The Classical Music Minute

Steven Hobé, Composer & Host
  • 4.8 (5)
  • MUSIC HISTORY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Classical Music Minute

Ever wonder who were the Florentine Camerata? Where did the conductor’s baton come from? Or the difference between Opera Buffa and Opera Seria? These little nuggets of classical music trivia are what this podcast is all about. Come hop around music history with me, Steven Hobé, as we take a minute to get the scoop!

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    The Blue Danube: Strauss’s Timeless Waltz of Elegance and Flow

    Description The Blue Danube: Strauss’s Timeless Waltz of Elegance and Flow in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop! Fun Fact Johann Strauss II’s On the Beautiful Blue Danube epitomizes elegance, fluidity, and grandeur. Originally a choral piece, it became an iconic waltz, symbolizing Vienna’s culture and charm. Despite its initial lukewarm reception, it gained worldwide acclaim, remaining a beloved staple in New Year’s celebrations and classical music history. _________________________...

    1 min

  2. FEB 10

    Verdi’s Nabucco: A Triumph of Freedom and Song

    Description Verdi’s Nabucco: A Triumph of Freedom and Song in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop! Fun Fact Giuseppe Verdi's Nabucco is a landmark opera that established his reputation as a composer. Featuring the iconic "Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves," it blends dramatic storytelling with powerful music, reflecting themes of exile and freedom. Its success marked the rise of Verdi as a towering figure in Italian opera. __________________________________________________________________ ...

    1 min

  3. FEB 3

    Holst's The Planets: Astrology, Emotion, and Musical Genius

    Description Holst's The Planets: Astrology, Emotion, and Musical Genius in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop! Fun Fact Gustav Holst's The Planets transforms astrological symbolism into a stunning orchestral journey. Each movement captures the unique emotional essence of a planet, showcasing Holst's innovative orchestration and introspective artistry. With its groundbreaking techniques and universal themes, the suite remains a timeless masterpiece of imagination, depth, and musical s...

    1 min

  4. JAN 27

    Erik Satie: The Velvet Gentleman of Musical Eccentricity

    Description Erik Satie: The Velvet Gentleman of Musical Eccentricity in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop! Fun Fact Erik Satie’s first known composition, Allegro (1884), reflects the young composer’s early exploration of classical piano forms. Though relatively conventional compared to his later experimental works, it hints at his developing style. Satie’s distinctive voice, blending simplicity and eccentricity, would soon emerge, marking him as a true musical original. ____________...

    1 min

  5. JAN 20

    Arnold Schoenberg: The Maverick Composer with a Fear of 13

    Description Arnold Schoenberg: The Maverick Composer with a Fear of 13 in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop! Fun Fact Arnold Schoenberg's most famous piece, Pierrot Lunaire (1912), is a groundbreaking work blending atonal music with Sprechstimme—a vocal style between speaking and singing. Featuring a haunting mix of chamber instruments and surreal poetry, it redefined modern music, capturing the eerie, fragmented emotions of early 20th-century expressionism. ________________________...

    1 min

  6. JAN 13

    The Haunting Brilliance of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor

    Description The Haunting Brilliance of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop! Fun Fact The exact date and location of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor premiere remain unclear, but it likely debuted in the early 1700s, showcasing Bach’s virtuosity as an organist. Originally performed on a church organ, its dramatic opening and intricate fugue highlighted his mastery of Baroque composition and improvisation. _______________________________________...

    1 min

  7. JAN 6

    The Soulful Majesty of St. Matthew Passion

    Description The Soulful Majesty of St. Matthew Passion in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop! Fun Fact Bach’s St. Matthew Passion premiered on Good Friday, April 11, 1727, at St. Thomas Church in Leipzig. Performed as part of the church service, its emotional depth and intricate structure made a lasting impression. Though initially modest in reception, it later gained recognition as one of Bach’s greatest masterpieces. _________________________________________________________________...

    1 min

  8. 12/30/2024

    Silent Night: The Humble Song That Captured the World

    Description Silent Night: The Humble Song That Captured the World in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop! Fun Fact The Silent Night Chapel in Oberndorf, Austria, stands on the site where Silent Night was first performed in 1818. Built in 1937 after the original church was destroyed, it honors the carol’s creation by Joseph Mohr and Franz Xaver Gruber. The chapel hosts a special Christmas service each year. __________________________________________________________________ About Steve...

    1 min
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About

Ever wonder who were the Florentine Camerata? Where did the conductor’s baton come from? Or the difference between Opera Buffa and Opera Seria? These little nuggets of classical music trivia are what this podcast is all about. Come hop around music history with me, Steven Hobé, as we take a minute to get the scoop!

Information

  • Creator
    Steven Hobé, Composer & Host
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    210
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Classical Music Minute
  • Show Website
    The Classical Music Minute

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