The Classical Music Minute Steven Hobé, Composer & Host

DescriptionHow The Blue Danube Cast Its Spell in 60 seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun Fact"The Blue Danube," composed by Johann Strauss II in 1866, was first performed in February 1867 in Vienna, Austria. Originally a choral work, it gained greater popularity as an orchestral piece and is now one of the most famous waltzes in classical music. Its debut took place at a concert of the Vienna Men's Choral Association.__________________________________________________________________Abo...

DescriptionLa Traviata in 60 seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactGiuseppe Verdi's "La Traviata" premiered on March 6, 1853, at the Teatro La Fenice in Venice. Initially, the opera faced a lukewarm reception due to its controversial subject matter. However, it quickly gained popularity and is now one of the most beloved and frequently performed operas worldwide for its poignant story and beautiful music.__________________________________________________________________About Steven,...

DescriptionLa clemenza di Tito in 60 seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactMozart's "La clemenza di Tito" premiered on September 6, 1791, at the Estates Theatre in Prague. Commissioned for the coronation festivities of Emperor Leopold II, it received a mixed reception but gained popularity in later years for its emotional depth and stirring arias, becoming a staple of the opera repertoire.__________________________________________________________________About Steven, HostSteven is a...

DescriptionHow did the Saxophone come to be? Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun Fact"Rhapsody for Saxophone" by Claude Debussy is one of the most iconic pieces for saxophone. Composed in 1919, it showcases the instrument's versatility and expressive range. With its lush melodies and rich harmonies, the piece captivates listeners with its romantic and evocative qualities. Debussy's masterful writing for the saxophone has solidified its place as a classic in the repertoire._____________________...

DescriptionSiegfried Wagner, son of Richard Wagner, had to overcome many obstacles in his life. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactSiegfried Wagner's most famous piece is likely his opera "Der Bärenhäuter" (The Bearskin), based on a Brothers Grimm fairy tale. Premiered in 1899, it showcases his romantic style with lush orchestrations and Wagnerian influences, though often overshadowed by his father's works.__________________________________________________________________About Steven, Hos...

DescriptionPaganini was an Italian violinist, violist, guitarist, and composer renowned for his virtuosic skills and innovative compositions. Take a minute to get the scoop!Fun FactPaganini's "Caprice No. 1" for solo violin is a dazzling display of virtuosity, composed in 1805. Its intricate arpeggios, rapid scales, and double stops push the limits of violin technique. Despite its technical demands, it captivates listeners with its lyrical beauty and remains a cornerstone of the violin repert...