9:14 Rota vs. Rózsa10:44 Concerto for Strings12:53 Harp Concerto13:59 The Orchestra Rehearsal15:40 Listen to Nino Rota!16:26 Conclusion16:50 Il GattopardoFeatured RecordingsC5466 – Nino Rota: The Florentine Straw HatListen now: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5466IDC5494 – Nino Rota: Concert MusicListen now: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5494IDC5246 – Nino Rota: Il GattopardoListen now: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5246IDFeatured ArtistsTetiana Miyus: https://tetianamiyus.com/Piotr Buszewski: https://www.instagram.com/piotrbuszewskiDaniele Squeo: https://www.danielesqueo.com/home/Opera Graz: https://oper-graz.buehnen-graz.com/WDR Funkhausorchester: https://www1.wdr.de/orchester-und-chor/funkhausorchester/index.htmlFelix Bender: https://www.felixbender.com/homeEsther Peristerakis: https://www.instagram.com/esther.peristerakis/Recommended PersonsMiklós RózsaFederico FelliniLuchino ViscontiWith Jens F. Laurson (Journalist) and Johannes Kernmayer (Producer)► Subscribe to Capriccio YOUTUBE Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/CapriccioRecords► FACEBOOK Page: facebook.com/capricciorecords/► INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/capricciorec/► TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CapriccioRec► Learn more about Capriccio: http://capriccio.at/

Discover Karl Weigl, the forgotten Viennese composer who carried Romanticism into the 20th century. Join Jens and Joe on Classical Discoveries as they explore Weigl’s life, legacy, and remarkable output, including symphonies and string quartets. Learn about his early career under Mahler, his “Mahler without the neurosis” style, his struggles as an émigré in the United States, and the rediscovery of his music. Featuring insights from his grandson and excerpts from works such as the Left-Hand Piano Concerto and Third Symphony, this episode asks why Weigl deserves a place in the modern repertoire.Subscribe for more hidden classical gems.#KarlWeigl #ClassicalMusic #Podcast #VienneseMusic #ComposerChapters00:20 Introduction00:56 Surprised by Beauty02:38 His Grandson’s Memories05:33 Viennese Glory08:22 The Left-Hand Piano Concerto10:09 Schoenberg Cycle Vienna11:50 The Symphonies13:27 American Obscurity16:12 Some Chamber Music17:32 ConclusionFeatured RecordingsC5232 – Weigl: Piano and Violin ConcertosC5365 – Weigl: Symphony No. 1C5385 – Weigl: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 6C5318 – Weigl: Chamber MusicFeatured ArtistsFlorian KrumpöckDavid FrühwirthJürgen BrunsDeutsche Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-PfalzRecommended PersonsArnold SchoenbergAlexander ZemlinskyFranz SchmidtErich KorngoldErich ZeiselHanns EislerHans GálGustav MahlerWilhelm FurtwänglerLeopold StokowskiWith Jens F. Laurson (Journalist) and Johannes Kernmayer (Producer)► Subscribe to Capriccio YOUTUBE Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/CapriccioRecords► FACEBOOK Page: facebook.com/capricciorecords/► INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/capricciorec/► TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CapriccioRec► Learn more about Capriccio: http://capriccio.at/

Classical Discoveries: A Festive Journey Beyond BachJoin Jens and Joe for a delightful exploration of Christmas music that goes far beyond Bach! Discover hidden gems like Pfitzner’s Christelflein, Rheinberger’s Star of Bethlehem, and Cartellieri’s Christmas Oratorio. Journey from Renaissance masterpieces to Romantic treasures, with music by Mendelssohn, Saint-Saëns, and even Sibelius.Enjoy surprises such as Schoenberg’s Christmas Music and Pablo Casals’ El pesebre, plus the enchanting sounds of Russian Orthodox Christmas traditions. Jens and Joe share personal stories from their own performances and recordings, adding warmth and insight to the festive atmosphere.Whether you’re a lifelong classical enthusiast or looking for fresh additions to your holiday playlist, this episode unwraps new Christmas classics and cherished favorites—with a charming attempt at Silent Night!Chapters00:21 Introduction02:05 No Favorite Song03:02 Heinrich Schütz – Christmas History04:34 A Season for Boys’ Choirs06:46 Rheinberger – The Star of Bethlehem11:09 Cartellieri – Christmas Oratorio13:09 Mendelssohn – Vom Himmel hoch15:09 Jens’ Christmas Favorites16:52 100 Christmas Classics18:40 Assisi Christmas Cantatas21:07 Jean Sibelius – Op. 122:36 Christmas Emotions24:30 Orthodox Christmas27:44 A Silent Night FinaleFeatured Albums💿 Capriccio C10508 – Schütz / Schelle: Christmas Histories💿 Capriccio C10594 – Christmas with the Vienna Boys’ Choir💿 Orfeo C230082 – Pfitzner: Das Christ-Elflein💿 Capriccio C10551 – Rheinberger: The Star of Bethlehem💿 Capriccio C10337 – Rheinberger: Organ Suite💿 Capriccio C71015 – Cartellieri: Christmas Oratorio💿 Capriccio C10216 – Saint-Saëns / Mendelssohn💿 Capriccio C7331 – 100 Christmas Classics💿 Capriccio C3032 – Assisi Christmas Cantatas💿 Capriccio C3031 – Scandinavian Christmas💿 Capriccio C3033 – Orthodox Christmas 💿 Capriccio C3030 – Christmas in the Austrian Alps With: Jens F. Laurson (Journalist) and Johannes Kernmayer (Producer)#christmas #classicalchristmas #choral #sacredmusic #traditionalmusic #scandinavianmusic #orthodoxmusic🎧 Subscribe & Follow:YouTube – Capriccio RecordsFacebook – Capriccio RecordsInstagram – @capricciorecTwitter – @CapriccioRecLearn more at capriccio.at

Discover the life and works of Christian Sinding, the Norwegian composer who spent most of his career in Germany. Explore his symphonies, his place in late Romantic music, and why he is so often overshadowed by his contemporary Edvard Grieg.Chapters0:20 Introduction1:24 Norwegian One-Hit Wonder3:00 The Symphonies – Recording Impressions7:19 Essentially German Music?8:11 Biographical Facts9:00 Symphony No. 1 – To Conquer the World10:21 Grieg vs. Sinding11:29 Symphony No. 4 – Frost and Spring14:43 Biographical Facts15:24 Sinding To-Do List16:47 ConclusionFeatured RecordingsCapriccio C5540 – Christian Sinding: The Symphonies 1–4Listen now: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5540IDNaxos 8.557266 – Sibelius / Sinding Violin ConcertosListen now: https://Naxos.lnk.to/8557266IDFeatured ArtistsKarl-Heinz Steffens: https://www.instagram.com/karlheinzsteffens/Norrköping Symphony Orchestra: https://www.norrkopingssymfoniorkester.se/englishRecommended PersonsEdvard GriegJean SibeliusRichard WagnerFelix WeingartnerArthur NikischWith Jens F. Laurson (Journalist) and Johannes Kernmayer (Producer)#Capriccio #Capricciorecords #Podcast #ChristianSinding #ClassicalMusic #NorwegianComposer #Symphonies #LateRomantic #EdvardGrieg #Leipzig #NordicMusic #ForgottenComposers #MusicHistory #ClassicalDiscoveries► Subscribe to Capriccio YOUTUBE Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/CapriccioRecords► FACEBOOK Page: facebook.com/capricciorecords/► INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/capricciorec/► TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CapriccioRec► Learn more about Capriccio: http://capriccio.at/

In this episode, we explore the fascinating life and work of composer Miklós Rózsa, focusing on his “double life” balancing film scoring and concert hall composition. Initially resistant to working in film, Rózsa went on to achieve great success in Hollywood, winning three Academy Awards for his scores to Ben-Hur, Spellbound, and A Double Life.The hosts discuss Rózsa’s autobiography and his complex relationship with the world of film, contrasting his views with those of composers like Shostakovich, who seemed less troubled by such artistic boundaries. They delve into how Rózsa used his film work to fund his concert compositions, negotiating unique contracts that allowed him summers in Italy to focus on “serious” music.You’ll hear excerpts from several of Rózsa’s concert works—including the energetic Overture to a Symphony Concert, the lyrical Hungarian Serenade, and the expressive Sinfonia concertante—and learn about his collaborations with legendary figures like Leonard Bernstein, Bruno Walter, Jascha Heifetz, and János Starker. Throughout, the hosts challenge long-standing biases against film composers and celebrate Rózsa’s contributions to both classical and cinematic music.Chapters0:21 Introduction1:24 A Double Life4:55 A Serious Classical Composer7:55 Overture Op. 26a – The Recording Session9:53 A Different Style?10:55 The Film Career12:01 Hungarian Serenade Op. 2514:42 Sinfonia concertante Op. 29 (Preview)17:08 Conclusion💿 Featured Recording 💿RÓZSA, M.: Overture to a Symphony Concert / Hungarian Serenade / TripartitaLabel: Capriccio C5514🎧 Listen now: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5514!PodcastHosts: Jens F. Laurson (Journalist) & Johannes Kernmayer (Producer)Follow Capriccio:► YouTube► Facebook► Instagram► Twitter► Website#capriccio #podcast #MiklósRózsa #FilmComposer #ClassicalMusic #MovieScores #BenHur #Spellbound #ADoubleLife #Composer #HollywoodComposer #HungarianComposer #FilmMusic #Soundtrack #ClassicalMusicPodcast #MusicHistory #20thCenturyMusic #PodcastRecommendation #MusicLover #NewMusic

In this episode of Classical Discoveries, we welcome Dr. Christoph Becher — former dramaturg and general director — to unpack the art and challenges of curating a concert season. Dr. Becher outlines the three-pronged approach involving the orchestra chief, guest conductor, and presenter, each bringing distinct goals and perspectives.The discussion explores how radio symphony orchestras balance their mission to promote contemporary music with the need to attract audiences. Dr. Becher shares engaging anecdotes from his career — from championing Henze’s Raft of the Medusa to navigating hesitant presenters — while reflecting on audience resistance to modern and even some romantic composers like Dohnányi.The hosts also discuss Dr. Becher’s upcoming book on Schoenberg, designed to make the composer’s music more accessible, alongside his innovative programming work at leading institutions. Highlights include his Hamburg concert series featuring surprise modern pieces and collaborations on major performances such as Dvořák’s The Spectre’s Bride.Chapters0:21 Introduction1:06 Introducing our Guest – Christoph Becher1:50 How to Prepare a Seasonal Concert Program5:12 A Mission for Non-Standard Repertoire13:19 Ideas Out of the Bathtub14:43 The Schoenberg Problem19:32 The Schoenberg Book22:32 The Role of a Program Director27:40 Recordings with the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra29:29 Conclusion💿 Featured Recordings 💿Hans Werner Henze: Floß der Medusa — Capriccio C5482🎧 Listen: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5482!PodcastErnst von Dohnányi: The Veil of Pierrette — Capriccio C5388🎧 Listen: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5388!PodcastAntonín Dvořák: The Spectre’s Bride — Capriccio C5315🎧 Listen: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5315!PodcastKurt Weill: Propheten — Capriccio C5500🎧 Listen: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5500!PodcastDohnányi / Weiner — Capriccio C5380🎧 Listen: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5380!PodcastZemlinsky: Sinfonietta — Capriccio C5377🎧 Listen: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5377!PodcastHosts: Jens F. Laurson (Journalist), Johannes Kernmayer (Producer), and Dr. Christoph Becher (Program Director)Follow Capriccio:► YouTube► Facebook► Instagram► Twitter► Website#classicalmusic #contemporarymusic #contemporaryclassical #musicmanagement #sponsorship #classicaldiscoveries #arnoldschoenberg

The influence of Gustav Mahler on the performance practice of Beethoven's symphonies is explored in this episode. Mahler's "retouchings," made to adapt Beethoven’s works for the larger orchestras and concert halls of his time, are examined in detail. The discussion also considers how these revisions shape modern interpretations of Beethoven’s symphonic repertoire.0:00 Introduction0:58 Mahler and Wagner3:44 The Recording Sessions7:07 The Orchestrations8:38 Missing Authentic Beethoven11:19 Egomaniac Mahler?13:00 The Retouched Works17:04 The Big ConclusionCapriccio C5484Beethoven – The Mahler Re-orchestrationsListen now: ⁠https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5484!Podcast⁠Naxos 8.574429Schumann, R.: Symphonies Nos. 1 and 2 (Re-orchestrated by G. Mahler)Listen now: ⁠https://Naxos.lnk.to/8574429!Podcast⁠Naxos 8.574430Schumann, R.: Symphonies Nos. 3 and 4 (Re-orchestrated by G. Mahler)Listen now: ⁠https://Naxos.lnk.to/8574430!Podcast⁠With: Jens F. Laurson (Journalist) and Johannes Kernmayer (Producer)► Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/CapriccioRecords⁠► Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/capricciorecords/⁠► Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/capricciorec/⁠► Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/CapriccioRec⁠► Learn more: ⁠http://capriccio.at/⁠#capriccio #capricciorecords #podcast #musicpodcast #musichistory #Beethoven #Mahler #ClassicalMusic #Symphony #Retuschen #Orchestration #Classicaldiscoveries #beethovensymphony #symphony #classical #music

In this episode of Classical Discoveries, we explore the musical landscape of East Germany (GDR) before the fall of the Berlin Wall and examine the high cultural prestige that classical music held there, with insights from musicians such as Olaf Bär and Christine Schornsheim. The discussion highlights how music was used for propaganda, how musicians lived secure yet politically constrained lives, and the roles of key figures like Kurt Sanderling and Hanns Eisler. The episode also looks at important recordings and the practical and political challenges of producing music in the GDR.Chapters0:21 Introduction1:00 Personal GDR Adventures3:02 As the Wall Came Down4:06 Education: Artists’ Interviews – Part 17:24 Career and Reputation9:24 Capriccio and the GDR Recordings13:45 State Propaganda: Artists’ Interviews – Part 216:02 Propaganda or Diplomacy?18:34 Kurt Sanderling22:28 Jens’ Favourite GDR Recordings26:41 Travelling: Artists’ Interviews – Part 329:02 The Privilege of Travelling31:30 Composers of the GDR32:30 Contemporary Classics in the GDR35:25 Wagner-Régeny38:23 Hanns Eisler40:28 Paul Dessau42:26 Siegfried Matthus43:50 Find an EndFeatured ArtistsKurt SanderlingJochen KowalskiBurkhard GlaetznerConrad MuckOlaf BärPetersen QuartetHerbert KegelChristine SchornsheimFeatured RecordingsHanns Eisler – The Ballad of the Cripples’ Brigade (Excerpt) – C5434🎧 Discover now: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5434!PodcastHanns Eisler – Deutsche Sinfonie, Op. 50: Arbeiterkantate (Excerpt) – C5428🎧 Discover now: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5428!PodcastJochen Kowalski – Opera Arias (G. F. Handel: Rinaldo) (Excerpt) – C10213🎧 Discover now: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C10213!PodcastDer Mauerfall – Phoenix440🎧 Discover now: https://Naxos.lnk.to/Phoenix440!PodcastJohannes Brahms – Symphony No. 4: IV. Più Allegro (Excerpt) – C10600🎧 Discover now: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C10600!PodcastWagner-Régeny – Genesis (Excerpt) – C5413🎧 Discover now: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5413!PodcastPaul Dessau – In memoriam Bertolt Brecht, III. Epitaph (Excerpt) – C5019🎧 Discover now: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5019!PodcastSiegfried Matthus – Der Tod und das Mädchen / The Maiden and Death, I. Giocoso con grazia (Excerpt) – C10744🎧 Discover now: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C10744!PodcastWith: Jens F. Laurson (Journalist) and Johannes Kernmayer (Producer)===============► Subscribe to the Capriccio YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/CapriccioRecords► Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/capricciorecords/► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capricciorec/► Twitter: https://twitter.com/CapriccioRec► Learn more about Capriccio: http://capriccio.at/#ClassicalDiscoveries #MusicBehindTheWall #EastGermany #GDRMusic #BerlinWall #ClassicalMusic #MusicHistory #ColdWar #Beethoven #HannsEisler #KurtSanderling #HerbertKegel #Podcast #CulturalHeritage

Alfred Schnittke’s (1934 – 1998) film music encapsulates almost everything that characterizes the Russian composer’s compositional style. A self-described polystylist, he began writing for film in the 1960s, penning 66 film scores between 1962 and 1984 for Soviet film companies. His method of drawing on the past was rejected by the avant-garde but embraced by filmgoers and concertgoers too. An Overview to already 6 CD Volumes of this fascinating composer. with: Jens F. Laurson (Journalist) · Johannes Kernmayer (Capriccio)===============► Subscribe to Capriccio YOUTUBE Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/CapriccioRecords► FACEBOOK Page: facebook.com/capricciorecords/► INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/capricciorec/► TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CapriccioRec► Learn more about Capriccio: http://capriccio.at/===============#capriccio #Capricciorecords #podcast #podcasts #AlfredSchnittke #FilmMusic #Composer #Polystylism #SovietCinema #MusicHistory #Documentary #Interview #Capriccio #AvantGarde #FilmSoundtracks #SchnittkeScores #SovietFilmMusic #PolystylismAnalysis #SchnittkeProcess #SchnittkeInfluence

This podcast explores the life and music of Walter Braunfels, focusing on his rarely performed opera Jeanne d'Arc. The hosts discuss Braunfels' success as a composer and the challenges he faced due to his Jewish heritage during the Nazi era. They delve into the opera's three acts, highlighting its beautiful, tonal music and complex characters like Joan of Arc and Gilles de Rais. The historical context of the opera, including Joan of Arc's trial and execution, is also explored. The podcast concludes with an analysis of the powerful and moving finale. Featuring expert interviews and insightful commentary, this podcast is a valuable resource for anyone interested in opera, history, or music, offering a comprehensive and engaging overview of Braunfels' "Jeanne d'Arc". With: Jens F. Laurson (Journalist) and Johannes Kernmayer (Producer)BUY/STREAM: https://naxos.lnk.to/C5515ID!Capriccio ===============► Subscribe to Capriccio YOUTUBE Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/CapriccioRecords⁠► FACEBOOK Page: ⁠facebook.com/capricciorecords/⁠► INSTAGRAM: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/capricciorec/⁠► TWITTER: ⁠https://twitter.com/CapriccioRec⁠► Learn more about Capriccio: ⁠http://capriccio.at/⁠===============

Start of the new Capriccio podcast! But: who really needs another one?Capriccio's label director Johannes Kernmayer asks and talks with journalist Jens F. Laurson about the need for another classical music podcast. This podcast series is perfect for anyone who loves classical music and wants to discover something new.The Capriccio label aims to fill the niches by presenting classical rarities and their lesser-known composers.About Podcast Episode #-00 Recording date: 4.8.2024Host and Producer: Jens F. Laurson / Johannes Kernmayer Video Operator: Martin Klebahn (4tune Studios Vienna)===============► Subscribe to Capriccio YOUTUBE Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/CapriccioRecords► FACEBOOK Page: facebook.com/capricciorecords/► INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/capricciorec/► TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CapriccioRec► Learn more about Capriccio: http://capriccio.at/================#ClassicalDiscoveries #CapriccioPodcast #ClassicalMusic #MusicPodcast #JensFLaurson #JohannesKernmayer #ClassicalRarities #NeglectedComposers #MusicEducation #MusicHistory #NewPodcast #MusicExploration #CapriccioRecords #4tuneStudiosVienna #MartinKlebahn #PodcastPremiere #ClassicalMusicEnthusiasts #MusicDiscovery #HiddenGems #MusicJournalism #MusicAnalysis #MusicInterviews #CapriccioPodcast #capriccio