Monday - Friday at 7:00 pm
An expedition through the world of classical music.
Exploring Music takes listeners on an adventure through the world of classical music. Each five-episode series explores a single theme, revealing surprising connections among composers, cultures, history, and great works – from Shakespeare and music to the lives of iconic composers, from musical capitals like Paris and Venice to festivals, genres, and traditions from around the globe. Whether you're a devoted classical music fan or just beginning to explore, Exploring Music offers a welcoming place to learn, listen, and be inspired – one week, one theme, and one musical adventure at a time.
Hosted by Peter van de Graaff, Exploring Music welcomes a new chapter while continuing to feature encore episodes from founding host Bill McGlaughlin in selected weeks.
Little Traveling Music, Please
November 2, 2026
Rivers, boatmen, wanderers, and travelers are always on the go. This week, Bill shares stories about journeys and the music they inspired, featuring works by George Handel, Bedřich Smetana, and Duke Ellington. We’ll also hear pieces like Beethoven’s Les Adieux, Schubert’s Die schöne Müllerin, and Haydn’s Farewell Symphony.
Peter’s Picks
October 26, 2026
It’s the beginning of a new adventure. Get to know host Peter van de Graaff this week as he shares a wide range of his own favorites and moments from his musical background. We’ll sample music of all stripes from across the continents and the ages, hearing everything from Bach to Bax, Purcell to Piston, and plenty of fascinating lesser-known ...
Gustav Mahler, Part 2 (1860-1911)
October 19, 2026
For a second week, we continue with the life and works of Gustav Mahler. This week features Kindertotenlieder sung by Kathleen Ferrier; Symphony of a Thousand; and tenor Fritz Wunderlich singing “The Drinking Song of the Earth’s Sorrow” from Das Lied von der Erde. This is to name just a few highlights- you don’t want to miss this week!
Music in the Time of War
November 9, 2026
This week, we hear music inspired by war—whether in support, protest, or reflection. Bill starts with Joseph Haydn’s Mass in Time of War, a surprisingly cheerful piece that Haydn hoped would persuade God to halt Napoleon’s advance into Austria. Beethoven, who was fascinated by military strategy, used music to paint a battle scene, with the British and French each represented ...
Keyboard Smörgåsbord
November 16, 2026
It’s a lot more than just pianos! We’ll follow the story of the musical keyboard, from the ancient Greeks all the way to synthesizers, examining many different types—clavichords, harpsichords, fortepianos, organs, harmoniums, accordions, dulcimers, cimbaloms, melodicas, and mallet instruments from Java to jazz. This is a large and interesting family!