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Coffee Cantata

Sep 14, 2026 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Music

Why Listen to Classical Music? Form and ensemble

Today, we'll be deep diving into what makes classical music worth listening to: in my opinion, this is the variation in form and ensemble which allows it to deliver very specific emotional impact. By focusing on Beethoven's music, we'll compare and contrast different forms and think about what their purposes may be.

7:07 AM		Igor Levit Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13, "Pathétique": I. Grave - Allegro di molto e con brio Ludwig van Beethoven Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas Sony Classical 2019
7:12 AM		Igor Levit Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13, "Pathétique": II. Adagio cantabile Ludwig van Beethoven Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas Sony Classical 2019
7:21 AM		Rudolf Serkin Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 "Pathétique": I. Grave - Allegro di molto e con brio Ludwig van Beethoven Beethoven: Sonatas for Piano Nos. 14, 8, & 23 (Expanded Edition) Sony Classical/Legacy 2002
7:33 AM		Rudolf Serkin Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 "Pathétique": II. Adagio cantabile Ludwig van Beethoven Beethoven: Sonatas for Piano Nos. 14, 8, & 23 (Expanded Edition) Sony Classical/Legacy 2002
7:42 AM		Igor Levit Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13, "Pathétique": III. Rondo. Allegro Ludwig van Beethoven Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas Sony Classical 2019
7:47 AM		Pinchas Zukerman, Daniel Barenboim Beethoven: Violin Sonata No. 5 in F Major, Op. 24 "Spring" Ludwig van Beethoven Beethoven: Violin Sonatas No. 5, Op. 24 "Spring", No.8, Op. 30 & No. 9, Op.47 "Kreutzer" Warner Classics 1992
8:15 AM		London Symphony Orchestra & Antal Doráti Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67 Ludwig van Beethoven Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 5 & 6/The Creatures of Prometheus Overture Decca Music Group Ltd. 1960
8:45 AM		Takács Quartet String Quartet No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 127 Ludwig van Beethoven Beethoven: The Late String Quartets Decca Music Group Ltd. 2020
9:24 AM		Marga Höffgen, Otto Klemperer, Waldemar Kmentt, New Philharmonia Chorus, Philharmonia Orchestra, Elisabeth Söderström & Martti Talvela Missa solemnis, Op. 123: Kyrie Ludwig van Beethoven Beethoven: Missa Solemnis EMI Classics 2012
9:29 AM		Martti Talvela, New Philharmonia Chorus, Otto Klemperer, Marga Höffgen, Philharmonia Orchestra, Elisabeth Söderström & Waldemar Kmentt Missa solemnis, Op. 123: Dona nobis pacem Ludwig van Beethoven Beethoven: Missa solemnis, Op. 123 Warner Classics 1966
9:35 AM		Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau & Jörg Demus An die ferne Geliebte, Op. 98 Ludwig van Beethoven Beethoven: An die ferne Geliebte, Lieder Deutsche Grammophon (DG) 2000
9:54 AM		Takács Quartet Grosse Fuge, Op. 133: I. Overture - Fugue 1 - II. Meno mosso e moderato - III. Interlude - Fugue 2 - IV. Meno mosso e moderato - V. Allegro molto e con brio - VI. Allegro Ludwig van Beethoven Beethoven: The String Quartets Deutsche Grammophon 1997

Chat is archived.

Good morning, J.S. Bacchus!

Good morning, Rob!

Good morning Rob MD and J.S.B. New to this show, appreciate how you explain terminology of the music.

Good morning iConJohn, and thanks for the comment!

Morning iConJohn!

how do you rate the Beethoven piano sonatas what’s your top

I’m still partial to appassionata

Great question I would honestly personally say pathetique on top followed by apassionata and then no. 30

good take

“I know of nothing better than the Appassionata and could listen to it every day. What astonishing, superhuman music! It always makes me proud, perhaps with a childish naiveté, to think that people can work such miracles! … But I can’t listen to music very often, it affects my nerves. I want to say sweet, silly things, and pat the little heads of people who, living in a filthy hell, can create such beauty. These days, one can’t pat anyone on the head nowadays, they might bite your hand off.”

Morning DJ J and bye everyone, it's that time. J.S. Bacchus, this has been a lovely, educational show. Until the next time

Bye Rob!

Have a great day

And Jagannath--I know exactly who said that quote

Good morning J.S. Bacchus 🫖

Good morning Christine!

Great show, I’m loving your discussion on form and various ensemble formats. Great way to start my morning

Thanks so much Gabriel, I'm happy to hear you're enjoying!

thanks thee Gods and Eurydice and Orpheus for cleaning restorando di aural atmospheres and driving away yonder orange tainted stupidos. Excelente musics. We salute you and thanks you for your service

Great show . Hope to be tuning in weekly.

I really appreciate it! Thanks so much for listening and I hope you have a great rest of your day!

Thanks for a really informative program, J.S. Bacchus! I found your breaking down form and ensemble in classical music really eye-opening. Looking forward to your next show! 💯

Magnificent show today J.S. Bacchus

Thanks so much!