Connections

Series produced by Capital Public Radio

Caption: Connections host Stephen Peithman
Connections host Stephen Peithman 

Host Stephen Peithman explores ideas, themes and people connected by various classical works.

"I've always been intrigued by the connections between different compositions and/or composers," explains host Stephen Peithman, "and on Connections we explore those connections in a way that's both informative and entertaining. We focus on works that display a strong influence of another work or composer, that draw directly from other works, or that share a common theme or inspiration. There are great stories to be told--both comic and dramatic--and a lot of great music, too."


13 Pieces

Order by: Newest First | Oldest First
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Winter may be the coldest season of the year, when days are shortest and the nights are longest. It also brings people indoors, to visit with fami...

Bought by WUAL and WKSU


  • Added: Oct 25, 2012
  • Length: 59:00
  • Purchases: 2
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George Bizet used an old Provencal carol to open his L’Arlesienne Suite. A British hymn writer borrowed the tune from a now-forgotten work by Felix...

Bought by Interlochen Public Radio, WUAL, WUFT, KRPS, KRPS and more


  • Added: Oct 29, 2012
  • Length: 59:00
  • Purchases: 11
Caption: Connections host Stephen Peithman
While thoughts of Christmas music usually turn to carols and choirs, many original instrumental works have been written for the season—including on...

Bought by WUAL, Hawaii Public Radio, WUAL, WKSU, and KRPS


  • Added: Nov 14, 2012
  • Length: 59:00
  • Purchases: 5
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“There are only two kinds of people in the world,” goes the saying, “The Irish, and those who wish they were.” That may be the reason so much class...

Bought by KRPS, RadioStPete Florida, KUFM - Montana Public Radio, Interlochen Public Radio, KVSC and more


  • Added: Feb 27, 2013
  • Length: 59:00
  • Purchases: 7
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It is no coincidence that three of Aaron Copland's most powerful works -- Appalachian Spring, Fanfare for the Common Man, and A Lincoln Portrait --...

Bought by WAMC Northeast Public Radio


  • Added: Jul 03, 2013
  • Length: 59:00
  • Purchases: 1
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It is the birthplace of Thanksgiving, the Boston Tea Party, and the Revolutionary War. The home of maple syrup and blazing autumn color. And the c...

Bought by Interlochen Public Radio


  • Added: Oct 22, 2013
  • Length: 59:00
  • Purchases: 1
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Many composers—Jewish or not—have used Hebraic themes and styles in their music, and whether religious or secular in spirit, their efforts display ...

  • Added: Oct 31, 2013
  • Length: 59:00
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They stand in humble contrast with those other famous visitors to the stable in Bethlehem--the mysterious and awesome Three Kings—but it is the she...

Bought by WUAL


  • Added: Nov 11, 2013
  • Length: 59:00
  • Purchases: 1
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We know it as “Good King Wenceslas,” but the carol, written in the mid-1800s, has a tune borrowed from a medieval salute to spring flowers! Join ho...

Bought by WUAL, KRPS, KRPS, and WUAL


  • Added: Nov 13, 2013
  • Length: 59:00
  • Purchases: 4
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One is earthy and comical--an 18th century musical tale of thieves, tramps and trollops. The other is the most beloved holiday concert piece in the...

Bought by WUAL


  • Added: Nov 13, 2013
  • Length: 59:00
  • Purchases: 1
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December is filled to bursting with carols and other vocal works—and as a result a great deal of instrumental and orchestral music is often overloo...

Bought by Hawaii Public Radio, Northwest Public Broadcasting, WUAL, and KRPS


  • Added: Dec 27, 2017
  • Length: 59:00
  • Purchases: 4
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The son of a clergyman, he became an atheist in college, then settled for a life as a “cheerful agnostic.” And yet, he probably wrote more Christma...

Bought by WVIA, Northwest Public Broadcasting, and WUAL


  • Added: Dec 28, 2017
  • Length: 59:00
  • Purchases: 3
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The Easter season, and the music it inspires, combine tragedy and triumph, sorrow and celebration—joining with the coming of spring as a symbol of ...

Bought by KCUR, WVTF, WVIA, KALW, Red River Radio Network (E. Texas/Louisiana/Arkansas/Mississippi) and more


  • Added: Apr 12, 2019
  • Length: 59:00
  • Purchases: 6