Podcasts by Music for Life

#141: Dueling Cellos&Schwarz Spotlight from 2020-03-16T16:00

In today’s episode, we spotlight cellist Julian Schwarz and the two concerti he will be performing with the Mozart Orchestra of New York at Armstrong Auditorium on Tuesday March 24.

Schw...

#140: Symphonies! Haydn 22 Mozart 33 from 2020-03-09T16:00

In this episode, we explore a symphony by Haydn and one by Mozart in the lead-up to their performance at Armstrong Auditorium on Tuesday March 24 by the Mozart Orchestra of New York, under Gerar...

#139: David B. Hooten Live From Armstrong from 2020-01-27T16:00

In this special episode, we will hear the majority of a concert at Armstrong Auditorium — trumpeter David B. Hooten’s Legends of Dixieland performance on January 16, 2020.

Episode discuss...

#139: David B. Hooten Live From Armstrong from 2020-01-27T16:00

In this special episode, we will hear the majority of a concert at Armstrong Auditorium — trumpeter David B. Hooten’s Legends of Dixieland performance on January 16, 2020.

Episode discuss...

#138: Lomazov-Rackers Piano Duo Live From Armstrong! from 2019-12-23T17:00

In this special episode, we will hear the majority of a concert at Armstrong Auditorium given the Lomazov-Rackers Piano Duo on December 3, 2019.

Episode discussing the Lomazov-Rackers Pia...

#137: Variations On 176 Keys from 2019-11-25T16:00

In this episode, we explore the Lomazov-Rackers Piano Duo and the program for its December 3 performance at Armstrong Auditorium.

Lomazov-Rackers Piano Duo at Armstrong Auditorium:
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#136: Orchestra Led By Hope from 2019-11-04T16:00

In this episode, we explore the Zurich Chamber Orchestra and its music director, violinist Daniel Hope, in the lead-up to the group’s Vivaldi-themed November 12 performance at Armstrong Auditori...

#135: Four Italian Tenors Spotlight from 2019-09-09T16:00

In this episode, we spotlight the first event for Armstrong Auditorium's 2019-20 season—the Four Italian Tenors and the powerful program they will bring on September 12.

Four Italian Teno...

#134: Previewing the 2019-20 Season! from 2019-09-02T16:00

In this episode, we explore and preview the 2019-20 concert season at Armstrong Auditorium.

More on events at Armstrong Auditorium: Listen

#133: The Brassiest Canadians from 2019-03-25T16:00

In this episode, we discuss the world-famous Canadian Brass and interview a founding member of the quintet, in the lead-up to its April 2 performance at Armstrong Auditorium — which closes the 2...

#132: Celtic Nights Spotlight from 2019-03-04T16:00

In this episode, we spotlight Celtic Nights, a touring group direct from Ireland, presenting a program called “Oceans of Hope” at Armstrong Auditorium on March 11. We have an exclusive interview...

#131: A Number-One Concerto from 2019-02-18T16:00

In this episode, we explore Tchaikovsky’s famous first piano concerto, in the lead-up to its performance at Armstrong Auditorium, by pianist Song Siheng and the Shanghai Opera Symphony Orchestra...

#130: Symphonic Rach from 2019-02-11T16:00

In this episode, we explore the triumphant second symphony by Sergei Rachmaninoff — and why it was such a triumph for the composer — in the lead-up to its performance on February 24 at Armstrong...

#129: Benny and Utter Bliss from 2019-02-04T16:00

n this episode, we explore the Julian Bliss Septet in the lead-up to their performance at Armstrong Auditorium Thursday February 14 — which will be a tribute the King of Swing Benny Goodman. We ...

#128: Tchaikovsky’s Lake of Swans from 2019-01-21T16:00

In this episode, we explore Tchaikovsky’s most famous ballet, Swan Lake, in the lead up to its performance by the Russian National Ballet at Armstrong Auditorium on January 29.

S...

#127: Real Men Sing from 2018-12-24T16:00

In this episode, we explore the art of singing as a legitimate activity (and even career) for men—as supported by the biblical record. To accompany the discussion, we will sample great examples ...

#126: New Book on Music’s Importance from 2018-12-17T16:00

In this episode, host Ryan Malone gives an overview of his new booklet, How God Values Music, which explores music’s importance through history, its inspiring future, plus its impact in...

#125: Concerti, Cantatas And A Collegium from 2018-11-26T16:00

In this episode, we explore the exquisite vocal repertoire that the Bach Collegium Japan will be performing at Armstrong Auditorium on December 4, when it teams up with Soprano Joanne Lunn; we w...

#124: Bach In Japan? from 2018-11-19T16:00

In this episode, we explore some of the exquisite instrumental repertoire that the Bach Collegium Japan will be performing at Armstrong Auditorium on December 4–masterpieces from Bach, Marcello ...

#123: The Oldest Youngest Choir Ever from 2018-11-12T16:00

In this episode, we explore the world-famous Vienna Boys Choir—an institution over half-a-millennium old—in the lead-up to its performance at Armstrong Auditorium on Tuesday November 20. We also...

#122: Felix’s Fiddle and Anne Akiko Meyers Spotlight from 2018-10-29T16:00

In this episode, we explore Felix Mendelssohn’s beloved violin concerto — in the lead-up to its performance at Armstrong Auditorium November 1, by violinist Anne Akiko Meyers and the Mozart Orch...

#121: Mendelssohn's Scottish and Italian Inspirations from 2018-10-22T16:00

In this episode, we explore two well-known orchestral works by Felix Mendelssohn — his Hebrides Overture and his Italian Symphony — in the lead-up to their performance at Armstrong Auditorium No...

#120: Time For Three Spotlight and Interview from 2018-10-15T16:00

In this episode, we explore the genre-defying string trio Time For Three and interview one of its members, in the lead-up to the group’s October 18 performance at Armstrong Auditorium.

Ti...

#119: Anniversary Season Preview from 2018-10-01T16:00

In this episode, we explore and preview the 2018-19 concert season at Armstrong Auditorium—which marks 20 years of our performing arts series.

2018-19 Performing Arts Series at Ar...

#118: Glenn Miller Orchestra Spotlight and Interview from 2018-05-07T16:00

In this episode, we discuss the world-famous Glenn Miller orchestra and interview its present music director in the lead-up to its May 10 performance at Armstrong Auditorium — which closes the 2...

#117: In the Mood for Miller from 2018-04-30T16:00

In this episode, we explore the legendary leader of America’s Swing Era: Glenn Miller, in the lead-up to the Glenn Miller Orchestra’s performance at Armstrong Auditorium, Thursday May 10.

#116: The New Abraham Oratorio from 2018-04-16T16:00

In this episode, we explore Ryan Malone’s new oratorio Abraham — as well as the artists presenting it — in the lead-up to its world premiere at Armstrong Auditorium on Thursday, April 1...

#115: Best of Classroom Corner from 2018-03-26T16:00

In today’s episode, we explore the great material regarding music education from the first two seasons of our program — from practice tips for the solo student (and parents), to the benefits of ...

#114: Tragic Overture and Weimar Spotlight from 2018-03-12T16:00

In today’s episode, we explore Germany’s oldest orchestra—the Staatskapelle Weimar—plus its acclaimed conductor and touring violin soloist—in the lead-up to their All-Brahms concert at Armstrong...

#113: The Concerto Doctor from 2018-03-05T16:00

In this episode, we explore Brahms’s masterful violin concerto, in the lead-up to its performance by violinist Valeriy Sokolov and the Staatskapelle Weimar at Armstrong Auditorium on March 15. Listen

#112: Stepping Out of Beethoven’s Shadow from 2018-02-26T16:00

In this episode, we explore Johannes Brahms’s well-known and epic first symphony, in the lead-up to the Staatskapelle Weimar’s March 15 performance of it at Armstrong Auditorium.

Staatska...

#111: Dublin Irish Dance Spotlight and Interview from 2018-02-12T16:00

In this episode, we discuss the musical styles that accompany competitive Irish step-dance and spotlight the Dublin Irish Dance company — interviewing its lead singer — in the lead-up to its per...

#110: Moscow Festival Ballet Spotlight from 2018-01-22T16:00

In this episode, we explore the Moscow Festival Ballet and its “best of Russian ballet” gala program they are bringing to Armstrong Auditorium.

Moscow Festival Ballet at Armstrong Auditor...

#109: Romeo And Juliet ... And Tchaikovsky from 2018-01-15T16:00

In this episode, we discuss the composer Peter Tchaikovsky, some of his great ballet music, and specifically his Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture that was adapted into a ballet.

Moscow F...

#108: Night Flight Spotlight and Interview from 2018-01-08T16:00

In this episode, we interview a founding member of the Brooklyn Rider string quartet, in the lead-up to its collaboration at Armstrong Auditorium with banjo virtuoso Bela Fleck — in a program ti...

#107: Banjo Rider from 2017-12-18T16:00

In this episode, we explore the fresh string quartet known as Brooklyn Rider and the banjo virtuoso and renowned composer Bela Fleck.

Bela Fleck and Brooklyn Rider at Armstrong Au...

#106: Best of Backstage Banter from 2017-12-04T16:00

In this episode, we explore some of the great interview moments from the first season of our program, including talks with Gerard Schwarz, Eric Whitacre, Sara Sant’Ambrogio and many more — plus ...

#105: Csárdás and Chen from 2017-11-20T16:00

In this episode, we explore the famous Csárdás folk style, and we speak to violinist Ray Chen in the leadup to his performance at Armstrong Auditorium.

#104: Suite Spanish Sounds from 2017-11-13T16:00

In this episode, we explore Spanish composers like Manuel de Falla and his Popular Spanish Suite for violin.

#103: Sonata for a Hippogriff from 2017-11-06T16:00

In this episode, we explore the composer Camille Saint-Saëns and his first violin sonata in D minor — considered so difficult in places, only a mythical creature would likely be able to play it....

#102: Brussels Sprouts Composers from 2017-10-30T16:00

In this episode, we explore Belgian composers, including Eugène Ysaÿe and his fourth solo violin sonata, as well as violinist and composer Fritz Kreisler — to whom the sonata was dedicated.

#101: Beethoven’s First Violin Sonata from 2017-10-23T16:00

In this episode, we explore the composer Ludwig van Beethoven and his ingenious first attempt at a violin sonata.

#100: Tango Duo Spotlight and Interview from 2017-10-16T16:00

In this episode, we interview "From the Top" host and pianist Christopher O’Riley, as well as tango pianist Pablo Ziegler, in the lead up to their duo performance at Armstrong Auditorium.

#99: New to Tango from 2017-10-02T16:00

In this episode, we explore the “nuevo tango” tradition of the 20th century, its father Astor Piazzolla, as well one of its ambassadors — pianist Pablo Ziegler, in the lead-up to the November 9 ...

#98: OKC Ballet Spotlight and Interview from 2017-09-11T16:00

In this episode, we finish our discussion of Stravinsky’s Firebird ballet and speak with the artistic director of the Oklahoma City ballet in the lead-up to its performance at Armstrong Auditori...

#97: Fiery Feathers from 2017-09-04T16:00

In this episode, we explore the composer Igor Stravinsky and his ballet masterpiece "The Firebird", in the lead-up to Oklahoma City Ballet’s performance of this masterpiece at Armstrong Auditori...

#96: Ballet in Cowboy Boots from 2017-08-28T16:00

In this episode, we explore the composer Aaron Copland and his ground-breaking ballet music for Rodeo, in the lead-up to Oklahoma City Ballet’s performance of this beloved production at Armstron...

#95: Literature Soundtrack: The Piano Shop on the Left Bank from 2017-08-21T16:00

In this episode, we explore some of the repertoire mentioned in Thad Carhart’s memoir "The Piano Shop on the Left Bank."

[“Just the Best Literature” discussion with Music For Life’s Ryan ...

#94: Season Preview from 2017-08-14T16:00

In this episode, we explore our program's brand new format and preview the exciting 2017-18 concert season at Armstrong Auditorium.

More on Armstrong Auditorium's 2017-18 Season:
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#93: Pre-Concert Talk: Eroica Trio from 2017-04-24T16:00

In this episode, we explore the Eroica Trio and the program for its upcoming performance at Armstrong Auditorium.

#92: Unfinished... from 2017-04-17T16:00

In this episode, we explore some of the incomplete masterpieces of music history.

#91: Music For Variations from 2017-04-03T16:00

In this episode, we explore the commonly used form of “theme and variations” in the standard repertoire.

#90: The Jazz Element (Reprise) from 2017-03-27T16:00

In this episode, we take another look at the 20th-century American musical invention known as jazz.

#89: Pre-Concert Talk: Jerusalem Quartet from 2017-03-20T16:00

In this episode, we explore the Jerusalem Quartet and the program for its March 23 performance at Armstrong Auditorium.

Show notes:
Tickets:
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#88: Music From Five to Nine from 2017-03-13T16:00

In this episode, we explore the great quintet, sextet, septet, octet and nonet repertoire of music history.

#87: Pre-Concert Talk: National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine from 2017-03-06T16:00

In this episode, we explore the the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, conductor Volodymyr Sirenko, piano soloist Alexei Grynyuk and the program for their March 9 performance at Armstrong A...

#86: Music For Four from 2017-02-27T16:00

In this episode, we explore the great quartet repertoire of music history.

Beethoven’s Hymn of Thanksgiving in the form of a string quartet:
http://thelistenersclub.com/2015/11/25/beet...

#85: Music For Trios from 2017-02-20T16:00

In this episode, we explore the great trio repertoire of music history.

#84: Pre-Concert Talk: Five Irish Tenors from 2017-02-13T16:00

In this episode, we explore the Five Irish Tenors and the program for their February 21 performance at Armstrong Auditorium, as part of their first-ever North American tour.

Tickets infor...

#83: Carnival of the Animals from 2017-02-06T16:00

In this episode, we explore music of the standard repertoire intended to depict or imitate various animals.

Jazz Herd
https://www....

#82: Antiphon, Imitation and Echo from 2017-01-30T16:00

In this episode, we will explore statements-and-echoes, question-and-answers and calls-and-responses as an attribute in many compositions of the standard repertoire.

Ella and Mel scat bac...

#81: Pre-Concert Talk (Russian National Ballet Theatre—Don Quixote) from 2017-01-23T16:00

In this episode, we explore the Russian National Ballet Theatre and its upcoming performances of Don Quixote at Armstrong Auditorium.

Tickets:
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#80: Pre-Concert Talk: Wu Man&Shanghai String Quartet from 2017-01-09T16:00

In this episode, we explore the pipa virtuoso Wu Man, the Shanghai String Quartet and the program for their upcoming collaborative performance at Armstrong Auditorium.

Ticket information:...

#79: Pre-Concert Talk: The Widow’s Might from 2016-12-26T16:00

In this episode, host Ryan Malone discusses the cast, plot and musical elements of his new stage production, “The Widow’s Might—The Story of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz” in the lead-up to its Armstrong...

#78: Music For Victories from 2016-12-19T16:00

In this episode, we explore compositions inspired by, or intended to honor, a victory — either fictional or historic, either on the battlefield or in other fields.

#77: Music for Pairs from 2016-12-05T16:00

#76: Pre-Concert Talk: Turtle Island Quartet from 2016-11-28T16:00

In this episode, we explore the Turtle Island Quartet and the program for its upcoming performance at Armstrong Auditorium.

Armstrong Auditorium ticket page:
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#75: Music For Death from 2016-11-14T16:00

In this episode, we explore compositions inspired by the memory of the deceased, or by death in general.

#74: Pre-Concert Talk: Voice Meets Cello from 2016-11-07T16:00

In this episode, we explore cellist Tess Remy-Schumacher, soprano Paula Malone and the program for their upcoming duo performance at Armstrong Auditorium.

Armstrong Auditorium ticket deta...

#73: Music For One from 2016-10-31T16:00

In this episode, we explore repertoire for a single instrument that is usually grouped with other instruments—from solo cello to one-handed piano.

#72: Music For Laughter from 2016-10-10T16:00

In this episode, we explore compositions intended to depict laughter or an element of humor.

#71: Fathers and Sons from 2016-09-26T16:00

In this episode, we explore composers whose fathers or sons were also composers—plus a Classroom Corner about what the less-musical or non-musical parents can listen for when their children are ...

#70: Passing the Bar from 2016-09-19T16:00

In this episode, we sample vast array of composers whose original career paths were to become lawyers.

#69: Pre-Concert Talk: The Step Crew from 2016-09-12T16:00

In this episode, we explore The Step Crew — the dancers and the band — and the program for their upcoming performance at Armstrong Auditorium.

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#68: The Shakespearean Influence from 2016-09-05T16:00

In this episode, we explore the impact William Shakespeare had on the output of standard music history.

#67: Hallelujah from 2016-08-29T16:00

In this episode, we explore one of the most common lyrics in all sacred music: Hallelujah — and how that word has been treated in compositions throughout music history.

#66: Music For Night from 2016-08-22T16:00

In this episode, we explore compositions written specifically to depict elements of evening or nighttime.

#65: Ep. 37 Interlude from 2016-08-15T16:00

In this episode, the first after our summer break, we explore the idea of the musical breaks: interludes, intermezzi and entr’actes.

#64: Pre-Concert Talk: Song of Solomon from 2016-04-04T16:00

In this episode, host Ryan Malone discusses his oratorio Song of Songs (a new setting of the entire Song of Solomon) in the lead up to its April 7, 2016, debut at Armstrong Auditorium.

#63: Ep. 35 Watery Music: Part 2 from 2016-03-28T17:00

In this episode, we explore compositions meant to depict the various aspects of water—from gentle rain to thunderstorms, and from the flow streams to the swells of the sea.

#62: Ep. 35 Watery Music: Part 1 from 2016-03-28T16:00

In this episode, we explore compositions meant to depict the various aspects of water—from gentle rain to thunderstorms, and from the flow streams to the swells of the sea.

#61: Ep. 34 The Chorus: Part 2 from 2016-03-21T17:00

In this episode, we explore the ensemble of voices. Interview with Grammy-winning choral composer and conductor Eric Whitacre.

#60: Ep. 34 The Chorus: Part 1 from 2016-03-21T16:00

In this episode, we explore the ensemble of voices. Interview with Grammy-winning choral composer and conductor Eric Whitacre.

#59: Ep. 33 The Keyboard: Part 2 from 2016-03-14T17:00

In this episode, we explore the history and repertoire of one of Western music’s most utilized instruments: the piano. Interview with internationally awarded Polish pianist Marcin Koziak.

#58: Ep. 33 The Keyboard: Part 1 from 2016-03-14T16:00

In this episode, we explore the history and repertoire of one of Western music’s most utilized instruments: the piano. Interview with internationally awarded Polish pianist Marcin Koziak.

#57: Ep. 32 Pre-Concert Talk: Polish Baltic Philharmonic from 2016-02-29T16:00

In this episode, we explore the Polish Baltic Philharmonic, pianist Marcin Koziak, and the all-Beethoven program they will be performing at Armstrong Auditorium.

#56: Ep. 31 Music and the Military: Part 2 from 2016-02-22T18:00

In this episode, we explore the impact of warfare and the military on music history. Interviews with Bandmaster Mike Robinson of Britain’s Band of Royal Marines and Katie Prior, founder of Youth Tr...

#55: Ep. 31 Music and the Military: Part 1 from 2016-02-22T17:00

In this episode, we explore the impact of warfare and the military on music history. Interviews with Bandmaster Mike Robinson of Britain’s Band of Royal Marines and Katie Prior, founder of Youth Tr...

#54: Ep. 30 Music For Nationalism: Part 2 from 2016-02-15T18:00

In this episode, we explore national styles in fine-art music — particularly how nationalism and patriotism have affected the musical output. Interview with ambassador of Mexican musical culture, J...

#53: Ep. 30 Music For Nationalism: Part 1 from 2016-02-15T17:00

In this episode, we explore national styles in fine-art music — particularly how nationalism and patriotism have affected the musical output. Interview with ambassador of Mexican musical culture, J...

#52: Ep. 29 Pre-Concert Talk: The British Regiments from 2016-02-08T17:00

In this episode, we explore the musical ensembles of British military — and the upcoming performance of the Band of Royal Marines and the Pipes and Drums of the Scots Guards at Armstrong Auditorium.

#51: Ep. 28 Pre-Concert Talk: Mariachi Los Camperos from 2016-02-01T17:00

In this episode, we explore the Grammy-winning Mariachi Los Camperos and its upcoming performance at Armstrong Auditorium.

#50: Ep. 27 Great Women of Music: Part 2 from 2016-01-25T18:00

In this episode, we explore the influential female musicians — particularly the female composers — of history. Interview with Grammy-winning cellist Sara Sant’Ambrogio.

#49: Ep. 27 Great Women of Music: Part 1 from 2016-01-25T17:00

In this episode, we explore the influential female musicians — particularly the female composers — of history. Interview with Grammy-winning cellist Sara Sant’Ambrogio.

#48: Pre-Concert Talk: Moscow Festival Ballet from 2016-01-18T17:00

In this episode, we will explore the Moscow Festival Ballet and the programs for its upcoming double-header performances at Armstrong Auditorium: Prokofiev’s CINDERELLA and Tchaikovsky’s THE SLEEPI...

#47: Pre-Concert Talk: Sara Sant’Ambrogio & Chopin from 2016-01-11T17:00

In this episode, we will explore the artist Sara Sant’Ambrogio and her all-Chopin program at Armstrong Auditorium January 14, 2016. In addition to exploring Chopin’s two masterworks for cello, this...