About Exploring Music
Weekdays at 9pm
Bill McGlaughlin and Peter Van de Graaff guide listeners through a new musical theme each week, devoting five nights to a single topic. Bill McGlaughlin’s in-depth knowledge of and deep passion for classical music gives the series enthusiasm, imagination, and spontaneity. Before he passed away, Bill was a Peabody Award-winning broadcaster, conductor, and composer. Peter van de Graaff has enjoyed a distinguished four-decade radio career, including 38 years as host of WFMT’s nationally syndicated Beethoven Network. A native of the Chicago area, Peter began his radio career in 1984 at Brigham Young University, shortly before graduating with a degree in vocal performance. Over time, Peter will become the sole host of Exploring Music. For next little while, though, one week per month will be hosted by Peter.
Program Schedule
Musical Dynasties
Week of August 10th, 2026
This week’s topic, “Musical Dynasties,” was suggested by a station in Arizona. Andy Bade, Music Host for Classical 90.5 KUAT-FM in Tucson, wrote in with some program ideas. Bill McGlaughlin replied, “Hey Andy, great to hear from you. I mean, REALLY great. At this precise moment, your email shows up with three great projects. Since I need to get to work right away, I’m inclined to favor number three of your suggestions. So, Musical Dynasties: Gabrieli, Bach, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Robert and Clara Schumann, Strauss: the Johanns and Richard, and ending with the Haydns: Joseph and Michael.” Thanks so much for taking the time to write!
MONDAY, August 10
Gabrieli, Giovanni: Canzon Septimi Toni No. 2
Philadelphia, Cleveland and Chicago Brass Ensembles
The Antiphonal Music of Gabrieli
Sony Classical MHK 62353
2:48
Gabrieli, Giovanni: Canzon à 12 in Echo
Philadelphia, Cleveland and Chicago Brass Ensembles
The Antiphonal Music of Gabrieli
Sony Classical MHK 62353
3:28
Gabrieli, Giovanni: Sonata Pian’e Forte
Philadelphia, Cleveland and Chicago Brass Ensembles
The Antiphonal Music of Gabrieli
Sony Classical MHK 62353
4:17
Gabrieli, Giovanni: Canzona per Sonare No. 1 “La Spiritata”
Philadelphia, Cleveland and Chicago Brass Ensembles
The Antiphonal Music of Gabrieli
Sony Classical MHK 62353
3:14
Gabrieli, Giovanni: Canzona per Sonare No. 2
Philadelphia, Cleveland and Chicago Brass Ensembles
The Antiphonal Music of Gabrieli
Sony Classical MHK 62353
2:29
Scarlatti, Alessandro: Sonata a 4 No. 4 in D Minor
I. Allegro, II. Grave
III. Allegro, IV. Minuet
Casal Quartet
Birth of the String Quartet, Vol 1
Solo Musica 641269
6:34
Scarlatti, Alessandro: Concerto Grosso No. 1 In F Minor
I. Grave, II. Allegro
III. Largo, IV. Allemande [Allegro]
Europa Galante/Fabio Biondi
Concerti & Sinfonie
Virgin Veritas 45495 2
7:36
Scarlatti, Alessandro: Keyboard Sonata in C Major, K. 159
Alon Goldstein, piano
Scarlatti: Complete Keyboard Sonatas, Vol 24
Naxos 8.574196
2:23
Scarlatti, Alessandro: Sonata in E, K. 380
Ralph Kirkpatrick, harpsichord
Harpsichord Sonatas
DG 439 436
2:55
Scarlatti, Alessandro: Sonata In D Major, Kk. 491
Murray Perahia, piano
Murray Perahia Plays Handel And Scarlatti
Sony Classical SK 62785
5:25
Scarlatti, Alessandro: Keyboard Sonata in A Minor, K 54
Vladimir Horowitz, piano
Horowitz Plays Scarlatti
Sony Classical SK 90414
4:08
Scarlatti, Alessandro: Keyboard Sonata in F, K 525
Vladimir Horowitz, piano
Horowitz Plays Scarlatti
Sony Classical SK 90414
2:24
TUESDAY, August 11
Bassano, Giovanni: "Introduxit me rex" (after G.P. da Palestrina)
Musica Figurata
Mottetti, Madrigali Et Canzoni Francese Di Diversi Eccellentissimi Autori
Touch TC550201
3:36
Bassano, Giovanni: "Signor mio caro" (after C. de Rore): Mode I
Musica Figurata
Mottetti, Madrigali Et Canzoni Francese Di Diversi Eccellentissimi Autori
Touch TC550201
3:07
Bassano, Giovanni: "Ancor che col partire" (after C. de Rore)
Musica Figurata
Mottetti, Madrigali Et Canzoni Francese Di Diversi Eccellentissimi Autori
Touch TC550201
3:30
Lupo de Milan, Ambroise: Gaillarde
Jérôme Sóliles, Haim Shazar
Caminando: Musiques Renaissance Et Baroque
Gallo CD 961
2:39
Bassano, Giovanni: Fantasia a5, No.3
Music for Windy Instrument
Sounds from the Court of James I The English Cornett & Sackbut Ensemble
Flower of Cities All
Deux Elles DXL1118
3:07
Lupo, Joseph and Orlande de Lassus: Pavan on Susanna un Jour
The Parley of Instruments
Musique of Violenze – Dances, Fantasias and
Popular Tunes for Queen Elizabeth’s Violin Band
Hyperion CDA66929
2:52
Lancaster, Sarah: "I’m on my Journey Home"
Anonymous 4
Gloryland: Folk Songs, Spirituals, Gospel hymns of Hope & Glory
Harmonia Mundi 807400DI
2:14
Couperin, François: Les goûts-réunis, Concerto No. 8 in G Major
I. Ouverture, II. Grande Ritournèle, gravement
III. Air, noblement
Aulos Ensemble
The Couperin Album
Centaur CRC3487
7:21
Couperin, Louis: Pièces de clavecin, Suite in D Minor – 1. Prélude
Gustav Leonhardt, harpsichord
Pièces De Clavecin
Philips Digital Classics 420 939
5:52
Francois Couperin: Book 2; 6th Ordre in B-Flat Major
Les baricades misterieuses
Jory Vinokur, harpsichord
L’Unique — Harpsichord Music of François Couperin
Cedille Records CDR 90000 194
2:27
François Couperin: Musette de Choisie – Musette de Tavernie
Palladian Ensemble
The Sun King’s paradise
Linn CKD100
5:26
Francois Couperin: Pièces de clavecin – Troisième livre / 15e ordre –
La Princesse de Chabeuil ou La Muse de Monaco
Gustav Leonhardt, harpsichord
Pièces De Clavecin
Philips Digital Classics 420 939
2:55
Couperin, Armand-Louis: Pièces de clavecin – 6. L’Intrépide
Gustav Leonhardt, harpsichord
Pièces De Clavecin
Philips Digital Classics 420 939
2:00
Ravel, Maurice: Tombeau de Couperin: IV. Rigaudon: Assez Vif
London Symphony Orchestra/Claudio Abbado
Piano Concertos • Menuet Antique • Le Tombeau De Couperin • Fanfare
DG 423 665 2
3:06
WEDNESDAY, August 12
Bach, Wilhelm Friedemann: Sinfonia in B-Flat Major
I. Allegro
II. Andante
Benjamin Appl (baritone), Berlin Barock Solisten/ Reinhard Goebel, conductor
Cantatas of the Bach Family
Hänssler Classics HC 19081
8:46
Bach, Wilhelm Friedemann: Duet No. 1 for 2 Flutes in E Minor, F. 54
I. Allegro
Barthold Kuijken and Marc Hantai, flutes
Six Duets for Two Flutes
Accent ACC 9057
2:51
Bach, Wilhelm Friedemann: Concerto in F Minor: I. Allegro di Molto
Ottavio Dantone; harpsichord, Il Giardino Armonico, Giovanni Antonini
La Casa Del Diavolo
Naive OP30399
6:24
Bach, Carl Philipp Emanuel: Sonata In C Minor, WQ 65/31 II.
Mikhail Pletnev; piano
Sonatas & Rondos
DG 459 614
3:21
Bach, Carl Philipp Emanuel: Cello Concerto in A major Wq.172 / H.439
(Cadenzas: Anner Bylsma): III. Allegro assai
Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment & Gustav Leonhardt, Anner Bylsma, violoncello
CPE Bach: Symphonies & Cello Concertos
Erato 5617942
5:07
Bach, Johann Christoph Friedrich: Concerto in E-Flat Major for Viola and Fortepiano II. Larghetto Cantabile
Musica Antiqua Köln/ Robert Hill, fortepiano, Reinhard Goebel, viola
Bachiana – Double Concertos
Archiv Produktion – 471 579-2
5:25
Bach, Johann Christian: Adriano in Syria: Overture
The Hanover Band, Anthony Halstead
Johann Christian Bach: Complete Opera Overtures
CPO 9999632
3:04
Bach, Johann Sebastian: Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach: No. 20,
Erbauliche Gedanken eines Tobackrauchers, BWV 515a “So oft ich meine Tobackspfeife”
Gustav Leonhardt; harpsichord, Anner Bylsma, violoncello Bert van t’Hoff, voice
Bach: Quodlibet, Canons, Songs, Chorales & Keyboard Pieces
Warner Classics 9029528279
3:20
Bach, Johann Sebastian: Rehearsal – Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F major,
BWV 1047: I. Allegro
Marlboro Festival Orchestra/Pablo Casals, conductor
The Six Brandenburg Concertos
Columbia Masterworks M2S 731
1:30
Bach, Johann Sebastian: Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F major, BWV 1047
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Allegro assai
Marlboro Festival Orchestra/Pablo Casals, conductor
The Six Brandenburg Concertos
Columbia Masterworks M2S 731
11:38
THURSDAY, August 13
Mozart, Leopold: Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra in D Major
II. Allegro moderato
English Chamber Orchestra, Raymond Leppard, and Wynton Marsalis; trumpet
Wynton Marsalis – The London Concert
Sony Classical SK 57 497
3:25
Mozart, W.A.: Symphony No. 41 in C, K 551, “Jupiter” – 4. Finale: Molto Allegro
Cleveland Orchestra, George Szell
Mozart: Symphonies #35, 40 & 41
Sony Classical SBK 46 333
5:59
Mendelssohn Hensel, Fanny: Piano Trio in D Minor, Op. 11
II. Andante espressivo, III. Lied; Allegretto
London Bridge Trio
Piano Trios
BBC Music BBCMM436
8:08
Mendelssohn, Felix: The Hebrides, Op.26 (Fingal’s Cave)
Allegro Moderato
Israel Philharmonic Orchestra/Leonard Bernstein
Symphonies No.3, “Schottische” • “Scottish” / Hebriden-Ouverture. Hebrides Overture
DG 2531 256
9:54
Holst, Gustav: Brook Green Suite; II. Air
English Chamber Orchestra/Imogen Holst
Lyric Movement/ Brook Green Suite/ Nocturne/A Fugal Concerto/St Paul’s Suite
Lyrita Recorded Edition SRCS 34
2:34
Holst, Gustav: Capriccio (arr. I. Holst for orchestra)
English Chamber Orchestra/Imogen Holst
Lyric Movement/ Brook Green Suite/ Nocturne/A Fugal Concerto/St Paul’s Suite
Lyrita Recorded Edition SRCS 34
5:52
Holst, Gustav: The Planets, Op. 32
I. Mars, the Bringer of War, IV. Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity
London Symphony Orchestra/André Previn
The Planets Op. 32
His Master’s Voice ASD 3002
14:41
FRIDAY, August 14
Newman, Alfred: Street Scene; "King Vidor"
Randy Newman
The Randy Newman Songbook – Family Album: Homage to Alfred, Emil and Lionel
Nonesuch 79490
2:56
Newman, Randy: Carmen Miranda
“How Many Times Do I Have to Tell You I’m Not Mexican!”
Gloria Cheng, piano
Montage: Great film composers & the piano
Harmonia Mundi HMU907635
1:48
Newman, Randy: "Lionel Teaches Marilyn Monroe How to Sing"
Gloria Cheng, piano
Montage: Great film composers & the piano
Harmonia Mundi HMU907635
2:04
Newman, Maria L.: Cello Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 40 No. 6:
I. Largo, II. Allegro molto
Malibu Coast Chamber Orchestra/Scott Hosfeld, Andrew Shulman; cello
The Art of the Chamber Orchestra
Arts House Masterworks Recordings
5:36
Rodgers, Richard & Lorenz Hart: "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered"
Ella Fitzgerald featuring The Oscar Peterson Trio
Ella Fitzgerald at the Opera House
Verve Records 269
3:00
Rodgers, Richard: Oklahoma! “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’"
John Raitt
Greatest Hits Broadway
Sony MLK 62365
2:59
Rodgers, Richard & Oscar Hammerstein II: “Happy Talk”
Karrin Allyson, Kenny Barron, John Patitucci
Many A New Day
Motem MTA 183
3:54
Rodgers, Mary: “Shy”
Carol Burnett, Joe Bova and Ensemble
Once Upon a Mattress
MCA Records MCA 37097
3:47
Guettel, Adam: The Light in the Piazza: Overture
Adam Guettel, Victoria Clark, Kelli O’Hara
The Light in the Piazza
Nonesuch 79829
4:47
Ellington, Duke: "Take the Coltrane" (excerpt)
Duke Ellington and John Coltrane
Duke Ellington & John Coltrane
DOL DOL911H
4:44
Coltrane, Alice: "Paramahansa Lake"
Alice Coltrane
Huntington Ashram Monastery
Impulse! AS 9185
4:31
Coltrane, Ravi: "Angular Realms" (excerpt)
Ravi Coltrane: saxophone, Luis Perdomo, piano; Drew Gress, bass; E.J. Strickland, drums
In Flux
Savoy Jazz SVY 17444
3:22
Guettel, Adam arranged Sérgio Assad: Octet
Odair Assad, Sérgio Assad, guitars
Abandoned Garden
Nonesuch 278140
3:33
Curse of the Ninth! Ninth Symphonies
Week of August 17th, 2026
Why did so many great composers die after finishing their ninth symphony? This week, we look at the socalled curse of the Ninth Symphony, a legend that started with Beethoven in the mid-1820s. Over time, people began to believe that writing a ninth symphony could be a composer’s final work and maybe even mark their last year on Earth. We’ll listen to five famous ninth symphonies by Beethoven, Schubert, Bruckner, Dvořák, and Mahler.
Sound the Trumpets
Week of August 24th, 2026
The trumpet takes center stage this week on Exploring Music with host Peter van de Graaff. Its story stretches back thousands of years and spans many cultures. We’ll listen to the Shofar, a ram’s horn from biblical times, and the ancient trumpets found in Tutankhamun's tomb. And we’ll savor the modern trumpet’s bright sound in music by Bach and Vivaldi, and in the rich and complex symphonic music of Mahler, Ravel, and Stravinsky.
Fit For a King
Week of August 31st, 2026
For centuries, the relationship between a King and his musical subjects has been intimate and deep. From Bach to Bridge, we will listen to this rich and intriguing world of the European court composer. Bill mentions this is listening to some glorious music and, in most cases, giving credit where credit is due to the people who commissioned these works. Bill will connect Haydn, Scarlatti, and Walton to their savvy patrons, confirming that if you want to command the finest musicians, it’s helps to be the king.
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