

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 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
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?


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
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 "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 "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 "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
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
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.