18 min

The gifted pianist and composer, Clara Wieck, also served as muse: first to Robert Schumann, whom she eventually married, and then to Johannes Brahms. Four descending notes, known as Schumann’s “Clara” theme, run through many of his beloved works for piano, including his Romance. Years later, Brahms used these four notes in intermezzi he wrote for Clara as apology for the devastating heartbreak he had caused her. In this fascinating episode, we hear Tippet Rise’s co-founder, Peter Halstead, explore and explain these four gorgeous notes that repeat, and repeat again, through time.

15 min

Our identities are shaped by the cultures that surround us. In this episode, we journey around the world to hear how the national identities of three composers influenced their music. Featuring music by Frédéric Chopin, Isang Yun, and Francisco Mignone.

15 min

Passed down through centuries, storytelling is a distinctively human tradition that doesn’t always rely on spoken language. In this episode, we explore narratives that tell stories using just musical sound. Featuring music by Maurice Ravel, Modest Mussorgsky, and George Enescu.

14 min

Love can completely transform us – for better or for worse. In this episode, we listen to musical songs (with and without words) that convey this transformative power of love. Featuring music by Gabriel Kahane, Richard Wagner, and Arnold Schoenberg.

12 min

Like a dessert at the end of a satisfying meal, the encore can be a delightful finish to the close of a spectacular concert. In this episode, we hear a selection of encores from Tippet Rise’s summer 2017 concert season.