Exploring Music with Bill McGlaughlin is an exciting daily radio program that delves into a wide assortment of topics in classical music. Each five-program series builds off a single theme ranging from composer biographies to explorations of various cultures, musical styles, and time periods.
Throughout this journey, Bill McGlaughlin guides the listener deep into the music with care and enthusiasm by giving historical context, illustrations at the piano and providing a special insight that only a top-notch musician, conductor, broadcaster, and composer could. Whether 90 or 9, professional musician or simply a music lover, Bill McGlaughlin truly makes exploring music fun. Exploring Music airs Weekday Mornings, from 5 to 6 a.m.
Upcoming Exploring Music Programs
February 18 - 22, 2008 - The Viola
We'll celebrate some of the exquisite music written for the violin's darker cousin, including music by Hindemith and Walton.
February 25 - 29, 2008 - Triple Play
Bill's analogy between music and baseball is irresistible in this week of trios, including the finale from Strauss' Der Rosenkavalier, the Beethoven Triple Concerto, and more.
March 3 - 7, 2008- Stravinsky
Time magazine named him "one of the most influential people of the 20th century." We'll follow this fascinating life from a boyhood encounter with Tchaikovsky to the salons of Paris to the golden age of Hollywood.
March 10 - 14, 2008 - Please Don't Shoot the Piano Player
It's a musical candy shop with some of the most beloved works first enjoyed by intimate gatherings around the piano, including Brahms, Dvorak and Ravel.
March 17 - 21, 2008 - St. Matthew Passion
Composed in 1727, it's one of two surviving settings of the last days of Jesus Christ composed by J.S. Bach. We'll explore the history of this masterpiece and sample some different recordings.
March 24 - 28, 2008 - Homage
How would you like to be the subject of a composition by Beethoven, Tchaikovsky or Mozart? In many cases, the fame of the music has outlasted that of its honoree, but we'll explore some of these heartfelt gestures and the composers who made them. Works include Handel's Water Music and Pictures at an Exhibition.
March 31 - April 4, 2008 - Tchaikovsky (Part I)
This week we'll explore the world and music of the great Russian Romantic, including his symphonies, ballets and life at the Moscow Conservatory.
April 7 - 11, 2008 - Hidden Gold (Part II)
Have you ever had a friend steer you toward terrific music you'd never heard before? This week, Bill has solicited suggestions from a number of radio friends for great pieces of music that almost never get played. Join us for a Celtic Symphony by Bantock and lesser known pieces by Mahler, Wagner, Rodrigo and much more.
April 14 - 18, 2008 - Haydn Symphonies
This week, Bill explores the symphonic wonders of Papa Haydn, the father of the modern symphony. We'll hear Haydn’s earliest offerings in the form and follow his path as he expands his ideas and his ensembles into the grand gestures of his 104th.
April 21 - 25, 2008 - Tchaikovsky (Part II)
This week, we'll continue our exploration of the world and music of the great Russian Romantic, focusing on the latter part of his life, including his symphonies, ballets and life at the Moscow Conservatory.
April 28 - May 2, 2008 - New Wine in Old Bottles
It's a week of transcriptions. We'll sample the creative efforts of gifted musicians and composers who have sought to bring works to other audiences - or other players at least. Selections include music by Bach, Copland, Liszt and Ravel.
