Karla Walker and Scott O'Neil

Sergei Rachmaninoff, Chapter 8: A Stunning Finale

When the urge to compose finally struck again, Rachmaninoff took a little theme by Nicolo Paganini and turned it into a tour de force for the piano and orchestra, called Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. In this final episode of the Great Composers series on Rachmaninoff, we also explore Rachmaninoff’s final masterpiece — the Symphonic Dances. Rachmaninoff reaches back to the debilitating early failure of Symphony No. 1 and brings those early musical ideas to a glorious new realization.

Sergei Rachmaninoff, Chapter 7: The Making Of A Sacred Masterwork

After four long years living outside of Russia due to political instability, Rachmaninoff was finally able to bring his family home. He returned with a determination to write a Russian sacred piece that would be a lasting contribution to the orthodox repertoire. The composer ultimately found success with his “All-Night Vigil,” considered the crowning achievement in Russian sacred music. But the world around Rachmaninoff became chaotic again.

Sergei Rachmaninoff, Chapter 6: Triumph And Revolution

Clickety clack. That’s all Sergei Rachmaninoff heard as he practiced his new Piano Concerto No. 3 in advance of his big American tour, during which he would debut the piece. That’s because he finished the piece just before departing for the U.S. and didn’t leave himself time to practice. He had to make do with practicing on a silent keyboard on the ship. When you hear how fiendishly difficult the piece is, it makes this story even more amazing.

Sergei Rachmaninoff, Chapter 4: It Takes A Village

Sergei Rachmaninoff finds himself in a funk. It’s been three years since the disastrous premiere of his Symphony No. 1 and the composer has barely written a note since then. His confidence is crushed. Self-doubt has crippled him. And it looks like his muse has left him. Enter the family intervention. In what becomes a persistent theme in Rachmaninoff’s life, his family insists that it’s time to get off the couch and back to composing. They send him to a doctor who has been experimenting with a new type of remedy: hypnotherapy. After months of positive talk therapy, and his family rooting for him, Sergei Rachmaninoff pulls off the greatest comeback story in classical music with his beloved Piano Concerto No. 2.

Sergei Rachmaninoff, Chapter 3: A Bullseye On His Back

Crouched low. Hiding in a fire escape backstage with his fingers plugging his ears. This is how Sergei Rachmaninoff experienced the premiere of his Symphony No. 1. What should have been a triumphant night for Rachmaninoff turned into a nightmare which only worsened once the review appeared in the newspaper. “Diseased and perverted harmonizations.” “Morbid atmosphere.” Fit for the “inhabitants of Hell.” These were the words used by St. Petersburg’s leading music critic, César Cui, in his review of Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 1. That very public flogging sent Rachmaninoff into a downward spiral.

Sergei Rachmaninoff, Chapter 2: Tchaikovsky And Rachmaninoff

We all need a little help from friends, and one of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s most supportive friends was none other than the great Russian composer Peter Tchaikovsky. Tchaikovsky cheered for Rachmaninoff from his box seat at concerts and paired their works together in concert. But just as Rachmaninoff started to find his footing as a composer, Tchaikovsky died unexpectedly. Tchaikovsky had come to play the role of mentor and father figure to Rachmaninoff when he was a student. The elder composer’s sudden death was an immeasurable blow to the talented but insecure Rachmaninoff.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Chapter 5: The People’s Composer

Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” marries high art with catchy tunes, and makes us wonder what the composer would have written if he had lived longer. It’s the final of five episodes on Mozart, kicking off our new podcast The Great Composers. The series, hosted by Karla Walker and Scott O’Neil, offers an intimate look at some of history’s greatest musical minds. Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Chapter 4: The Musical Innovator

Mozart’s popularity as a piano soloist begins to wane, so he adapts. In this fourth installment of The Great Composers, Mozart happily turns his focus to his first, true love: opera. Mozart writes “The Marriage of Figaro” and “Don Giovanni.” He also writes his three great, final symphonies in one summer. Listen and subscribe for more episodes hosted by Karla Walker and Scott O’Neil.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Chapter 3: Breaking Free

After years of frustration, Mozart enjoys great success on the operatic stage and a meteoric rise in the Viennese artistic scene. He essentially reinvents the keyboard concerto in the process. He also breaks free from his Salzburg employer and his family — and he marries Constanze Weber. It’s the third of five episodes on Mozart, kicking off our new podcast The Great Composers. The series, hosted by Karla Walker and Scott O’Neil, offers an intimate look at some of history’s greatest musical minds. Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Chapter 2: Destined For Greatness

Mozart blossoms as an artist but struggles to fulfill the full measure of his potential. He’s already composed numerous symphonies and concertos. And his mother tirelessly supports his career, even as their travels around Europe cause her health to deteriorate. It’s the second of five episodes on Mozart, kicking off our new podcast The Great Composers. The series, hosted by Karla Walker and Scott O’Neil, offers an intimate look at some of history’s greatest musical minds. Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Chapter 1: The Young Genius

A child is born in Salzburg with indescribable, incomprehensible talent for music and composition. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart travels the world and rubs shoulders with the greatest composers in Europe, all by the age of 12. It’s the first of five episodes on Mozart, kicking off our new podcast The Great Composers. The series, hosted by Karla Walker and Scott O’Neil, offers an intimate look at some of history’s greatest musical minds. Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.