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What Do You Think of When You Think of Classical Music?

January 26, 2024, 8:00 pm

Sounds Classical hosts LaRob K. Rafael and Kristina Lynn (Photo: Mike Grittani for WFMT)

Hosts Kristina Lynn and LaRob K. Rafael pose the question “what do you think of when you hear the phrase ‘classical music’?”

Recognizing that there are often many preconceived ideas and contexts surrounding the genre, they arrive at the conclusion that classical music has been and should be influenced by the ever-changing and ever-expanding world around them. Throughout the episode, they explore the sounds of Ludwig van Beethoven, Max Richter, Carlo Gesualdo, Jennifer Higdon, and Michael Abels, among others.

Kristina and LaRob also chat with the show’s theme music composer, Chicago violinist Caitlin Edwards.

Playlist

Max Richter: The Four Seasons Recomposed, Spring 1
Daniel Hope, violin; Berlin Konzerthaus Chamber Orchestra: André de Ridder, conductor

Gabriela Montero: Improvisation on Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of man’s Desiring”
Gabriela Montero, piano

Carlo Gesualdo: Madrigal, “Moro, lasso, al mio duolo”
La Compagnia del Madrigale

Ludwig van Beethoven: Scottish Song, “Auld Lang Syne”
New York Vocal Arts Ensemble

Jennifer Higdon: Concerto 4-3 I. “The Shallows”
Time for Three; Philadelphia Orchestra: Xian Zhang, conductor

Michael Abels: Delights and Dances
Harlem Quartet; Chicago Sinfonietta: Mei-Ann Chen, conductor

Caitlin and Caleb Edwards: Black Enigma
Caitlin Edwards, violin; Caleb Edwards, double bass

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Sounds Classical is made possible, in part by, Sylvia Furner and the members of the WFMT Fine Arts Circle.

Meet the Hosts

LaRob K. Rafael joined the WFMT announcing staff in 2020 as a fill-in host and became WFMT’s full-time weekend morning host and producer in Fall of 2021. A Bass-Baritone from the DMV area (Maryland), LaRob has been involved with music since childhood and is a graduate of DePaul University, where he studied Vocal Performance. He has since gone on to work with arts organizations including Lyric Opera of Chicago, La Caccina (a professional women’s ensemble), Black Opera Alliance, Black Administrators of Opera, and Sphinx Organization to name a few. He is the Founder and Artistic Director of Hearing in Color and combines his experience and research to change the predominantly white, European, male classical canon.

Kristina Lynn is a producer and host at WFMT, presenting both Sounds Classical with LaRob K. Rafael, and Evening Music on Friday nights. She has hosted live performances and artist interviews with the Rush Hour Concerts and has done voiceover work for the WFMT Radio Network. With an easygoing approach, Kristina aims to welcome all types of listeners to classical music and explore the art form from a 21st-century perspective. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree specializing in Trumpet Performance from DePaul University. Before announcing at WFMT, she has previously worked in radio production at both WFMT and at WQXR in New York.

Late Afternoon Music with Candice Agree

Late Afternoon Music with Candice Agree

What Do You Think of When You Think of Classical Music?

Playlist