Modern Classical

Modern Classical presents a few of the classical masterpieces that have been composed in the last century.  The music traces its origins back to well before the renaissance, but classical music is an everlasting art form — that has new and innovative compositions appearing all the time. 

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:11

This is Acoustic Avenue. I'm Ted Crouch, your host in Salmon Arm, British Columbia, with co-producer Joe Little in Calgary, Alberta. On Acoustic Avenue, we recognize with respect and gratitude that these lands where we live, work, and make our music remain home to a number of indigenous nations and people. We acknowledge this land out of respect for the indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. When Joe was in high school, not only was he involved in the school orchestra, but the school choir, a madrigal choir, and a barbershop quartet as well. On the weekends, he was in his church choir. He and his fellow students were involved in these various groups, they were given a nickname by a lot of the students not involved in the music programs. That nickname was The Socks. The only reasons that he was given was that they thought that the music he played socked because it was too old, or centuries too old, that it was ever stuffed shirts. And worst of all, some of it appealed to their parents. Joe always felt those students were missing out on something really wonderful, or they were dismissing it because it wasn't current and they probably weren't listening to it in the first place. Admittedly, classical music traces its origins back to well before the Renaissance, but classical music is an everlasting art form that has new and innovative compositions appearing all the time. It's not all old, and it certainly isn't just for snobs. Case in point, the Star Wars theme by John Williams. Today, we present to you a few of the classical masterpieces that have been composed in the last century. To start, Joel thinks it would be best to introduce you to this genre the same way that he was introduced to it. So here is, from 1936, Sergei Prokoviev's Peter and the Wolf, featuring the narrative talents of Sterling Holloway.

SPEAKER_01 2:32

This is a story of um Peter and the Wolf. Now, as you know, in the musical score of Peter and the Wolf, each character is represented by an instrument in the orchestra. Peter by the string quartet, and his trusty pop gun by a pop. The bird, whose name is Sasha, by a flute way up high. And Sonya, the duck, by an oboe like this. And here is Ivan, the cat. He's represented by a clarinet in a very low in a very low register. Grandpapa is an old bassoon. And when the hunters shoot their guns, that's the kettle drums. And there is also a little does that old wolf know what's in store for him this day. For our hero. Well, he thinks that little boys like Peter should not go out to hunt the wolf. Well, for a great hunter like Peter, who's almost six years old, to be carried back into the cabin, well, it's very embarrassing. But he dreams of hunting anyway. Soon Peter's grandpapa fell fast asleep, and Peter escaped out of the cabin, across the snow, and into the dark forest, his gun naturally at the ready. Excitable little chap, isn't he? He's forgetful. Hello, Petey. What goes? Where are you going, huh? Can I go, Petey? Can I, huh? Oh boy, a gun. Loaded, too. You going hunting? Oh, hunting, that's for me. Everything's okay, Petey. Come on, let's go.

SPEAKER_02 7:48

The wolf?

SPEAKER_01 7:53

Oh no. No, it isn't the wolf at all. It's only Sonia the duck. Hello, Sonia. Hello, Petey. Sonia imagines herself a great wolf hunter, and she wants to join the party too. You know, imagination is a wonderful thing, but sometimes it can run away with you. You see, Sonia's imagination was so good that she was frightened by the wolf that wasn't there. Oh, that's imagination. Oh, you coward. Now, who's this? Oh, it can't be. Oh no. It's Ivan the Cat. Hello, Ivan. Now, Ivan's a peaceful, fun-loving sort, maybe a little shy on brain. You know the type. Oh, Ivan. Hey, look at that, Sasha. No, no, no, really. Stop it, stop it, stop it, stop it. Oh, how can they ever get any place if they're going to fight among themselves? Ivan, you ought to be ashamed. You big bully. You cat in the grass. Now, now come on, Sasha. Ivan, sorry. He won't do it again. Ivan. There. And so once more our little band of intrepid hunters sets forth to find the wolf, and they find him. Sonya, Sonia, behind you. Look out W O L F Oh, that wolf is everywhere. And that wolf is much fiercer than we thought. Run, Sonia. Hide. Peter, do something. No, no, Peter, not that. Peter, don't just stand that way. Well, don't stand that way either. Oh, Sonia. Sonia, what are you doing here? This is no time to be heroic. Run, Sonia. Run. Oh, here lies danger and the wolf. Run, Sonia. Oh, there for the hollow tree. Oh dear? I guess she didn't done to me. Just a little green feather floating to the snow. By the hollow tree. Goodbye, Sonya. Will this crime go uneven? No, no, not if Peter and Sasha can help it. Peter is making a lasso of his rope, and Sasha is looping it up over that tree. Careful now, Peter. Careful, Sasha. Take aim now. Oh, they've got the wolf. I think. Yes, they have. They have. They've got him. They've roped him by the tail. Oh, pull now. Pull. Pull harder. You can pull harder than that. Pull. Pull him right up off of his feet. Oh, that's it. Sasha. Sasha. Sasha, don't get too close to those awful jaws. In fact, you just got a fly, Sasha. Fly. Sasha. Good for you, Sasha. Fly. But keep flying, Sasha. Keep flying. And Sasha, keep ahead of the wolf. Don't fly under that tree, Sasha. Sasha! Overconfidence. I tried to tell him. Oh, this is bad. This is very bad. Oh, now well, where are we? Oh, oh yes. Peter's got the wolf by the tail. And the wolf is trying to get Sasha. Oh, I can't look. I think I will look. Peter! Sasha! The rope! The rope is breaking! Run! Run for your lives! Fly, Sasha! Fly for help! Fly! Faster, Sasha! Faster, Sasha! Hurry, Sasha! You've got help. Oh, he'll never make it in time. Never. Oh, just when things are looking blackest. Hawk. What's this we hear? What's this we see? Just a minute, I'll look. Why, it's the hunters! Oh yes! Monsieur, Yasha and Vladimir. That's Vladimir in the middle. Oh, and here comes little Sasha. Flying as though Peter's very life depended on it, which it does. Tell him, Sasha, tell the hunters. W-O-L-L tell him. Wolf! Wolf! Wolf! To the rescue! Peter, where are you? Oh, Peter, there you are! And you're safe! And you've captured the wolf! Oh, happy day! I think I'll say that again. Oh, happy day! Oh, Peter, what a hero you are! Yeah, you two are the new hero. Oh, what a tremendous! As we parade through the temple, can't you just hear all the villagers cheer? Listen! Hooray! Hooray! And hooray! Everybody's happy! Everybody that is, except the wolf! Ho ho! That old wolf! But little Sasha isn't happy. He's flown back to the hollow tree. See, he's thinking of his lost playmate, Sonia. Poor Sonia. Sonia. Sonia? Sonia! Oh, you're not dead. You hid in the hollow tree. You're safe! Oh Sonia, this is the most wonderful, wonderful thing. Now Peter can go hunting whenever he likes, and we'll all live happily and ever happily.

unknown 17:24

The end.

SPEAKER_00 17:26

This is Acoustic Avenue. Modern classical music emerged in the late 19th century and flourished in the 20th and 21st centuries. It embodies a departure from the conventions of the past while embracing innovation, experimentation, and a wide range of styles. One defining feature of modern classical music is its departure from tonality and a harmonic framework that characterized much of classical music from previous eras. Another hallmark is its use of unconventional instruments, electronic soundscapes, and mixed media collaborations, incorporating technology and non-traditional instruments, creating compositions that blur the line between classical and experimental genres. In this set, we'll start a concerto that has three movements and will require two sets to play in its entirety. This set features the first movement of Keith Emerson's piano concerto number one, Allegro Giocoso, meaning fast and playful or fun. This is a composition for piano and orchestra released on the nineteen seventy-seven album Works, Volume One, by the progressive rock band Emerson Lake and Palmer, with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. This is acoustic avenue. Modern classical music often explores abstract and avant-garde concepts, inviting listeners to engage with complex rhythms, intricate textures, and unconventional forms. Minimalism, a significant movement in the late twentieth century, simplifies musical elements and repeating patterns and re immersive and meditative experiences. Furthermore, contemporary classical composers draw inspiration from wide range of resources, including global music and traditions. Modern classical music in the 21st century has made several significant contributions to the world of music and culture. Composers have collaborated with visual artists, choreographers, and filmmakers, and even designed to create immersive multimedia experiences that have led to groundbreaking performances and installations and transcending the boundaries of traditional music and offering audiences a multi-sensory journey. Modern classical composers have embraced a global perspective, incorporating influences from diverse musical traditions and cultures, and fusing world music elements with classical composition has given rise to a rigid tapestry of sounds and styles, and seamlessly integrating elements of folk music, ethnic instruments, and non-Western scales into their compositions, creating a global and culturally inclusive musical landscape with technology where composers and performers have leveraged on digital platforms and streaming services and social media to share their work with a global audience, redefining the classical music landscape and reaching new listeners while breaking down traditional barriers into entry. These contributions demonstrate the dynamic and evolving nature of modern classical. Music in the twenty-first century as it continues to push boundaries, embrace diversity, and leverage technology to create transformative musical experiences. To take us home, we leave you with Rhapsody in Blue, a musical composition written by George Gershwin for solo piano and jazz band, which combines elements of classical music with jazz influence effects. The work premiered in nineteen twenty-four, almost one hundred years ago, during a concert titled An Experiment in Modern Music. Peace. Cook's jam.