Explore 19th century Germany as we delve deep into the life of Richard Struass who composed this week’s piece, Don Juan. We explain the story behind this iconic tone poem and who influenced Strauss to compose it.

To pair with Don Juan, we introduce you to Kelly-Marie Murphy’s piece, “Dark Nights, Bright Stars, Vast Universe” (2023) which was commissioned by the National Arts Centre Orchestra and serves as a direct response to Strauss’ Don Juan.

Kelly Marie Murphy Links: Dark Nights, Bright Stars, Vast Universe Recording: https://youtu.be/VRCEetmSrMM?si=p5A3om5NYI2rqUio

Website: https://kellymariemurphy.com/

National Arts Centre Website: https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/notes/33723#kelly-marie-murphy-new-work-for-naco-world-premiere-naco-commission

Recordings of Don Juan by Frankfurt Radio Symphony: https://youtu.be/XG4uBRBMdzY?si=RG-PI092KMUYwXa9

Thank you to Taran Plamondon (@editionsplamondon) for our theme music. If you need this kind of work done, or any other music arranging, engraving, or printing, you can find more info about his services at http://www.editionsplamondon.com

Make sure to follow us on social media @measuresofprogresspod and subscribe to our YouTube channel! You can email us at measuresofprogress@gmail.com if you have any comments, questions or ideas for future episodes.

Thanks for listening! :)

Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kLzrYUXbUkPcIprQry_pt3OMvePgzuVhAgdrf_chN8Q/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode, we discuss Nikolai Rimsky-Krosakov’s orchestral suite, Scheherazade. Find out the turmoil that was facing his home country of Russia at the time, how he (literally) learned from his own students, and how he transformed the folk stories of “1001 Nights” into the masterpiece we all know today.

We also explore its similarities to Gabriela Lena Frank’s composition, Leyandas: An Andean Walkabout (2001). Learn how she explores her personal heritage and culture through her music and how she attempts to mix western classical traditions with traditional Andean music in a more informed manner than Rimsky-Korsakov…

Gabriela Lena Frank links:

Creative Academy of Music: https://www.glfcam.com/people/gabriela

Leyandas: An Andean Walkabout recording: https://youtu.be/pbnEeXOcWgo?feature=shared

Instagram: @gabrielalenafrank

BBC Music Interview: https://www.classical-music.com/features/composers/gabriela-lena-frank

Thank you to Taran Plamondon (@editionsplamondon) for our theme music. If you need this kind of work done, or any music arranging, engraving, or printing, you can find more info about his services at www.editionsplamondon.com

Make sure to follow us on social media @measuresofprogresspod and subscribe to our YouTube channel! You can email us at measuresofprogress@gmail.com if you have any comments, questions or ideas for future episodes.

Thanks for listening! :)

Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kLzrYUXbUkPcIprQry_pt3OMvePgzuVhAgdrf_chN8Q/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode, we discuss Maurice Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin (1919). Learn about the tragic backstory behind this composition, Ravel’s inspirations, and why oboists both love and hate this piece of music.

We also explore its similarities to Leo Purich’s composition Canopies/Canopées (2020-2022) which was commissioned by the National Youth Orchestra of Canada and performed during their 2022 Borealis tour.

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Leo Purich links:

Canopies/Canopées recording: https://youtu.be/w688B4V6XR0?feature=shared

Website: www.leopurich.ca

Instagram: @leo_purich_composer

Bandcamp: https://leopurich.bandcamp.com/album/virtual-carolling-2020

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Rigaudon Dance video courtesy of: Trilion Pictures present Handel’s Water Music (1987)

Rigaudon recording: Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra with Zoltán Kocsis (2003)

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Thank you to Taran Plamondon (@editionsplamondon) for our theme music. If you need this kind of work done, or any music arranging, engraving, or printing, you can find more info about his services at editionsplamondon.com

Make sure to follow us on social media @measuresofprogresspod and subscribe to our YouTube channel for video format!

You can email us at measuresofprogress@gmail.com if you have any comments, questions or ideas for future episodes.

Thanks for listening! :)

Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kLzrYUXbUkPcIprQry_pt3OMvePgzuVhAgdrf_chN8Q/edit?usp=sharing