The Philadelphia Orchestra in Concert

Join us to hear conclusion of The Philadelphia Orchestra's chronological survey of Brahms’ magisterial four symphonies from last spring with a performance of his Symphony No. 4, on WRTI’s Philadelphia Orchestra in Concert broadcast from 1 to 3 pm on Sunday, September 24th.

Johannes Brahms' last work was composed for an instrument he’d not written for in decades, in a style that harkened back to J.S. Bach. WRTI’s Susan Lewis has more on Brahms' chorale preludes for organ.

It was in 1832 that the great virtuoso violinist Niccolò Paganini—also an extraordinary violist—became the proud new owner of a Stradivarius viola. Wanting to show it off, but frustrated by the lack of concertos featuring the instrument, he commissioned Hector Berlioz to write a work that would help him put his purchase on display.

Early solo viola repertoire was often played by violinists who also played the viola. But as WRTI’s Susan Lewis reports, that music today puts violists in the spotlight, including Philadelphia Orchestra Principal Violist Choong-Jin (C.J.) Chang.

Week Two of the Philadelphia Orchestra’s Paris Festival on WRTI 90.1 offers a different aspect to a program featuring music-making in the City of Light: non-French composers who moved to Paris, and decided to stay.

A Philadelphia Orchestra musician has gained a national audience for a hobby that’s not based on sound. WRTI’s Meridee Duddleston has more.

The trumpet was the instrument of kings, in court and on the battlefield. Today the orchestral trumpet is an instrument for virtuosos, and used for a variety of purposes. WRTI’s Susan Lewis has more.

C'est magnifique! The Philadelphia Orchestra’s three-week Paris Festival from earlier this year is on WRTI starting Sunday, September 3rd at 1 pm!  Six French composers, in works conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, are featured in Week One: Chabrier, Fauré, Saint-Saëns, Canteloube, Ravel and Florent Schmitt.

The largest, lowest non-brass woodwind instrument in the orchestra evokes darkness, romance, humor, and joy. WRTI’s Susan Lewis has more about the contrabassoon.