Shades of Art

Shades of Art

The history behind the creation of great musical masterpieces.
The evolution of music and the creation of musical instruments.
The history of classical and folk dances.

  • Host - Tatevik Tananyan
The Advertisement of Coffee in Bach's Life
23/03/2026

The Advertisement of Coffee in Bach's Life

Approximately 300 years ago, between 1732 and 1734, the renowned German Baroque composer, organist, and violinist Johann Sebastian Bach composed his famous Coffee Cantata. This composition is widely regarded as one of the earliest examples of music that serves as an advertisement for coffee.

Shades of Art
Musical Autobiography
16/03/2026

Musical Autobiography

This broadcast is devoted to the history of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's final Symphony (No. 6 in B minor). Tchaikovsky, the renowned Russian composer, conductor, pedagogue, music critic, and author of over 80 works, created this symphony, which is often regarded as a musical representation of his own life. It stands as the composer's musical autobiography, encapsulating his emotions and experiences.

 

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Moonlight Sonata or a Love Story
09/03/2026

Moonlight Sonata or a Love Story

Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor, often referred to as the 'Moonlight Sonata,' earned the title 'sonata quasi una fantasia' or 'sonata like a fantasy' from the composer himself. Printed by the publisher Nikolaus Simrock in Bonn during the winter of 1802, the title page of this composition bore the dedication 'Dedicated to Countess Giulietta Guicciardi.'

 

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On the Trail of Adagio
02/03/2026

On the Trail of Adagio

The Adagio in G minor for organ and stringed instruments, often attributed to the Baroque Italian composer and violinist Tomaso Giovanni Albinoni, stands as one of the most widely recognized and frequently performed pieces of music in the world today. However, it's important to note that Albinoni had minimal involvement in the creation of this composition.

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Ball
16/02/2026

Ball

In today’s episode of our dance history series, we explore the grand tradition of balls. Discover the origins, customs, and social significance of these elegant gatherings.

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Circle Dance
09/02/2026

Circle Dance

As part of our dance history series, this episode explores round or circle dances, a universal element in the dance cultures of nearly all nations.

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March
02/02/2026

March

In today’s episode, we delve into the origins and purposes of marches, exploring the different types that exist. Enjoy excerpts from some of the finest examples of this stirring musical genre.

 

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Pavane
26/01/2026

Pavane

In today’s episode, we explore the pavane, one of the most sublime dances in the history of dance art.

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Polonaise
19/01/2026

Polonaise

In today’s episode of our dance history series, we present the most traditional Polish dance, the polonaise.

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Folia
12/01/2026

Folia

In today’s episode of our dance history series, we delve into the phenomenon known as "folia."

 

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Ballet
05/01/2026

Ballet

In today’s episode dedicated to dance, we present a brief history of the creation and evolution of classical ballet. Discover how this timeless art form developed into the graceful spectacle it is today.

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The Four Seasons
29/12/2025

The Four Seasons

Today's special holiday broadcast honors the esteemed Italian composer, violinist, teacher, conductor, and Catholic priest, Antonio Vivaldi. We delve into his iconic concert series, "The Four Seasons."

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Sarabande
22/12/2025

Sarabande

In today's episode of our dance history series, we present the mysterious sarabande...

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Polka
15/12/2025

Polka

In today's episode, we dive into the lively world of the Czech national dance, the polka.

 

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Tarantella
08/12/2025

Tarantella

In today's episode of our series on the history of dances, we delve into the vibrant and energetic world of the Tarantella, the iconic national dance of Italy.

 

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Minuet
01/12/2025

Minuet

Welcome to our season dedicated to historical dances. In today's episode, we explore the minuet, the beloved dance of Louis XIV, the Sun King of France.

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Celesta
24/11/2025

Celesta

In today’s episode, we dive into the world of the celesta, a unique and enchanting musical instrument. Discover its history, how it works, and hear some beautiful examples of its magical sound.

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Parkapzuk
17/11/2025

Parkapzuk

The instrument we present in today’s episode is known as the "parkapku" or "parkapzuk" in Armenian.

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Accordion
10/11/2025

Accordion

In today's episode, we delve into the history of the accordion, a musical instrument whose invention is credited to our compatriot Cyrill (Kyuregh) Demian.

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Biblical Musical Instruments
03/11/2025

Biblical Musical Instruments

In this episode of our series on musical instruments, we uncover the history and significance of instruments mentioned in the Bible.

Shades of Art