Emanuel Ax Interview

Emanuel Ax Interview

Author: Joshua Weilerstein June 20, 2017 Duration: 55:01

Join conductor and host Joshua Weilerstein for a conversation with the world-renowned pianist Emanuel Ax!  We cover crossword puzzles, growing up in the Soviet Union, moving to Canada, and then to New York, selling baloney sandwiches, his first big break, the value and the drawbacks of competitions, his reputation as the nicest guy in classical music, the evolution of conductors, his timpani debut(!), and a lightning round!  I hope you enjoy it!  


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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 284

Sticky Notes: The Classical Music Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Shostakovich Symphony No. 11, "The Year 1905" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:38
In 1956, Dmitri Shostakovich wrote: "I am now writing my 11th symphony, dedicated to the First Russian Revolution...I would like in this work to reflect the soul of the people who first paved the way to socialism." Sovie…
Sticky Notes Vs. Wagner w/ Rafael Payare [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:12
Wagner is probably the most admired AND the most reviled composer in Western Classical Music history. I've always been uncomfortable with Wagner's music, so I decided to sit down with the wonderful conductor(and my broth…
Elgar: Enigma Variations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:12
Elgar told us all about how the inspiration for his first great success: "I began to play, and suddenly my wife interrupted by saying: "Edward, that's a good tune!... 'What is that?' I answered, 'Nothing – but something…
Fantasia 2021: 7 Pieces to Get You Started with Classical Music [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:44
Almost everyone classical music fan has a memory of the first time they saw Fantasia. The brilliant combination of music and visuals made lifelong classical music fans out of millions of people. There's no audio only ver…
Debussy La Mer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:34
It's 1905 and you've just come to the premiere of Debussy's La Mer. The orchestra begins playing, and a magical and completely unique journey begins. Gone are the peaceful and placid portrayals of water in music of the p…
Mozart Symphony No. 41, "Jupiter" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:59
Mozart's Jupiter Symphony is a piece that can practically define the classical era symphony. Mozart pulls out every trick in the compositional book and practically sums up everything written before him. It is a symphony…
Schumann Symphony No. 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:04
Schumann's life was marked with severe mental health issues. In 1844, Schumann suffered one of his worst breakdowns yet. He was dizzy, weak, had vision problems, couldn't sleep, and couldn't listen to music. By 1845 Schu…
Brahms Symphony No. 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:13
Brahms spent much of his life battling with his ambition to write great symphonies and his terror at the spectre of Beethoven looming over him. His first symphony was a success, and with immense relief, Brahms quickly tu…
How to Listen to (and Enjoy!) Atonal Music, Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:11
This week we're talking all about atonal music! I'm going to tell you all about the history of this controversial development in classical music, its development, and perhaps most importantly, I'll try to find a way to h…