Episodios

  • Podcast #08: KARL WEIGL - Viennese Glory and American Obscurity
    Apr 17 2026

    Discover Karl Weigl, the forgotten Viennese composer who carried Romanticism into the 20th century. Join Jens and Joe on Classical Discoveries as they explore Weigl’s life, legacy, and remarkable output, including symphonies and string quartets. Learn about his early career under Mahler, his “Mahler without the neurosis” style, his struggles as an émigré in the United States, and the rediscovery of his music. Featuring insights from his grandson and excerpts from works such as the Left-Hand Piano Concerto and Third Symphony, this episode asks why Weigl deserves a place in the modern repertoire.

    Subscribe for more hidden classical gems.

    #KarlWeigl #ClassicalMusic #Podcast #VienneseMusic #Composer

    Chapters
    00:20 Introduction
    00:56 Surprised by Beauty
    02:38 His Grandson’s Memories
    05:33 Viennese Glory
    08:22 The Left-Hand Piano Concerto
    10:09 Schoenberg Cycle Vienna
    11:50 The Symphonies
    13:27 American Obscurity
    16:12 Some Chamber Music
    17:32 Conclusion

    Featured Recordings
    C5232 – Weigl: Piano and Violin Concertos
    C5365 – Weigl: Symphony No. 1
    C5385 – Weigl: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 6
    C5318 – Weigl: Chamber Music

    Featured Artists
    Florian Krumpöck
    David Frühwirth
    Jürgen Bruns
    Deutsche Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz

    Recommended Persons
    Arnold Schoenberg
    Alexander Zemlinsky
    Franz Schmidt
    Erich Korngold
    Erich Zeisel
    Hanns Eisler
    Hans Gál
    Gustav Mahler
    Wilhelm Furtwängler
    Leopold Stokowski

    With Jens F. Laurson (Journalist) and Johannes Kernmayer (Producer)

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    18 m
  • Podcast #07: CHRISTMAS CLASSICS beyond Bach
    Apr 10 2026

    Classical Discoveries: A Festive Journey Beyond Bach

    Join Jens and Joe for a delightful exploration of Christmas music that goes far beyond Bach! Discover hidden gems like Pfitzner’s Christelflein, Rheinberger’s Star of Bethlehem, and Cartellieri’s Christmas Oratorio. Journey from Renaissance masterpieces to Romantic treasures, with music by Mendelssohn, Saint-Saëns, and even Sibelius.

    Enjoy surprises such as Schoenberg’s Christmas Music and Pablo Casals’ El pesebre, plus the enchanting sounds of Russian Orthodox Christmas traditions. Jens and Joe share personal stories from their own performances and recordings, adding warmth and insight to the festive atmosphere.

    Whether you’re a lifelong classical enthusiast or looking for fresh additions to your holiday playlist, this episode unwraps new Christmas classics and cherished favorites—with a charming attempt at Silent Night!

    Chapters
    00:21 Introduction
    02:05 No Favorite Song
    03:02 Heinrich Schütz – Christmas History
    04:34 A Season for Boys’ Choirs
    06:46 Rheinberger – The Star of Bethlehem
    11:09 Cartellieri – Christmas Oratorio
    13:09 Mendelssohn – Vom Himmel hoch
    15:09 Jens’ Christmas Favorites
    16:52 100 Christmas Classics
    18:40 Assisi Christmas Cantatas
    21:07 Jean Sibelius – Op. 1
    22:36 Christmas Emotions
    24:30 Orthodox Christmas
    27:44 A Silent Night Finale

    Featured Albums
    💿 Capriccio C10508 – Schütz / Schelle: Christmas Histories
    💿 Capriccio C10594 – Christmas with the Vienna Boys’ Choir
    💿 Orfeo C230082 – Pfitzner: Das Christ-Elflein
    💿 Capriccio C10551 – Rheinberger: The Star of Bethlehem
    💿 Capriccio C10337 – Rheinberger: Organ Suite
    💿 Capriccio C71015 – Cartellieri: Christmas Oratorio
    💿 Capriccio C10216 – Saint-Saëns / Mendelssohn
    💿 Capriccio C7331 – 100 Christmas Classics
    💿 Capriccio C3032 – Assisi Christmas Cantatas
    💿 Capriccio C3031 – Scandinavian Christmas
    💿 Capriccio C3033 – Orthodox Christmas
    💿 Capriccio C3030 – Christmas in the Austrian Alps

    With: Jens F. Laurson (Journalist) and Johannes Kernmayer (Producer)
    #christmas #classicalchristmas #choral #sacredmusic #traditionalmusic #scandinavianmusic #orthodoxmusic

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    Learn more at capriccio.at

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    30 m
  • Podcast #10: CHRISTIAN SINDING - The German Norwegian Composer
    Apr 3 2026

    Discover the life and works of Christian Sinding, the Norwegian composer who spent most of his career in Germany. Explore his symphonies, his place in late Romantic music, and why he is so often overshadowed by his contemporary Edvard Grieg.

    Chapters
    0:20 Introduction
    1:24 Norwegian One-Hit Wonder
    3:00 The Symphonies – Recording Impressions
    7:19 Essentially German Music?
    8:11 Biographical Facts
    9:00 Symphony No. 1 – To Conquer the World
    10:21 Grieg vs. Sinding
    11:29 Symphony No. 4 – Frost and Spring
    14:43 Biographical Facts
    15:24 Sinding To-Do List
    16:47 Conclusion

    Featured Recordings

    1. Capriccio C5540 – Christian Sinding: The Symphonies 1–4
      Listen now: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5540ID

    2. Naxos 8.557266 – Sibelius / Sinding Violin Concertos
      Listen now: https://Naxos.lnk.to/8557266ID

    Featured Artists
    Karl-Heinz Steffens: https://www.instagram.com/karlheinzsteffens/
    Norrköping Symphony Orchestra: https://www.norrkopingssymfoniorkester.se/english

    Recommended Persons
    Edvard Grieg
    Jean Sibelius
    Richard Wagner
    Felix Weingartner
    Arthur Nikisch

    With Jens F. Laurson (Journalist) and Johannes Kernmayer (Producer)

    #Capriccio #Capricciorecords #Podcast #ChristianSinding #ClassicalMusic #NorwegianComposer #Symphonies #LateRomantic #EdvardGrieg #Leipzig #NordicMusic #ForgottenComposers #MusicHistory #ClassicalDiscoveries

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    18 m
  • Podcast #06: MIKLÓS RÓZSA – beyond Ben Hur #classicaldiscoveries #podcast
    Apr 3 2026

    In this episode, we explore the fascinating life and work of composer Miklós Rózsa, focusing on his “double life” balancing film scoring and concert hall composition. Initially resistant to working in film, Rózsa went on to achieve great success in Hollywood, winning three Academy Awards for his scores to Ben-Hur, Spellbound, and A Double Life.

    The hosts discuss Rózsa’s autobiography and his complex relationship with the world of film, contrasting his views with those of composers like Shostakovich, who seemed less troubled by such artistic boundaries. They delve into how Rózsa used his film work to fund his concert compositions, negotiating unique contracts that allowed him summers in Italy to focus on “serious” music.

    You’ll hear excerpts from several of Rózsa’s concert works—including the energetic Overture to a Symphony Concert, the lyrical Hungarian Serenade, and the expressive Sinfonia concertante—and learn about his collaborations with legendary figures like Leonard Bernstein, Bruno Walter, Jascha Heifetz, and János Starker. Throughout, the hosts challenge long-standing biases against film composers and celebrate Rózsa’s contributions to both classical and cinematic music.

    Chapters
    0:21 Introduction
    1:24 A Double Life
    4:55 A Serious Classical Composer
    7:55 Overture Op. 26a – The Recording Session
    9:53 A Different Style?
    10:55 The Film Career
    12:01 Hungarian Serenade Op. 25
    14:42 Sinfonia concertante Op. 29 (Preview)
    17:08 Conclusion

    💿 Featured Recording 💿

    1. RÓZSA, M.: Overture to a Symphony Concert / Hungarian Serenade / Tripartita
      Label: Capriccio C5514
      🎧 Listen now: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5514!Podcast

    Hosts: Jens F. Laurson (Journalist) & Johannes Kernmayer (Producer)

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    #capriccio #podcast #MiklósRózsa #FilmComposer #ClassicalMusic #MovieScores #BenHur #Spellbound #ADoubleLife #Composer #HollywoodComposer #HungarianComposer #FilmMusic #Soundtrack #ClassicalMusicPodcast #MusicHistory #20thCenturyMusic #PodcastRecommendation #MusicLover #NewMusic

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    18 m
  • Podcast #05: THE PROGRAM DIRECTORS - How to keep Audiences away from Concert Halls
    Mar 27 2026

    In this episode of Classical Discoveries, we welcome Dr. Christoph Becher — former dramaturg and general director — to unpack the art and challenges of curating a concert season. Dr. Becher outlines the three-pronged approach involving the orchestra chief, guest conductor, and presenter, each bringing distinct goals and perspectives.

    The discussion explores how radio symphony orchestras balance their mission to promote contemporary music with the need to attract audiences. Dr. Becher shares engaging anecdotes from his career — from championing Henze’s Raft of the Medusa to navigating hesitant presenters — while reflecting on audience resistance to modern and even some romantic composers like Dohnányi.

    The hosts also discuss Dr. Becher’s upcoming book on Schoenberg, designed to make the composer’s music more accessible, alongside his innovative programming work at leading institutions. Highlights include his Hamburg concert series featuring surprise modern pieces and collaborations on major performances such as Dvořák’s The Spectre’s Bride.

    Chapters
    0:21 Introduction
    1:06 Introducing our Guest – Christoph Becher
    1:50 How to Prepare a Seasonal Concert Program
    5:12 A Mission for Non-Standard Repertoire
    13:19 Ideas Out of the Bathtub
    14:43 The Schoenberg Problem
    19:32 The Schoenberg Book
    22:32 The Role of a Program Director
    27:40 Recordings with the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra
    29:29 Conclusion

    💿 Featured Recordings 💿

    1. Hans Werner Henze: Floß der Medusa — Capriccio C5482
      🎧 Listen: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5482!Podcast

    2. Ernst von Dohnányi: The Veil of Pierrette — Capriccio C5388
      🎧 Listen: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5388!Podcast

    3. Antonín Dvořák: The Spectre’s Bride — Capriccio C5315
      🎧 Listen: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5315!Podcast

    4. Kurt Weill: Propheten — Capriccio C5500
      🎧 Listen: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5500!Podcast

    5. Dohnányi / Weiner — Capriccio C5380
      🎧 Listen: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5380!Podcast

    6. Zemlinsky: Sinfonietta — Capriccio C5377
      🎧 Listen: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5377!Podcast

    Hosts: Jens F. Laurson (Journalist), Johannes Kernmayer (Producer), and Dr. Christoph Becher (Program Director)

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    #classicalmusic #contemporarymusic #contemporaryclassical #musicmanagement #sponsorship #classicaldiscoveries #arnoldschoenberg


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    30 m
  • Podcast #04: BEETHOVEN vs. MAHLER - The Re-Orchestrations #podcast #capricciorecords
    Mar 20 2026

    The influence of Gustav Mahler on the performance practice of Beethoven's symphonies is explored in this episode. Mahler's "retouchings," made to adapt Beethoven’s works for the larger orchestras and concert halls of his time, are examined in detail. The discussion also considers how these revisions shape modern interpretations of Beethoven’s symphonic repertoire.

    0:00 Introduction0:58 Mahler and Wagner3:44 The Recording Sessions7:07 The Orchestrations8:38 Missing Authentic Beethoven11:19 Egomaniac Mahler?13:00 The Retouched Works17:04 The Big Conclusion

    1. Capriccio C5484Beethoven – The Mahler Re-orchestrationsListen now: ⁠https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5484!Podcast⁠

    2. Naxos 8.574429Schumann, R.: Symphonies Nos. 1 and 2 (Re-orchestrated by G. Mahler)Listen now: ⁠https://Naxos.lnk.to/8574429!Podcast⁠

    3. Naxos 8.574430Schumann, R.: Symphonies Nos. 3 and 4 (Re-orchestrated by G. Mahler)Listen now: ⁠https://Naxos.lnk.to/8574430!Podcast⁠

    With: Jens F. Laurson (Journalist) and Johannes Kernmayer (Producer)

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    #capriccio #capricciorecords #podcast #musicpodcast #musichistory #Beethoven #Mahler #ClassicalMusic #Symphony #Retuschen #Orchestration #Classicaldiscoveries #beethovensymphony #symphony #classical #music

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    18 m
  • Podcast #03: CLASSICS behind THE WALL #podcast #classicalmusic
    Mar 13 2026
    In this episode of Classical Discoveries, we explore the musical landscape of East Germany (GDR) before the fall of the Berlin Wall and examine the high cultural prestige that classical music held there, with insights from musicians such as Olaf Bär and Christine Schornsheim. The discussion highlights how music was used for propaganda, how musicians lived secure yet politically constrained lives, and the roles of key figures like Kurt Sanderling and Hanns Eisler. The episode also looks at important recordings and the practical and political challenges of producing music in the GDR.Chapters0:21 Introduction1:00 Personal GDR Adventures3:02 As the Wall Came Down4:06 Education: Artists’ Interviews – Part 17:24 Career and Reputation9:24 Capriccio and the GDR Recordings13:45 State Propaganda: Artists’ Interviews – Part 216:02 Propaganda or Diplomacy?18:34 Kurt Sanderling22:28 Jens’ Favourite GDR Recordings26:41 Travelling: Artists’ Interviews – Part 329:02 The Privilege of Travelling31:30 Composers of the GDR32:30 Contemporary Classics in the GDR35:25 Wagner-Régeny38:23 Hanns Eisler40:28 Paul Dessau42:26 Siegfried Matthus43:50 Find an EndFeatured ArtistsKurt SanderlingJochen KowalskiBurkhard GlaetznerConrad MuckOlaf BärPetersen QuartetHerbert KegelChristine SchornsheimFeatured RecordingsHanns Eisler – The Ballad of the Cripples’ Brigade (Excerpt) – C5434🎧 Discover now: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5434!PodcastHanns Eisler – Deutsche Sinfonie, Op. 50: Arbeiterkantate (Excerpt) – C5428🎧 Discover now: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5428!PodcastJochen Kowalski – Opera Arias (G. F. Handel: Rinaldo) (Excerpt) – C10213🎧 Discover now: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C10213!PodcastDer Mauerfall – Phoenix440🎧 Discover now: https://Naxos.lnk.to/Phoenix440!PodcastJohannes Brahms – Symphony No. 4: IV. Più Allegro (Excerpt) – C10600🎧 Discover now: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C10600!PodcastWagner-Régeny – Genesis (Excerpt) – C5413🎧 Discover now: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5413!PodcastPaul Dessau – In memoriam Bertolt Brecht, III. Epitaph (Excerpt) – C5019🎧 Discover now: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5019!PodcastSiegfried Matthus – Der Tod und das Mädchen / The Maiden and Death, I. Giocoso con grazia (Excerpt) – C10744🎧 Discover now: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C10744!PodcastWith: Jens F. Laurson (Journalist) and Johannes Kernmayer (Producer)===============► Subscribe to the Capriccio YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/CapriccioRecords► Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/capricciorecords/► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capricciorec/► Twitter: https://twitter.com/CapriccioRec► Learn more about Capriccio: http://capriccio.at/#ClassicalDiscoveries #MusicBehindTheWall #EastGermany #GDRMusic #BerlinWall #ClassicalMusic #MusicHistory #ColdWar #Beethoven #HannsEisler #KurtSanderling #HerbertKegel #Podcast #CulturalHeritage
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    44 m
  • Podcast #02: ALFRED SCHNITTKE - The Film Music Edition
    Dec 23 2025

    Alfred Schnittke’s (1934 – 1998) film music encapsulates almost everything that characterizes the Russian composer’s compositional style. A self-described polystylist, he began writing for film in the 1960s, penning 66 film scores between 1962 and 1984 for Soviet film companies. His method of drawing on the past was rejected by the avant-garde but embraced by filmgoers and concertgoers too. An Overview to already 6 CD Volumes of this fascinating composer.

    with: Jens F. Laurson (Journalist) · Johannes Kernmayer (Capriccio)

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    #capriccio #Capricciorecords #podcast #podcasts #AlfredSchnittke #FilmMusic #Composer #Polystylism #SovietCinema #MusicHistory #Documentary #Interview #Capriccio #AvantGarde #FilmSoundtracks #SchnittkeScores #SovietFilmMusic #PolystylismAnalysis #SchnittkeProcess #SchnittkeInfluence

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    18 m