Classical Music with Brian McCreath  

 

 

The Bach Hour

Truth in Bach


HEAR THE PROGRAM
Pianist and blogger Jeremy Denk performs the Partita No. 3, and Konrad Junghänel conducts the Missa Brevis in G minor.

On-demand at Classical New England
The Bach Hour

Tackling the Enigmatic Fourth Cello Suite


HEAR THE PROGRAM
Dutch cellist Pieter Wispelwey talks about and performs the Cello Suite No. 4, and Il Gardelino performs the Cantata No. 32 (translation).

On-demand at Classical New England
Sunday Concert

Discovery Ensemble in Concert


HEAR THE CONCERTS AND LEARN MORE
Join us for concert performances by one of New England's most exciting orchestras, as conductor Courtney Lewis leads Discovery Ensemble.

On-demand at Classical New England
The Bach Hour

Ramin Bahrami and the Power of Bach


HEAR THE PROGRAM
The Iranian-born pianist performs a concerto with the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, and Bach Collegium Japan performs the Cantata No. 69a, Lobe den Herrn, meine, Seele (translation).

On-demand at Classical New England
The Bach Hour

A Prayer to Angels


HEAR THE PROGRAM
John Eliot Gardiner conducts Bach's Cantata No. 19 (translation), a piece written for the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels.

On-demand at Classical New England
CNE Journal

Downton Abbey Wins Emmy for Original Score


READ MORE AND HEAR THE INTERVIEW
Hear from the composer of the winner of the 2012 Emmy Award for Original Score for a Series.

On-demand at Classical New England
The Bach Hour

The Brilliance of Cantata 51


HEAR THE PROGRAM
Soprano Malin Hartelius and trumpeter Niklas Eklund perform Bach's Jauchzet Gott (translation) in concert at Unser Lieben Frauen Church in Bremen, Germany.

On-demand at Classical New England
Drive Time Live

Music for Food


HEAR THE PROGRAM AND LEARN MORE
Kim Kashkashian and colleagues perform Dvorak in our studio, previewing the next Music for Food concert.

On-demand at Classical New England
CNE Journal

Encountering Wagner


READ MORE AND HEAR WAGNER
SEE BROADCAST SCHEDULE
By Brian McCreath
Richard Wagner, one of history's most complex figures, becomes a little more understandable at his Swiss villa. But only a little.
The Bach Hour

Collegium Vocale in Concert from Lausanne


HEAR THE PROGRAM
Philippe Herreweghe leads the group he founded in the Cantata No. 78 (translation), in concert at the Lausanne Bach Festival in Switzerland.

On-demand at Classical New England
The Bach Hour

Bach in the Berkshires


HEAR THE PROGRAM
MORE FROM TANGLEWOOD
John Oliver leads the Tanglewood Festival Chorus in the motet Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied (translation) in a celebration of Bach's music at Tanglewood.

On-demand at Classical New England
The Bach Hour

A Concerto for Bach's Friday Nights


HEAR THE PROGRAM
Thomas Hengelbrock leads a concerto for three violins, and Masaaki Suzuki conducts the Cantata No. 178 (translation).

On-demand at Classical New England
The Bach Hour

Avi Avital's Bach


HEAR THE PROGRAM
The mandolin virtuoso brings a unique perspective to Bach's music, and John Eliot Gardiner conducts two motets.

On-demand at Classical New England
The Bach Hour

A Picture of Heaven


HEAR THE PROGRAM
Countertenor Andreas Scholl sings Bach's depiction of heaven in the Cantata No. 170 (translation).
On-demand at Classical New England
CLASSICAL NEW ENGLAND

A Chorale Packed with Potential


HEAR THE PROGRAM
Bach builds an astonishing expression of doubt and hope on a simple chorale in the Cantata No. 93 (translation), and Annie Akiko Meyers is the soloist in the Violin Concerto No. 1.

On-demand at Classical New England
The Bach Hour

Ton Koopman and Bach's Journey


HEAR THE PROGRAM
The Dutch conductor leads Amsterdam Baroque in Bach's Cantata No. 177, Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ (translation).

On-demand at Classical New England
The Bach Hour

John Eliot Gardiner Conducts J.S. Bach's La mer


HEAR THE PROGRAM
The symbolism of water infuses Bach's Cantata No. 7 (translation), conducted by John Eliot Gardiner, and harpist Catrin Finch plays the Italian Concerto.

On-demand at Classical New England
The Bach Hour

A New Beginning for Bach, with Emmanuel Music


HEAR THE PROGRAM
Craig Smith conducts the Cantata No. 75 (translation), the first work Bach wrote for his adopted hometown.

On-demand at Classical New England
The Bach Hour

The Ascension Oratorio


HEAR THE PROGRAM
Matthew Halls leads the Retrospect Ensemble in Bach's Ascension Oratorio (translation), and Peter Sykes and Mahan Esfahani perform a harpsichord concerto.

On-demand at Classical New England
WGBH LEARNINGTOURS

A Classical New England Tour to Switzerland


LEARN MORE AND SEE AN AUDIO SLIDESHOW PREVIEW
Join host Brian McCreath in Switzerland for concerts at the Lucerne Festival and the Menuhin Festival in Gstaad, with performances by the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony, Maurizio Pollini, and more.
The Bach Hour

Trevor Pinnock in Boston


HEAR THE PROGRAM
Trevor Pinnock leads the Boston Early Music Festival Orchestra in concert, and Ton Koopman conducts the Cantata No. 86 (translation).

On-demand at Classical New England
The Bach Hour

Brazilian Flair in a French Suite


HEAR THE PROGRAM
The Brasil Guitar Duo performs in concert at the Rockport Chamber Music Festival, and John Eliot Gardiner conducts the Cantata No. 166 (translation).

On-demand at Classical New England
The Bach Hour

The Play of Opposites: Suzuki's Cantata No. 103


HEAR THE PROGRAM
Masaaki Suzuki conducts Bach's Cantata No. 103 (translation), and the English Baroque Soloists perform the Triple Concerto.

On-demand at Classical New England
The Bach Hour

Alina Ibragimova's Partita No. 2


HEAR THE PROGRAM
The British-based violinist traverses one of Bach's most emotionally powerful works, and John Eliot Gardiner conducts the Cantata No. 85 (translation).

On-demand at Classical New England
CNE Journal

Patriots and Heroes


HEAR THE CONCERT PREVIEW, LEARN MORE, AND SEE VIDEO
Boston Camerata Artistic Director Anne Azéma explores early American music in a preview of the ensemble's Patriots Day concert.
The Bach Hour

David Fray's French Suite


HEAR THE PROGRAM
The French pianist performs a piece with a personal connection for Bach, and Christophe Coin directs the Cantata No. 6 (translation).
CNE Journal

The Dual Lives of Esa-Pekka Salonen


HEAR MORE AND WATCH VIDEO
By Brian McCreath
Music by the Finnish conductor and composer is performed this week by both the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Discovery Ensemble.
The Bach Hour

A Burst of Colors in the Easter Oratorio


HEAR THE PROGRAM
Matthew Halls leads the Retrospect Ensemble in Bach's vibrant, riveting Easter Oratorio (translation).

On-demand at Classical New England
CNE Journal

The Passion, Ancient and Modern


By Brian McCreath
The Handel and Haydn Society and Boston Modern Orchestra Project explore the story of the Passion through both the greatest of composers and the music of our time.
The Bach Hour

Harry Christophers on the St. Matthew Passion


HEAR PART ONE
HEAR PART TWO
The Artistic Director of Boston's Handel and Haydn Society talks with host Brian McCreath about the pinnacle of Bach's sacred music (translation).
The Bach Hour

Lara St. John and Marie-Pierre Langlamet


HEAR THE PROGRAM
The violinist and harpist bring new colors to Bach's Violin Sonata No. 1, and John Eliot Gardiner conducts the Cantata No. 150 (translation)
On-demand at Classical New England
The Bach Hour

Simone Dinnerstein's "Something Almost Being Said"


HEAR THE PROGRAM
The pianist talks about her new recording with host Brian McCreath, and Vocalconsort Berlin performs Jesu, meine Freude (translation).
On-demand at Classical New England
The Bach Hour

Albrecht Mayer Creates a New Bach Concerto


HEAR THE PROGRAM
The Principal Oboist of the Berlin Philharmonic finds solo music in a Bach cantata, and Philippe Herreweghe directs the Cantata No. 127 (translation).

On-demand at Classical New England
CNE Journal

2011-2012 Classical Mid-Season Report


By Brian McCreath
Boston Globe classical music critic Jeremy Eichler talks about significant stories of the classical music season so far.
The Bach Hour

A Modern Transcription for an Ancient Instrument


HEAR THE PROGRAM
Recorder soloist Erik Bosgraaf performs a concerto by Bach, and John Eliot Gardiner conducts the Cantata No. 144 (translation).
On-demand at Classical New England
The Bach Hour

Andreas Scholl Sings Ich habe genug


HEAR THE INTERVIEW AND PROGRAM
The German countertenor talks with host Brian McCreath about music, life, and Bach, and sings Ich habe genug (translation).
On-demand at Classical New England
The Bach Hour

Salonen Conducts Schoenberg's Vision


HEAR THE PROGRAM
Esa-Pekka Salonen and the L.A. Philharmonic paint a vibrant Bach Prelude and Fugue, and Masaaki Suzuki conducts the Cantata No. 73 (translation).
On-demand at Classical New England
The Bach Hour

Perahia Plays Bach


HEAR THE PROGRAM
Murray Perahia is soloist and director for the Keyboard Concerto No. 3, and Ton Koopman directs the Cantata No. 155 (translation).
On-demand at Classical New England
The Bach Hour

An Epiphany Cantata At St. Nicholas, Leipzig


John Eliot Gardiner conducts the Cantata No. 123 (translation) at a church with a remarkable history.
On-demand at Classical New England
CNE Journal

Charting Their Own Paths: Top 5 Orchestral Albums Produced In-house


MORE TOP CLASSICAL OF 2011
By Brian McCreath
In-house labels have energized the recording projects of several major orchestras.  Here are five of the best.
CNE Journal

Messiah In Our Time


LISTEN AND READ MORE
By Brian McCreath
How did a two-and-a-half century-old piece of music written for Lent become an iconic Christmas tradition of our time?
The Bach Hour

Bach's Tapestry of Sound


HEAR THE PROGRAM
J.S. Bach's Cantata No. 109 uses the interlacing of sound to create a picture of belief in a performance conducted by John Eliot Gardiner.
On-demand at Classical New England
The Bach Hour

One Work, Two Worlds: The Cantata No. 169 and Harpsichord Concerto in E


HEAR THE PROGRAM
Bernarda Fink sings the Cantata No. 169 (translation), and Christophe Rousset performs the cantata's sister concerto for harpsichord.
CNE Journal

Opera Boston's Béatrice et Bénédict


READ MORE AND HEAR THE INTERVIEW
By Brian McCreath
A modern twist enlivens this weekend's production of Berlioz's comedic love story.
CNE Journal

2011-2012 Classical Season Preview with Jeremy Eichler


HEAR THE CONVERSATION AND GET MORE INFO
The Boston Globe classical music critic talks with Classical New England's Brian McCreath about upcoming highlights of the 2011-2012 season.
The Bach Hour

Harnoncourt and the Ebulliant Cantata 29


HEAR THE PROGRAM
Nikolaus Harnoncourt leads Concentus Musicus in Bach's celebratory Cantata No. 29 (translation), in concert at the Musikverein.

On-demand at Classical New England
CNE Journal

What Does A Conductor Do?


HEAR THE CONVERSATION
Classical New England host Brian McCreath talks with Emily Rooney about the ways a conductor can bring music to life.
Classical Music with Brian McCreath

Harry Christophers on Handel and Haydn's New Season


HEAR THE INTERVIEW
The Artistic Director of Boston's Handel and Haydn Society talks with Brian McCreath about this weekend's season opening concerts with Kristian Bezuidenhout and more.
The Bach Hour

Ryan Turner On Cantata No. 12


LISTEN
The Artistic Director of Emmanuel Music joins Brian McCreath for one of Bach's most gripping works, the Cantata No. 12 (translation), and a preview of the upcoming season.
The Bach Hour

Pain and Transcendence in Morimur


LISTEN
Violinist Christoph Poppen and the Hilliard Ensemble combine for a performance that's both searing and consoling.
The Bach Hour

The Mystery And Intimacy Of The Lute


LISTEN
Rolf Lislevand performs a suite for lute, and Masaaki Suzuki conducts the fearsome Cantata No. 46 (translation).
The Bach Hour

Grace And Bouyancy From A Solo Cello


LISTEN
Jean-Guihen Queyras performs the Cello Suite No. 6, and John Eliot Gardiner conducts the Cantata No. 135 (translation).
The Bach Hour

Bach In Boston


HEAR THE PROGRAM
The Boston Early Festival Orchestra takes the stage with the Orchestral Suite No. 3, and Boston's Emmanuel Music performs the Cantata No. 2 (translation).

On-demand at Classical New England
The Bach Hour

CSI: Bach


LISTEN
Violinist Midori Seiler performs her reconstruction of a lost concerto, and Craig Smith directs the Cantata No. 39 (translation).
99.5 Host Notes

In Performance


Here is more information about artists and presenters featured on this week's programs.
The Bach Hour

Riccardo Chailly's New Way


LISTEN
The conductor of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra leads the Brandenburg Concerto No. 6, and John Eliot Gardiner conducts the Cantata No. 129 (translation).
Live from Fraser

Trio Settecento


LISTEN
MORE EARLY MUSIC
Music by Bach, Veracini, and Muffat highlight and exploration of the transformative power of the violin, live from the Fraser Performance Studio.
The Bach Hour

One Chorale, Three Masterpieces


LISTEN
A single chorale connects the organ prelude "Komm, Heiliger Geist," the Violin Sonata No. 3, and the Cantata No. 172 (translation).
New England Summer Festivals

The Marlboro Festival


SEE PICTURES AND HEAR THE PROGRAM
MORE NEW ENGLAND SUMMER FESTIVALS
Alan McLellan takes you to the venerable Marlboro Chamber Music Festival for performances from the 2011 season.

On-demand at Classical New England
The Bach Hour

Luminous Bach From Ensemble Sonnerie


LISTEN
ABOUT THE BACH HOUR
Monica Huggett leads the Orchestral Suite No. 1, and Collegium Vocale performs the Cantata No. 43 (translation).

The Bach Hour

David Fray's Poetic Interpretation


LISTEN
The French pianist performs Bach's Partita No. 4, and Masaaki Suzuki conducts the Cantata No. 108 (translation).
The Bach Hour

Two Masterpieces From Altenburg, Germany


LEARN MORE AND LISTEN
By Brian McCreath
This week's program takes you to the Schloßkirche in Altenburg to hear an instrument Bach himself performed on when it was built.
The Bach Hour

The Bach Experience


LISTEN
Mary Greer previews the Handel and Haydn Society's upcoming program with selections from the Cantatas Nos. 37, 92, and 97.
Café Europa

The Berlin Philharmonic


By Brian McCreath
Hear performances by one of the world's great orchestras, from concerts at their dynamic home concert hall.
On-demand at Classical New England
The Bach Hour

Philippe Herreweghe Conducts Cantata No. 42


LISTEN
The Belgian conductor leads a post-Easter cantata with a dual personality.
The Bach Hour

The Joy and Transcendence of Easter


LISTEN
ABOUT THE BACH HOUR
Ton Koopman and Amsterdam Baroque perform the Cantata No. 31 (translation), written for Easter.  The program also features pianist Angela Hewitt in a concerto and Yuko Hayashi at the organ at Boston's Old West Church.
99.5 Host Notes

In Performance, week of Apr. 18


By Brian McCreath
Here is more information about the performers and presenters featured this week.
The Bach Hour

A Cantata for Palm Sunday


HEAR THE PROGRAM
ABOUT THE BACH HOUR
John Eliot Gardiner conducts the joyful Cantata No. 182 (translation), written for Palm Sunday, and Pieter Wispelwey performs the Cello Suite No. 5.

On-demand at Classical New England
The Bach Hour

The Chaconne Through The Orchestral Prism


LISTEN
Seiji Ozawa and the Boston Symphony Orchestra give a blazingly intense account of Bach's music, and Konrad Junghänel conducts the Missa Brevis in G.
The Bach Hour

Jeremy Denk's Bach


LISTEN
The pianist gives a ravishing performance of the Partita No. 3, and Konrad Junghänel conducts the Missa Brevis in G minor.
The Bach Hour

Gidon Kremer's Solo Bach


LISTEN
ABOUT THE BACH HOUR
The Latvian violinist performs Bach's Sonata No. 1, and Konrad Junghänel conducts the Missa Brevis in A.
99.5 Host Notes

Boston Symphony and Andris Nelsons: The Reviews


By Brian McCreath
Read what the critics had to say about the young Latvian conductor's performance with the BSO at Carnegie Hall on Thursday.
The Bach Hour

Richard Egarr and The Well-Tempered Clavier


HEAR THE PROGRAM
JOIN US FOR BACH AROUND THE CLOCK, MAR. 16
The Music Director of the Academy of Ancient Music takes you inside Bach's masterful works for harpsichord.
On-demand at Classical New England
99.5 Host Notes

The Concert Hall Re-set Button


By Brian McCreath
When everything familiar bursts into the remarkable.
The Composer Files

Celebrating Bartók


LEARN MORE
In honor of the 130th anniversary of the composer's birth, join 99.5 All Classical for a series of local and historic performances and exclusive on demand music.

The hits and the highlights from WGBH

Stay in the know about upcoming shows, special events, discounts, and more!
See a sample »