Sticky Notes: The Classical Music Podcast

Sticky Notes: The Classical Music Podcast

Author: Joshua Weilerstein Language: English Episodes: 284
There’s a particular kind of curiosity that draws people to classical music, but the sheer scale of the repertoire can feel overwhelming. Sticky Notes: The Classical Music Podcast, hosted by conductor Joshua Weilerstein, meets that curiosity right where it is. Think of it as a series of open conversations about the music itself, designed to be equally engaging for someone hearing a symphony for the first time and for a lifelong devotee. Episodes might feature a thoughtful interview with a performing artist, offering a glimpse behind the curtain, or they could focus entirely on a single piece, peeling back its layers to explore why it resonates. Weilerstein guides these explorations with clarity and enthusiasm, moving seamlessly from foundational concepts to more nuanced details about different musical eras. The entire premise of this podcast is built on a genuine belief that this music belongs to all of us. It’s about replacing any sense of intimidation with connection and understanding. While past seasons are gradually being re-released, each episode stands as its own invitation to listen more deeply.
Episodes
Bruckner Symphony No. 4 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:53
Bruckner's symphonies are a world unto their own. They are epic works that are also full of a trademark humility that is present in the work of no other composer. Bruckner's 4th Symphony, the "Romantic," has remained one…
Stravinsky Pulcinella [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:30
In 1919, the impresario Sergei Diaghilev came up with the idea of having Stravinsky write a ballet inspired by 18th century music by composers like Pergolesi. The result, Pulcinella, began a transformation of Stravinsky'…
The Music of William Grant Still [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:36
William Grant Still was a man of firsts. He was the first African American to to conduct a major symphony orchestra in the United States. In 1931, his first symphony became the first complete symphony ever performed by a…
Mozart Symphony No. 36, "Linz" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:24
In 1783, Mozart wrote a letter to his father. He wrote, in part: "On Tuesday, November 4th, I am doing a concert in the theatre here and, as I have not a single symphony with me, I am writing a new one at break-neck spee…
Caroline Shaw on Composing, Performing, and Letting Go [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:59
This week I had the huge honour to speak with the composer, vocalist, violinist, and producer Caroline Shaw about her music and her performing career. Caroline is one of the most exciting composers around these days, and…
Goldberg Variations Mini-Episode + Announcement [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:34
I'm sharing today's mini episode for two reasons - the first is that I wanted to show all of you who are not subscribed on Patreon what I put up there every week. Every Thursday, I do a sort of deep dive on a specific pa…
Bach, The Goldberg Variations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:57
In 1741, Bach published a piece called "Aria with diverse variations." Little did he know that the piece would become one of the most beloved and nearly mythical works in all of Western Classical Music. The piece I'm tal…
"Chasing Chopin," with Annik LaFarge [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:10
This week I had the pleasure of speaking with Annik Lafarge, author of "Chasing Chopin," a book being released Tomorrow, August 11th, wherever books are sold. This is really a wonderful book and you'll hear in this inter…
Brahms Requiem [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:28
In February of 1865, Johannes Brahms received a letter from his brother saying: "If you want to see our Mother again come at once." Brahms rushed off to Hamburg but was two days too late. He had long thought about compos…
Talking Conducting, Studying, and Loneliness w/ Dalia Stasevska [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:47
Dalia Stasevska is a wonderful conductor whose career has skyrocketed in the past few years. She is the Principal Guest Conductor of the BBC Symphony and is the incoming Chief Conductor of the Lahti Symphony in Finland.…