Classics Unlocked with Graham Abbott

Universal Music Australia
  • 4.7 (12)
  • MUSIC

Presented by beloved broadcaster and educator Graham Abbott, Classics Unlocked is a monthly podcast exploring the many wonders of classical music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Verdi & Shakespeare

    23/08/2023

    Verdi & Shakespeare

    In this episode of 'Classics Unlocked', Graham explores the dynamic between the literary themes of William Shakespeare and the music of Giuseppe Verdi. Verdi took inspiration from the works of Shakespeare three times in his career, once fairly early on (Macbeth), and then decades later for his final two operas (Otello & Falstaff). He is on record as having expressed deep admiration for Shakespeare, and he read his works from an early age. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min

  2. 10/02/2022

    Unfinished Symphonies

    In this episode of Classics Unlocked, Graham looks at three of the most celebrated 'unfinished' symphonies, from the genius minds of Franz Schubert, Anton Bruckner and Gustav Mahler. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min
  3. Debussy's Preludes

    31/05/2021

    Debussy's Preludes

    In this episode of Classics Unlocked, Graham Abbott explores one of the landmarks of 20th century piano music in Claude Debussy's Preludes. Following the tradition laid down by JS Bach and Chopin (among others), Debussy wrote a set of 24 preludes (across two books of twelve), but the stress on them wasn't so much key as it was colour, expression and emotional impact. This episode of Classics Unlocked featured the following recording: DEBUSSY: Preludes I & II Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, piano Deutsche Grammophon DISCOVER Book I: https://uma.lnk.to/UTg76M7nID DISCOVER Book II: https://uma.lnk.to/CZvJdSvAID Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min
  4. The Orchestral Songs of Richard Strauss

    12/05/2021

    The Orchestral Songs of Richard Strauss

    In this episode of 'Classics Unlocked', Graham Abbott explores one of the last of the German Romantic composers, Richard Strauss, who is today remembered primarily for creating stunning works in two genres: orchestral tone poems and operas. Yet Strauss should be remembered just as much for his creation of music in another genre, because he took up the challenge of continuing and developing the German song tradition in a form usually known as Lieder. An extension of the form was the orchestral song, and Strauss composed more than 40 orchestral songs, spanning most of his life. The soloists featured in this episode of Classics Unlocked are: Jessye Norman https://uma.lnk.to/AQLglAiIID​ Karita Mattila https://uma.lnk.to/6thkJvcSID​ Christine Schäfer https://uma.lnk.to/KzUEkJ3CID​ Renée Fleming https://uma.lnk.to/TaYhiQocID​ Lisa Della Casa https://uma.lnk.to/uAW4T5jTID Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48 min
  5. Beethoven's Piano Concertos

    21/04/2021

    Beethoven's Piano Concertos

    In this episode of 'Classics Unlocked', Graham Abbott explores another chapter in the extraordinary creative output of Ludwig van Beethoven: his piano concertos. Beethoven revolutionised the way composers composed, and the way performers performed. Today, it is easily forgotten that Beethoven's piano concertos were written for himself to display both his compositional and pianistic capabilities. This episode of Classics Unlocked featured the following recording: BEETHOVEN ODYSSEY Colin Davis, conductor Stephen Kovacevich, piano BBC Symphony Orchestra London Symphony Orchestra Decca Eloquence 484 1728 (12-CD) DISCOVER: https://Eloquence.lnk.to/00028948417285OA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min
  6. Bach's Goldberg Variations

    30/03/2021

    Bach's Goldberg Variations

    In this episode of 'Classics Unlocked', Graham Abbott explores one of the mightiest works for the keyboard: Johann Sebastian Bach's 'Goldberg Variations'. Today, it stands alongside the St Matthew Passion, the Mass in B minor, The Art of Fugue and the Musical Offering as an eternal musical monument. This episode features four different recordings, headed by Lang Lang's 2020 Deutsche Grammophon album: BACH: Goldberg Variations Lang Lang, piano DG 481 8971 DISCOVER: https://uma.lnk.to/usjMcRfFYP​ BACH: Goldberg Variations (Extended Edition) Lang Lang, piano DG 481 9701 DISCOVER: https://uma.lnk.to/zomHEe0QYP​ BACH: Goldberg Variations George Malcolm, harpsichord Decca Eloquence 482 8439 DISCOVER: https://Eloquence.lnk.to/000289482843...​ BACH: Goldberg Variations Julian Rachlin, violin; Nobuko Imai, viola; Mischa Maisky, cello DG 477 6378 DISCOVER: https://uma.lnk.to/0PYI5JJY​ BACH: Goldberg Variations Catrin Finch, harp DG 4778097 DISCOVER: https://uma.lnk.to/SYQjBjv0​ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    53 min
  7. Classics Unlocked - Ep. 18 - The Études of Philip Glass

    06/02/2021

    Classics Unlocked - Ep. 18 - The Études of Philip Glass

    This episode of Classics Unlocked delves into some rather recent piano music, from one of the most famous of all contemporary composers. Philip Glass is considered one of the founding fathers of the movement known as ‘Minimalism’. Graham Abbott explores one particular aspect of Glass’s canon – his Études for solo piano, using the 2017 Deutsche Grammophon album from Icelandic performer Víkingur Ólafsson. This episode features the 2017 Deutsche Grammophon recording: GLASS: Piano Works Víkingur Ólafsson, piano DG 479 6918 DISCOVER: https://uma.lnk.to/GlassPianoID Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    47 min
  8. Tchaikovsky's Solo Piano Music

    01/12/2020

    Tchaikovsky's Solo Piano Music

    In this episode of Classics Unlocked, Graham Abbott looks at the solo piano music of Pyotr Ilich Tchaikovsky. Best known for his dramatic symphonies, ballets and concertos, Tchaikovsky wrote a plethora of smaller works which rarely see the light of day. Thanks to a recording project from Decca pianist Valentina Lisitsa, Graham shines the torch on the many beautiful pieces the Russian master composed for the solo piano. TCHAIKOVSKY: THE COMPLETE SOLO PIANO WORKS Valentina Lisitsa, piano Decca Classics LISTEN: https://uma.lnk.to/cJp46ZYOWE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    49 min
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4.7
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Presented by beloved broadcaster and educator Graham Abbott, Classics Unlocked is a monthly podcast exploring the many wonders of classical music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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