Sep 26th, 2008 · One of the appealing things about Lalo Schifrin's theme to Mission Impossible is that it's written in 5/4 time: five beats to the measure, instead of the more commonplace three or four. WNYC's Sara Fishko explores the atypical time signature's usage in music by Tchaikovsky, Dave Brubeck and more.
Sep 12th, 2008 · Tchaikovsky combined a personal, romantic entanglement with a passionate story by Pushkin to create Eugene Onegin, a fiery drama that soon became the composer's most popular opera.
Jun 30th, 2008 · In 1876, Tchaikovsky composed musical snapshots of each month of the calendar year for publication in a St. Petersburg magazine. Pianist Wu Han performs the entire cycle, and discusses the music with Performance Today host Fred Child in NPR's studio.
Mar 14th, 2007 · Yuja Wang, 20, recently played with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Wang, who has been playing piano since she was 6, began playing professionally when she was 10. Her recent chance came after 65-year-old pianist Martha Argerich canceled at the last minute. After just two rehearsals, Wang wowed audiences and critics.
Oct 19th, 2006 · Russian pianist Konstantin Soukhovetski weighs in with an opinion on the importance of style and fashion in the classical-music world, and he plays Tchaikovsky in concert. We're at Lincoln Center in New York to hear Soukhovetski play "June: Barcarolle" from Tchaikosky's suite The Seasons.
Oct 19th, 2005 · Joshua Bell is one of the busiest violinists performing today. When he visited with Fred Child in the NPR studios, he brought along music by Tchaikovsky -- the "Melodie" -- as well as Sarasate's "Introduction and Tarantella."