Liz Lyon hosts YourClassical Adventures, a presentation of classical music for kids (and their grown-ups), produced by Melanie Renate. Join us as we ask questions that will help families explore classical music together!
Site
RSS
Apple
Recent rankings
Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.
Shared links between episodes and podcasts
Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.
Discover shows related to YourClassical Adventures, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
You must be 13 or older to submit any information to American Public Media/Minnesota Public Radio. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about things like our programs, products and services. See Terms of Use and Privacy.
The Changing Season
Saturday, November 5, 2022 • Duration 05:00
When you picture your perfect day in the fall season, what does it look like Does it include crisp fall leaves, sweater weather and cooler temperatures? Join host Liz Lyon as we discover pieces that sound like the different stages of fall.
Episode 102 playlist
Scott Joplin: Maple Leaf Rag - (Used at the beginning and end of the episode) This piece by Scott Joplin was groundbreaking for the genre of rag music and became a template for the composers of rag music in the years to come.
The Maple leaves change their color in the fall to the vivid browns and fiery reds.
Fanny Mendelssohn - Das Jahr No. 9 - September by controls src="https://play.publicradio.org/unreplaced_ua/o/minnesota/classical/programs/classical-kids-corner/2022/10/11/ckc_episode_1_20221011_128.mp3"> Imogen Holst - Fall of the Leaf by controls src="https://play.publicradio.org/unreplaced_ua/o/minnesota/classical/programs/classical-kids-corner/2022/10/11/ckc_episode_37_20221011_128.mp3"> Tōru Takemitsu - A String Around Autumn by controls src="https://play.publicradio.org/unreplaced_ua/o/minnesota/classical/programs/classical-kids-corner/2022/10/11/ckc_episode_5_20221011_128.mp3"> Astor Piazzolla - Autumn in Buenos Aires by
Let's Get Loud
Friday, August 26, 2022 • Duration 04:59
How do musicians know when to play loud? Join host Liz Lyon and producer Melanie Renate as we explore classical music that loves using the loud dynamic called "forte."
Episode 56 playlist
Johannes Brahms: Hungarian Dance No. 5 —This entire piece is being played at a loud, or forte level.
Gustav Holst - The Planet: Mars, The Bringer of War
by
George Fredrich Handel: Trumpet Concerto; Overture — The trumpet is a loud and powerful instrument. This piece is used to get your attention.
LISTEN George Fredrich Handel: Trumpet Concerto; Overture
controls src="https://play.publicradio.org/unreplaced_ua/o/minnesota/classical/features/2021/10/16/56_3_20211016_128.mp3"> Handel Trumpet Concerto in D Overture by What are you curious about?Tell us what you think
Let's Go to the Carnival
Saturday, August 20, 2022 • Duration 05:00
Carnivals are a celebration of culture and community. Join host Liz Lyon as we share some classical music inspired by carnivals from around the world.
Episode 99 playlist
Camille Saint-Saëns: Carnival of the Animals — The Carnival of the Animals is a comedic musical suite. It contains 14 movements that introduce a variety of animals including lions, hens and roosters, wild donkeys, tortoises, an elephant, kangaroos, sea animals, long-eared animals, and birds. Which animals does this piece make you think of?
LISTEN — Camille Saint-Saëns: Carnival of the Animals
Camille Saint-Saëns: Carnival of the Animals - Finale
by
Ary Barroso: Aquarela do Brasil — This is one of the most popular Brazilian songs of all time. Barroso wrote "Aquarela do Brasil" when he couldn’t leave his home one rainy night because of a heavy storm. Sambas like this one are played with big-band instruments during the Rio Carnival Parade, where students from samba schools show off their dance skills. This version is performed by Voyager.
Arturo Marquez: Conga del Fuego Nuevo — In Cuba, the conga dance often is used in big festivals and is seen during parades. This piece is performed by the Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra.—
controls src="https://play.publicradio.org/unreplaced_ua/o/minnesota/classical/programs/classical-kids-corner/2021/08/28/ckc_episode_52_2_20210828_128.mp3"> Arturo Marquez: Conge del Fuego Nuevo by controls src="https://play.publicradio.org/unreplaced_ua/o/minnesota/classical/programs/classical-kids-corner/2022/08/20/ckc_episode_Ellen_Taaffe_Zwilich__Peanuts_Gallery__Snoopy_Does_the_Samba_20220820_128.mp3"> Ellen Taaffe Zwilich: Peanuts Gallery, Snoopy Does the Samba by controls src="https://play.publicradio.org/unreplaced_ua/o/minnesota/classical/programs/classical-kids-corner/2022/07/22/ckc_episode_Antonin_Dvorak__Carnival_Overture_20220722_128.mp3"> Antonin Dvořák: Carnival Overture by What are you curious about?Tell us what you think
Water and Waves
Saturday, August 13, 2022 • Duration 05:00
Just like classical music, water can be found in many different forms. When in its liquid form water can be smooth flowing and calm or it can be fast-moving and rough. Join host Melanie Renate as we navigate water in classical music.
Episode 98 playlist
Claude Debussy: En Bateau — Can you hear the waves gently flowing back and forth, or hear them rocking up against a boat? Performed by the Lyon National Orchestra.
Margaret Bonds: Troubled Water — When life is rough you could say that there are “troubled waters”. Margaret Bonds arranged a popular song Wade in the Water into a classical piece to reflect the idea of Troubled Water. Performed by Charlotte Mueller.
Richard Wagner: Overture to The Flying Dutchman — This is apiece about a sea captain and his daughter who get caught in a wild storm while out at sea… and they must find a way to steer the ship to safety! Performed by the Berlin Philharmonic.
controls src="https://play.publicradio.org/unreplaced_ua/o/minnesota/classical/programs/classical-kids-corner/2021/06/12/ckc_episode_41_3_20210612_128.mp3"> Richard Wagner: Overture to The Flying Dutchman by controls src="https://play.publicradio.org/unreplaced_ua/o/minnesota/classical/programs/classical-kids-corner/2022/07/12/ckc_episode_Henry_Mancini__Moon_River_20220712_128.mp3"> Water and Waves - Henry Mancini - Moon River by
The Bright Mandolin
Saturday, August 6, 2022 • Duration 05:00
What do classical music pieces sound like when they include a mandolin? Join host Liz Lyon as we explore a bit of the history of the mandolin and listen to examples of it being used within classical music.
Episode 97 playlist
Zequinha de Abreu: Nao Me Toques — Zequinha de Abreu was a Brazilian composer who wrote this fun piece. It has been played by many different instruments, but here is an example of how the mandolin can really shine. Performed by Caterina Lichenberg and Mike Marshall.
Johann Sebastian Bach: Trio Sonata No 6 — The Mandolin is tuned just like a violin, which means the mandolin can easily replace the violin in a piece of music. Like in this trio from composer Johann Sebastian Bach. It features a Cello, a Bass, and instead of a violin, it features a mandolin.
Bill Monroe: Bill Monroe Medley — The mandolin spent its early days most often playing an accompanying role in classical music. Bill Monroe created a new style of playing which became incredibly popular and even got a name for itself, Bluegrass. This is a medley of some of his most famous pieces. This version is performed by The Modern Mandolin Quartet.
controls src="https://play.publicradio.org/unreplaced_ua/o/minnesota/classical/programs/classical-kids-corner/2022/07/12/ckc_episode_Bill_Monroe__Bill_Monroe_Medley_20220712_128.mp3"> Bill Monroe: Bill Monroe Medley by controls src="https://play.publicradio.org/unreplaced_ua/o/minnesota/classical/programs/classical-kids-corner/2022/08/06/ckc_episode_Chris_Thile__Raining_at_Sunset_-_Jochen_Ross_on_Mandolin_20220806_128.mp3"> Chris Thile: Raining at Sunset - Jochen Ross on Mandolin by
Let’s Get Movin'
Friday, July 22, 2022 • Duration 05:00
Classical music and dancing have been dance floor partners for hundreds of years. Join host Liz Lyon as we explore different forms of dance and the classical music that pairs with them.
Episode 95 playlist
Peter Tchaikovsky:Waltz of the Flowers — This waltz may sound familiar. Tchaikovsky wrote it the first act of his ballet Sleeping Beauty. To dance the waltz you can move side to side and back and forth like you’re flowing and floating. You can let your arms float like the wings of a bird. The waltz also includes gentle spinning in circles.
Johann Strauss Jr.: By the Beautiful Blue Danube — The Viennese Waltz is the oldest type of ballroom dancing. Strauss was asked to write a piece for the Vienna Men’s Choral Society to help uplift the people of Vienna. This piece started out as a choral piece and was inspired by a poem.
LISTEN —Johann Strauss Jr.: By the Beautiful Blue Danube
— This piece is a famous tango by French composer, George Bizet. Dancing the tango involves good posture with your knees slightly bent. As you learn to dance the tango it can be helpful to move your feet to the speed of “slow, slow, quick, quick, slow”.
controls src="https://play.publicradio.org/unreplaced_ua/o/minnesota/classical/programs/classical-kids-corner/2022/07/09/ckc_episode_George_Bizet__Carmen_Habanera_20220709_128.mp3"> George Bizet: Carmen Habanera by controls src="https://play.publicradio.org/unreplaced_ua/o/minnesota/classical/programs/classical-kids-corner/2022/06/02/ckc_episode_Astor_Piazzolla__Libertango_20220602_128.mp3"> Astor Piazzolla: Libertango by controls src="https://play.publicradio.org/unreplaced_ua/o/minnesota/classical/programs/classical-kids-corner/2022/07/09/ckc_episode_Peter_Tchaikovsky__Dance_of_the_Little_Swans_20220709_128.mp3"> Peter Tchaikovsky: Dance of the Little Swans by
Get Into the Rhythm
Saturday, July 16, 2022 • Duration 05:00
Music can still be music without a melody or harmony, but you can’t really have music without some sort of rhythm. Join host Liz Lyon as we explore the musical concept of rhythm.
Episode 94 playlist
George Gershwin: I’ve Got Rhythm — Gershwin worked with his older brother on this piece. He composed the music, and his older brother, Ira Gershwin, wrote the lyrics. This rhythm can really help to put you in a good mood.
Igor Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring — Rhythm doesn’t have to be a simple pattern of sound and silence. In 1913, Stravinsky used rhythm in new ways that people weren’t used to. Because of this, many listeners didn’t like this piece at first, but over time it has become an orchestral favorite.
Danny Elfman: Percussion Quartet, 3rd Movement — Percussion instruments do a great job of presenting the rhythm of a piece. Sometimes pieces of music are written just for percussion, and they can play really complicated rhythms. Here the Third Coast Percussion Ensemble plays a piece by Elfman.
controls src="https://play.publicradio.org/unreplaced_ua/o/minnesota/classical/programs/classical-kids-corner/2022/06/02/ckc_episode_Danny_Elfman__Percussion_Quartet_20220602_128.mp3"> Danny Elfman: Percussion Quartet by
Gimmie More Mallets
Saturday, July 9, 2022 • Duration 05:00
The percussion instrument family is massive. In a previous episode, we shared pieces of music featuring a few different percussion instruments including the xylophone. Did you know that the xylophone has siblings? Join host Liz Lyon and producer Melanie Renate as we explore pieces of classical music that feature more mallet instruments.
Episode 93 playlist
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Schnelle Füße, rascher Mut Glockenspiel — The Magic Flute is an opera composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The glockenspiel is featured in this fairytale. This instrument started out as a set of individual bells, but they were eventually replaced by steel bars. At first, the glockenspiel was considered a substitute for real bells, but it gradually became its own instrument.
LISTEN — Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Schnelle Füße, rascher Mut Glockenspiel
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Schnelle Füße, rascher Mut Glockenspiel
by
Jennifer Bellor: Reflections at Dusk — The vibraphone was invented in 1920 and quickly became a major instrument used in jazz and dance bands. It can also be found in the orchestra. Jennifer Bellor uses the vibraphone throughout her 2019 album, which was inspired by Nevada sunsets. The feeling of sunsets is described using the mystical and magical sounds of the vibraphone.
LISTEN — Jennifer Bellor: Reflections at Dusk
controls src="https://play.publicradio.org/unreplaced_ua/o/minnesota/classical/programs/classical-kids-corner/2022/06/02/ckc_episode_Jennifer_Bellor__Reflections_at_Dusk_20220602_128.mp3"> Jennifer Bellor: Reflections at Dusk by controls src="https://play.publicradio.org/unreplaced_ua/o/minnesota/classical/programs/classical-kids-corner/2022/06/02/ckc_episode_Steve_Reich__Nagoya_Marimbas_20220602_128.mp3"> Steve Reich: Nagoya Marimbas by
Musical Fireworks
Saturday, July 2, 2022 • Duration 05:00
Fireworks have been used in many cultures for hundreds of years as a way to celebrate. Join host Liz Lyon and producer Melanie Renate as we explore pieces of music inspired by fireworks.
Episode 92 playlist
Claude Debussy: Feux d’Artifice— This piece is the last of Debussy’s 24 preludes. It is a challenging piece to play and can help you imagine a spectacular fireworks display over Paris.
Oliver Knussen: Flourish With Fireworks — Knussen wrote this piece to celebrate his friend Michael Tilson Thomas as he began his first season as principal conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra.
Peter Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture - Finale — This piece features a cannon that adds to the intense celebratory flavor. When the music is played with cannons in concert, you might see a member of the orchestra within sight of those working the cannon who cues the team with the cannon so that its booming sound hits its mark within the music.
controls src="https://play.publicradio.org/unreplaced_ua/o/minnesota/classical/programs/classical-kids-corner/2021/07/03/ckc_episode_44_3_20210703_128.mp3"> Peter Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture by controls src="https://play.publicradio.org/unreplaced_ua/o/minnesota/classical/programs/classical-kids-corner/2021/07/03/ckc_episode_44_2_20210703_128.mp3"> George Fredrich Handel: Music for the Royal Fireworks by Submit your feedbackhttps://www.classicalmpr.org/story/2021/04/17/classical-kids-corner
Imogen Holst: Fall of Leaf — As you get further into the fall you can see the magic of leaves turning different colors and they begin to fall….
In this piece you can almost hear the individual leaves falling and drifting in the wind.
Performed by Steven Isserlis on Cello.
Tōru Takemitsu:A String Around Autumn — Tōru Takemitsu wrote this piece of music to celebrate a fall festival but it sounds like the end of autumn. It is sadder, more sparse and you can almost hear the promise that snow is on the way.
Performed by Saito Kinen Orchestra and featuring Nobuko Imai on viola.
Astor Piazzolla: Autumn in Buenos Aires (Otono Porteno) - Astor Piazzolla wrote a piece of music to celebrate the different seasons in Buenos Aires Argentina. Autumn contains musical raindrops and a wintery sun.
Performed by the Buffalo Symphony Orchestra featuring Tessa Lark on violin.
You can now search and listen to YourClassical Adventures where podcasts are found.
You must be 13 or older to submit any information to American Public Media/Minnesota Public Radio. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about things like our programs, products and services. See Terms of Use and Privacy.
You can now search and listen to YourClassical Adventures where podcasts are found.
You must be 13 or older to submit any information to American Public Media/Minnesota Public Radio. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about things like our programs, products and services. See Terms of Use and Privacy.
LISTEN
Arturo Marquez: Conga del Fuego Nuevo
Ellen Taaffe Zwilich: Peanuts Gallery - Snoopy Does the Samba — Peanuts Gallery is a piano concerto by American composer Ellen Taaffe Zwilich, inspired by the characters of the Peanuts comic strip. Can you imagine a dog named Snoopy doing a samba dance?
LISTEN — Ellen Taaffe Zwilich: Peanuts Gallery, Snoopy Does the Samba
Antonin Dvořák: Carnival Overture — Composer Antonin Dvorak wrote a piece to put right in the middle of a crowd at a carnival in Europe. He tried to capture all the different scenes such as people dancing, eating food and singing.
LISTEN — Antonin Dvořák: Carnival Overture
You can now search and listen to YourClassical Adventures where podcasts are found.
You must be 13 or older to submit any information to American Public Media/Minnesota Public Radio. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about things like our programs, products and services. See Terms of Use and Privacy.
Henry Mancini: Moon River — When composer Henry Mancini was asked to write a song for a film, he turned to water. His childhood home in Georgia overlooked a major river, now named after his song Moon River. Performed by the Brussels Orchestra with Renaud Capucon on violin.
You can now search and listen to YourClassical Adventures where podcasts are found.
You must be 13 or older to submit any information to American Public Media/Minnesota Public Radio. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about things like our programs, products and services. See Terms of Use and Privacy.
LISTEN —
Bill Monroe: Bill Monroe Medley
Chris Thile: Raining at Sunset — Chris Thile is what is known as a virtuoso for playing mandolin. He is also a singer, composer, bandleader, and radio personality. He often writes and plays what is sometimes referred to as progressive bluegrass. He wrote this piece. Here is another mandolin virtuoso, Joshen Ross performing the piece.
LISTEN —Chris Thile: Raining at Sunset
You can now search and listen to YourClassical Adventures where podcasts are found.
You must be 13 or older to submit any information to American Public Media/Minnesota Public Radio. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about things like our programs, products and services. See Terms of Use and Privacy.
George Bizet:
Carmen Habanera
LISTEN —
George Bizet:
Carmen Habanera
Astor Piazzolla: Libertango — Argentine musician, Astor Piazzolla wrote this piece in the ‘70s as a request by his agent to write something they felt would be good to play on the radio. He wrote this piece. Its name is the blending of two words— “libertad,” which is Spanish for “freedom” and “tango”.
LISTEN — Astor Piazzolla: Libertango
Peter Tchaikovsky:Dance of the Little Swans — Tchaikovsky is well-known for his ballets. His ballet Swan Lake is considered one of the greatest of all time. When ballet dancers perform this piece they do a move called a pas de chat which looks an awful lot like graceful hopping.
LISTEN — Peter Tchaikovsky:Dance of the Little Swans
You can now search and listen to YourClassical Adventures where podcasts are found.
You must be 13 or older to submit any information to American Public Media/Minnesota Public Radio. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about things like our programs, products and services. See Terms of Use and Privacy.
LISTEN —
Danny Elfman: Percussion Quartet, 3rd Movement
You can now search and listen to YourClassical Adventures where podcasts are found.
You must be 13 or older to submit any information to American Public Media/Minnesota Public Radio. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about things like our programs, products and services. See Terms of Use and Privacy.
Steve Reich: Nagoya Marimbas — The marimba is an instrument that has been around for hundreds of years and has its roots both in Africa and Central America. Indigenous Mayan populations even constructed and played the marimba. Composer, Steve Reich has used the marimba throughout much of his work and he is known as one of a handful of living composers who can legitimately claim to have altered the direction of musical history.
LISTEN — Steve Reich: Nagoya Marimbas
You can now search and listen to YourClassical Adventures where podcasts are found.
You must be 13 or older to submit any information to American Public Media/Minnesota Public Radio. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about things like our programs, products and services. See Terms of Use and Privacy.
LISTEN —
Peter Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture - Finale
George Fredrich Handel: Music for the Royal Fireworks— This piece was written to celebrate peace in London. There were fireworks that accompanied the music when it was performed in April 1749. However, because rainy weather caused many firework misfires and one pavilion of the performance space caught fire, Handel’s music was the true star of the show.
LISTEN —George Fredrich Handel: Music for the Royal Fireworks
You can now search and listen to YourClassical Adventures where podcasts are found.
You must be 13 or older to submit any information to American Public Media/Minnesota Public Radio. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about things like our programs, products and services. See Terms of Use and Privacy.
