Get ready for three hours of fresh classical releases this Saturday at 8:00 p.m. on “This Just In,” hosted by Raymond Jones on WHRO-FM. This week’s program brings a captivating mix of haunting classics, powerful orchestral works, and intricately arranged fugues.
To set the tone, we begin with a Halloween favorite—"Danse Macabre” by Camille Saint-Saëns, performed by the Lyon National Orchestra under the direction of Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider. Known for its eerie violin solos and haunting atmosphere, this piece captures the essence of the spooky season.
Next, we delve into heroism and introspection with a pair of works from a newly released album by the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Rafael Payare. First, experience Richard Strauss’s epic tone poem “Ein Heldenleben (A Hero’s Life),” a thrilling journey into Strauss’s vision of heroism. The album also includes Gustav Mahler’s “Rückert-Lieder,” a collection of lieder that explores themes of love, loss, and existential wonder.
Adding a touch of Baroque refinement, the program continues with selections from Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier, arranged by Mozart and brought to life by the Emerson String Quartet. These meticulously crafted fugues showcase Bach’s genius in harmony and counterpoint, presented here with a fresh interpretation through Mozart’s arrangement.
The evening concludes with Legends, Op. 59, by Antonín Dvořák, performed by the Czech Philharmonic and conducted by Tomas Netopil. This evocative suite captures Dvořák’s Czech heritage, weaving folklore-inspired melodies with rich orchestration that’s sure to resonate with listeners.
Join Raymond Jones for “This Just In,” bringing you the latest and greatest in classical music every Saturday at 8:00 p.m. on WHRO-FM 90.3 or online.
