Haydn Masterworks

Born in Munich in 1923, Wolfgang Sawallisch was a prominent representative of the German conducting tradition, known for his thoughtful and refined interpretations of the classical repertoire. Beginning piano studies when he was five, Sawallisch developed rapidly as a child musician. His piano teachers were Ruoff, Haas, and Sachse. In 1947, following graduation from the Munich Hochschule für Musik, Sawallisch began his professional career, working first as a repetiteur and chorus master at the Augsburg Opera Theater. In 1949, he and his recital partner, violinist Gerhard Seitz, won the Geneva International Competition as best duo. In the same year, he began obtaining guest conducting assignments. When Sawallisch conducted the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra in 1953, he was the youngest person ever to have led that orchestra.

In Romantic Composers, legendary conductor Sir John Barbirolli leads a superb collection of performances by various orchestras, capturing the passionate spirit of the Romantic era. The album features masterworks from beloved composers like Dvořák, Tchaikovsky, and Brahms, each performed with Barbirolli’s signature emotional depth and meticulous attention to detail. From lush melodies to soaring lyricism and majestic orchestration, this collection showcases the full range of Romantic expression.

The Juilliard String Quartet. For over seventy years they have been a household name in several different formations. They are connected to the prestigious Juilliard School in New York.

This 10 CDs boxed set span over 50 years of recordings by one of the most influential and acclaimed historical instrument ensembles. Be warned that these CDs offer mostly significant excerpts from classical music masterworks.

Renowned violinist and conductor Scott Yoo travels through Europe and the U.S. to explore beloved works by the world’s greatest classical composers.

Ludwig van Beethoven was one of the most prolific and inspiring forces in the history of music. With his brilliant compositions and his unique approach to the piano, he changed the face of western concert music forever. After Beethoven nothing could ever be the same again.

This course by Professor Robert Greenberg is a biographical and musical study of Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827). It puts the great musician's life in a social, political, and cultural context. First and foremost, it is a biographical study, and includes excerpts from more than a dozen of Beethoven's works. Dr. Greenberg will make the case that Beethoven was one of the most prolific and inspiring forces in the history of music, after whom nothing could ever be the same again.