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
Exploring the Cultural Legacy: Ancient Rome and Armenia
22/01/2024

Exploring the Cultural Legacy: Ancient Rome and Armenia

In our previous broadcast, we delved into the musical traditions of Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece. Today's discussion will unveil the rich musical heritage of both Ancient Rome and Armenia.

Exploring the Cultural Narratives of Ancient Egypt and Greece
15/01/2024

Exploring the Cultural Narratives of Ancient Egypt and Greece

In our preceding broadcast, we delved into the origins of music and the creation of primitive musical instruments. Today, our focus shifts to the pivotal role that music played in the tapestry of ancient civilizations, with a closer examination of its significance in both Ancient Egypt and Ancient Rome.

The Genesis of Music
08/01/2024

The Genesis of Music

With the dawn of our new broadcast season, we embark on a journey through the rich tapestry of music history, exploring the origins of the very first musical instruments. Today, our quest delves into the question: What compelled early humans to craft music, or more aptly, to produce primitive sounds?

The Four Seasons
25/12/2023

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."

From Pushkin to Sviridov: The Blizzard
11/12/2023

From Pushkin to Sviridov: The Blizzard

This broadcast is dedicated to Georgy Sviridov's renowned series, “The Snowstorm” (also known as “The Blizzard”), which the composer aptly titled “Musical Illustrations after Pushkin’s The Blizzard.”

Gypsy Airs with the Permission of Szentirmay
04/12/2023

Gypsy Airs with the Permission of Szentirmay

 

In 1878, Leipzig's Bartholf Senff publishing house printed Spanish composer Pablo de Sarasate's Opus 20, the Gypsy Melodies (Airs). Five years later, in 1883, Sarasate received a peculiar letter from Hungarian composer Elemér Szentirmay, claiming authorship of one of the parts in Gypsy Melodies.

In Memory of Napoleon Bonaparte
27/11/2023

In Memory of Napoleon Bonaparte

Beethoven's Heroic Symphony marked a significant epoch in European symphonism, propelling the genre to unprecedented heights of innovation. Crafted during a psychologically challenging period for the composer, the Symphony stands as a testament to Beethoven's resilience and artistic brilliance.

Concluding this broadcast, you will have the opportunity to experience the 1st and the 2nd movements of the Symphony, performed by the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Herbert von Karajan.

From Poverty to Slavonic Dances
20/11/2023

From Poverty to Slavonic Dances

Today's program is devoted to exploring the history behind the creation of Antonín Dvořák's Slavonic Dances. As we delve into the origins and inspirations that shaped this masterpiece, we invite you to savor the performance by the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra, conducted by the maestro George Szell, which awaits you at the conclusion of our broadcast.

Oginski's
13/11/2023

Oginski's "Farewell" to Homeland

Michal Oginski's polonaise, "A Farewell to the Homeland," stands as a poignant musical emblem of modern Poland. To some, it has been suggested as a potential choice for the Polish national anthem, yet this proposal was ultimately set aside because of its difficulty for singing.

The Story of the
06/11/2023

The Story of the "Living" Swan

Since ancient times, people have woven legends and myths about the swan, considering it a symbol of purity and grandeur.  Its beauty inspired a number of writers, artists and composers, including the French composer Camille Saint-Saëns. Today's broadcast is about the movement "Swan" from his Suite "The Carnival of the Animals."

 

Carl Orff's
30/10/2023

Carl Orff's "Wheel of Fortune"

Benediktbeuern Abbey (or Beuern), a medieval monastery of the Benedictine Order, in Benediktbeuern in Bavaria, Germany. For many years, its monks have collected and preserved books of different content. The most popular among these books is perhaps "Carmina Burana," which, translated from Latin, means "Songs from Beuern." The poems of the collection became popular especially thanks to the famous cantata "Carmina Burana" by German composer and educator Carl Heinrich Maria Orff.

Ballet for Laborers
23/10/2023

Ballet for Laborers

In this program, we explore the history of the Bolero, a national Spanish dance that originated in the second half of the 18th century. Discover how the Bolero became immensely popular in the 19th century, even influencing musical theater and being integrated with the principles of classical ballet.

Pergolesi's Immortal Legacy
16/10/2023

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.

Lullaby or Secret Love Letter
09/10/2023

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.

Musical Landscape
02/10/2023

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.