Classical Music with Brian McCreath  

 

 

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).
Tomorrow at 6am and 5pm on 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 the Cantata No. 82 (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 Conducts The Ebulliant Cantata 29


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

The Potential Of One Chorale


LISTEN
Hear how Bach starts with one chorale and creates multiple musical experiences with it, including the Cantata No. 93 (translation), conducted by Philippe Herreweghe.
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


LISTEN
The Boston Early Festival Orchestra takes the stage with the Orchestral Suite No. 3, and Sigiswald Kuijken directs the Cantata No. 2 (translation).
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

Marlboro at 60


ABOUT NEW ENGLAND SUMMER FESTIVALS
SEE PICTURES AND HEAR THE PROGRAM
A venerable summer music festival celebrates its 60th anniversary.
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 Zuill Bailey performs the Cello Suite No. 5.
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 on The Well-Tempered Clavier


LISTEN
BRADLEY LEHMAN'S THEORY OF INTONATION
The Music Director of the Academy of Ancient Music takes you inside Bach's masterful works for harpsichord, and Konrad Junghänel conducts the Missa Brevis in F.
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 Bach Hour

The Mass in B Minor


HEAR THE PROGRAM
David Hoose, Music Director of the Cantata Singers, joins Brian McCreath for one of Bach's greatest masterpieces.
On-demand at Classical New England
The Bach Hour

Bach's Coffee Cantata


LISTEN
A young woman and her father clash over her love for java in the Cantata No. 211 (translation), and Philippe Herreweghe conducts the emotionally powerful Cantata No. 159 (translation).
The Bach Hour

Vibrant Colors and Textures in The Art of the Fugue


HEAR THE PROGRAM
The Academy for Ancient Music Berlin brings one of Bach's masterpieces to life in new ways, plus John Eliot Gardiner conducts the Cantata No. 181 (translation).
On-demand at Classical New England
Valentine's Week Picks

Music You Love, As It Happened


You, our listeners, provided a wealth of gorgeous music for Valentine's week.  Check out the complete list here.
The Bach Hour

Maxim Rysanov's Cello Suites


LISTEN
The Ukrainian violist lends his musical voice to bedrock repertoire for the cello, plus Masaaki Suzuki conducts the Cantata No. 92 (translation).
99.5 All Classical

Ben Roe Named Managing Director of Classical Services


MORE ABOUT BEN ROE
Boston's All Classical Station to be led by Grammy Award winning producer and NPR veteran.
Valentine's Week Picks

The Music You Love, By The Hour


For Valentine's week, here are your favorites;  check back each hour for the latest!
Feb. 14-18, 6am-8pm on 99.5 All Classical
Classical

Valentine's Week Picks


By Music You Love, By The Hour
For Valentine's week, here are your favorites;  check back each hour for the latest!
Feb. 14-18, 6am-8pm on 99.5 All Classical
Valentine's Week Picks

Music You Love, By The Hour


For Valentine's week, here are your favorites;  check back each hour for the latest!
Feb. 14-18, 6am-8pm on 99.5 All Classical
The Bach Hour

Karen Gomyo in Concert


LISTEN
The violinist performs Bach's Partita No. 3 in Switzerland, and John Eliot Gardiner conducts the joyous Cantata No. 51 (translation).
99.5 Host Notes

My Favorites: Mahler's Third and the Goldbergs


By Brian McCreath
We've asked you for yours;  here are some of ours.

The Bach Hour

Glenn Gould's State of Wonder


HEAR THE PROGRAM
ABOUT THE BACH HOUR
The legendary pianist performs Bach's Goldberg Variations, and Marcus Creed conducts the motet Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied (translation).
On-demand at Classical New England
The Bach Hour

The Stormy Sea of Bach's Cantata No. 81


LISTEN
The storms of life expressed through music, plus transcriptions with the Brazilian Guitar Quartet and the Borromeo String Quartet.
Live from Fraser

The Zodiac Trio


LISTEN
The ensemble plays Andrew List, Ned Rorem, Marcus Paus, and more in a preview of the Boston New Music Project.
The Bach Hour

The Richness of the Flute


LISTEN
Joshua Smith plays a sonata by Bach, plus the Cantata No. 111 (translation) and German Brass.
99.5 Host Notes

The Artistry of Innovation


By Brian McCreath
Creativity and technology, on the stage and beyond.
99.5 Host Notes

"...to the memory of a great man"



By James David Jacobs
Two symphonies embody so much of what we honor in Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Bach Hour

Dual Messages and Strange Beauty


LISTEN
Bach weaves together two sides of the inner life in a cantata recorded in Greenwich, and Simone Dinnerstein's new recording finds the unexpected.
99.5 Host Notes

Popcorn With That Beethoven?


By Brian McCreath
Orchestras at the multiplex:  a mixed bag.
The Bach Hour

Following the Star


LISTEN
The Sarasa Ensemble and Bach Collegium Japan perform two of Bach's cantatas for Epiphany.
The Bach Hour

Bach's New Year


LISTEN
Masaaki Suzuki conducts the Cantata No. 41 (translation) for the New Year, and Murray Perahia performs the English Suite No. 4.
Music Reviews

Top 10 Classical of 2010


SEE THE LIST
Hear samples of the most intriguing, beautiful, surprising, and exciting releases of the last year, including tenor Vittorio Grigolo.
99.5 Host Notes

Bach's Christmas Oratorio


By Brian McCreath
Hear Bach's masterpiece for the Christmas season.

The Bach Hour

Mouths Full of Laughter


LISTEN
John Eliot Gardiner conducts a joyful cantata for Christmas.
The Bach Hour

Magnificat


LISTEN
MORE HOLIDAY PROGRAMS
Philippe Herreweghe conducts the original Christmas version of Bach's masterpiece (translation).
Live from Fraser

Harpist Ina Zdorovetchi


LISTEN
The winner of the 2009 International Harp Contest in Israel performs in our studio.
99.5 Host Notes

Thomas Hampson and Mahler's Wunderhorn


By Brian McCreath
One of today's great Mahler interpreters performs some of the composer's most personal music.
The Bach Hour

Best Bach of 2010


SEE THE LIST
THE BACH HOUR
99.5 All Classical host Brian McCreath picks five great recordings of Bach's music from the last year.
The Bach Hour

Simone Dinnerstein's Bach


LISTEN
The pianist performs the French Suite No. 5, and Philippe Herreweghe conducts the Cantata No. 36 (translation).
99.5 Host Notes

"My Nine Lives," Violin$, Alisa Weilerstein, and Who's Afraid of Modern Music?


By Brian McCreath
Leon Fleisher talks with Diane Rehm, Alex Ross sounds off on modern music, and how much would you pay for a violin?
The Bach Hour

Two Sides of Bach


HEAR THE PROGRAM
The Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin plays music for a Friday night out, and Bach Collegium Japan performs a work for Sunday morning, the Cantata No. 62, for Advent (translation).
On-demand at Classical New England

99.5 Host Notes

Classical In The News


By Brian McCreath
Check out some recent NPR pieces about classical music.
99.5 Host Notes

For St. Andrew's Day


By Brian McCreath
I suppose with a name like mine, it shouldn't come as any surprise that Scotland figures prominently in my background.
99.5 Host Notes

A Concerto With Movie DNA


By Brian McCreath
Nikolaj Znaider joins the Vienna Philharmonic for Korngold's Violin Concerto, a piece built on film themes.
The Bach Hour

Catrin Finch's Goldbergs


HEAR THE PROGRAM
MORE BACH HOUR
The Welsh harpist brings a new voice to Bach, and Nikolaus Harnoncourt conducts the Cantata No. 61.
On-demand at Classical New England
99.5 Host Notes

Buchbinder's Brahms


By Brian McCreath
The Austrian pianist takes on one of the monuments of the concerto repertoire.
The Bach Hour

Bach Through a British Lens


LISTEN
MORE BACH HOUR
Jonathan Plowright plays British transcriptions of Bach, John Eliot Gardiner conducts the Cantata No. 90, and Ton Koopman conducts the Cantata No. 116.
99.5 Host Notes

Extra Pledge Bonus: The Berlin Philharmonic!


By Brian McCreath
A hidden bonus with one of our thank you gifts.
99.5 Host Notes

A Robust Cup of Mozart


By Brian McCreath
The Boston Symphony Orchestra serves up a rich performance on its own label.
99.5 Host Notes

Under the Radar


By Brian McCreath
A musician you've probably heard without knowing it.
99.5 Host Notes

Listen To This


EVENT INFO
By Brian McCreath
Alex Ross, music critic for the New Yorker and author of The Rest is Noise, visits Cambridge this evening.
The Bach Hour

A Bach Cantata Double Header


LISTEN
John Eliot Gardiner conducts Bach's Cantata No. 60, Masaaki Suzuki conducts the Cantata No. 26, and the Ghielmi brothers of Milan tackle the Viola da Gamba Sonata in G.
Music News

Pianist George Li Wins Gilmore Young Artists Award


By Brian McCreath
A young, Boston-bred pianist wins one of the most significant prizes in music.
99.5 Host Notes

Can You See Music?


By Brian McCreath
The World's Alex Gallafent looks into Alexander Scriabin's synaesthesia, and conductor Marin Alsop discusses Samuel Barber with NPR's Scott Simon.
The Bach Hour

Bach's Reformation Monument


MORE BACH HOUR
LISTEN
John Eliot Gardiner conducts a piece as magnificent and everlasting as the ancient church in which it was performed.
Live from Fraser

Harpist Jessica Zhou


LISTEN
MORE ABOUT JESSICA ZHOU
The Boston Symphony Orchestra Principal Harpist talks with 99.5 All Classical's Brian McCreath about her background and the challenges and joys of performing in a major orchestra, and she performs music by Renié, Liszt, and others.
99.5 Host Notes

Cathedrals In Music


WATCH NOVA'S BUILDING THE GREAT CATHEDRALS
By Brian McCreath
Hear musical responses to great cathedrals, and watch Building The Great Cathedrals.
99.5 Host Notes

One More Swing Through Prague


By Brian McCreath
When music takes you there.
The Bach Hour

Bálint Karosi on the Organ at First Lutheran


LISTEN
MORE ABOUT KAROSI
The winner of the 2008 International Bach Competition performs Bach's music on one of Boston's premiere pipe organs.
99.5 Host Notes

Oct. 24: Richards & Fowkes Organ at First Lutheran of Boston


By Brian McCreath
One of Boston's premiere organs has just been expanded.
99.5 Host Notes

Oct. 21: Classical, Beer, and a Chat


By Brian McCreath
Are there alternatives to how classical music concerts are presented?
99.5 Host Notes

Oct. 20: Executioner's Goulash Anyone?


By Brian McCreath
The perfect meal to enjoy while listening to Czech music.
The Bach Hour

Isabelle Faust's Bach


HEAR THE PROGRAM
ABOUT THE BACH HOUR
The German violinist performs J.S. Bach's Partita No. 3 for solo violin, and Sigiswald Kuijken conducts the Cantata No. 180, Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele (translation).
On-Demand on Classical New England


99.5 Host Notes

Oct. 15: Mahler's Mahler


By Brian McCreath
A rare recording of the composer playing his own music.


99.5 Host Notes

Oct. 13: Prague and Art Nouveau


By Brian McCreath
The Czech capitol was one of the centers of Art Nouveau.
99.5 Host Notes

Oct. 12: Joan Sutherland, 1926-2010


By Brian McCreath
Learn more about the great soprano, who passed away yesterday.
Live from Fraser

Imani Winds


LISTEN
HEAR MORE LIVE FROM FRASER
VIEW PHOTOS FROM OUR STUDIOS

The Grammy-nominated Imani Winds perform Ravel's Le Tombeau de Couperin, a new piece by Jason Moran, and music by ensemble member Valerie Coleman.
 

The hits and the highlights from WGBH

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