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
Pergolesi's Immortal Legacy
05/05/2025

Pergolesi's Immortal Legacy

In 1735, the talented composer, violinist, and organist Giovanni Battista Pergolesi moved from Naples, where he had been living and working, to a Franciscan monastery in the nearby small town of Pozzuoli. This decision was driven by his battle with tuberculosis, a disease that ultimately claimed his life on March 16, 1736, when he was just 26 years old. During this fateful year, Pergolesi composed one of his most significant and enduring works, the Stabat Mater cantata in F minor.

Shades of Art
Lullaby or Secret Love Letter
28/04/2025

Lullaby or Secret Love Letter

Lullabies are an ancient genre of folk music that has its roots in human prehistory. Each nation has its own unique lullabies, influenced by its mythology, worldview, and philosophy, and these lullabies have changed very little over time.

Shades of Art
Musical Landscape
21/04/2025

Musical Landscape

Hidden amidst the rugged beauty of Scotland's Isle of Staffa lies a natural wonder like no other – a mesmerizing, 'singing' cave. This extraordinary geological formation enchants visitors with its ethereal sounds and mystical aura.

Shades of Art
The Face of Death in Art
14/04/2025

The Face of Death in Art

In the 14th-15th centuries, Western culture was entirely saturated with the theme of death. This direction in art soon received its name – "Danse macabre " or "Dance of death."

 

Shades of Art
The Course of the Vltava River
07/04/2025

The Course of the Vltava River

The Vltava River, spanning approximately 430 kilometers, is the Czech Republic's longest river and serves as the left tributary of the Elbe. Throughout the history of the Czech lands, this river has held a distinctive and integral role in the country's existence. The symphonic poem "Vltava" composed by the renowned Czech musician Bedřich Smetana stands as the unofficial anthem of the nation.

Today's broadcast is dedicated to the fascinating history behind the creation of this magnificent masterpiece.

Shades of Art
130 Years Later
31/03/2025

130 Years Later

We continue the topic covered in our latest episode, which was dedicated to the Catholic prayer "Ave Maria." Today, we present another interesting story about a song called "Ave Aria," the result of a collaboration between the 18th-century German composer Johann Sebastian Bach and the 19th-century French composer and music critic Charles Gounod.

Shades of Art
Ave Maria
24/03/2025

Ave Maria

“Ave Maria” stands as one of the most renowned Catholic prayers, devoted to the revered Holy Virgin Mary. Across various epochs, this sacred prayer has served as the inspiration for numerous musical masterpieces. In the spotlight today is Franz Schubert's composition known as "Ellen's Third Song," a piece that is frequently misidentified as "Ave Maria."

Shades of Art
The Mystery of the Creative Dream
17/03/2025

The Mystery of the Creative Dream

Join us on a captivating journey into the enigmatic world of creative dreams. Within the minds of geniuses, lies an extraordinary power – the ability to harness inspiration from the mysterious realm of dreams.

Shades of Art
Haydn's subtle suggestion
10/03/2025

Haydn's subtle suggestion

The Austrian composer Franz Joseph Haydn spent approximately three decades in the palace of the Esterházy princes. This palace was so rich and luxurious that it was on par with the Emperor's palace.

Shades of Art
The Advertisement of Coffee in Bach's Life
03/03/2025

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
24/02/2025

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.

 

Shades of Art
Moonlight Sonata or a Love Story
17/02/2025

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.'

 

Shades of Art
On the Trail of Adagio
10/02/2025

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.

Shades of Art
Waltz
16/12/2024

Waltz

The final episode of our program is dedicated to the king of dances, waltz...

Shades of Art
Ballet
02/09/2024

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.

Shades of Art
Ball
26/08/2024

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.

Shades of Art
Circle Dance
12/08/2024

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.

Shades of Art
March
05/08/2024

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.

 

Shades of Art
Pavane
29/07/2024

Pavane

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

Shades of Art
Polonaise
15/07/2024

Polonaise

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

Shades of Art