WQXR

Ask Nicky

This week, ‘With Nicky’ becomes ‘Ask Nicky'! Nicola Benedetti answers your questions, from how to relax on stage to specific violin technique.

The Oldest Piano In Existence

What does the oldest piano in the world look and sound like? See for yourself! When Bartolomeo Cristofori constructed his "gravicembalo col piano e forte" (harpsichord with soft and loud) in the early 1700s, he wasn’t trying to create a new instrument — he was actually trying to build a harpsichord with a little more control. WQXR host Jeff Spurgeon visited the The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Department of Musical Instruments to speak with curator Jayson Dobney about the oldest piano in existence.

Happy Birthday, Robert Schumann!

Joshua Bell and Jeremy Denk perform Robert Schumann's 'Romance No 2 in A major, Op 94.'

'Songs of Ascension' by Meredith Monk (Live In The Greene Space)

Meredith Monk is "a composer, vocalist, dancer, choreographer and filmmaker. She seamlessly blends these media into arresting performance pieces that feel like rituals—rites from another dimension." This Ascension Day, watch the artist perfom her album 'Songs of Ascension' from The Greene Space at WNYC/WQXR!

'With Nicky' at the Oasby Music Group

Nicola Benedetti is back with another look into her life as a violinist and classical music advocate! This week, Nicky takes us to Oasby Music Group. An example of excellent music teaching, the organization was founded in 2013 with just 7 beginner young musicians aged 5-8. They now have 13 ensembles aged 4-18, with older players mentoring the younger ones. Enjoy!

'With Nicky' - Inspiration

Nicola Benedetti is back with another episode of 'With Nicky.' "Music and our instruments can open doors into all sorts of learning. And I always believed that stepping into the mind and place of composers could get us to practice empathising. And doing so with those who seem situationally, geographically and culturally far from you is something we must continually readdress and practice throughout our lives."

He Sang/She Sang: Rosa Feola

Today on He Sang/She Sang, Italian soprano Rosa Feola joins Aria Code producer Merrin Lazyan in the studio. Rosa made her Metropolitan Opera debut this past Friday singing the role of Gilda in Verdi’s “Rigoletto.” The Metropolitan Opera Rosa Feola

"With Nicky" Vibrato Recap - Meditation by Massenet

Here's the latest video from Nicola Benedetti with the secrets to great violin technique. Here's a little from Nicky about her latest video: "This week we're recapping applying vibrato exercises to repertoire. It's important to remember that with all exercises, in the end, use your ears - they will tell you exactly how you want to sound and send messages to your hands to do things that then please your ears. So, never switch off when you're applying a technique to a piece of music, you want your ears to guide what you end up doing. The first two bars of Massenet's Meditation can make the perfect vibrato exercise." For the full video go to: https://youtu.be/aA7YiXzdeco

The New York Opera Festival and The Greene Space present a world-premiere opera composed in just one day by an all-star team of local composers, writers and performers — inspired by a prompt they’ll receive 24 hours before their performance. You’ll also get a sneak peek at excerpts from their upcoming festival shows. This event caps off The Greene Space’s 24-hour marathon celebration. #24at44

Attacca Quartet is live from The Greene Space at WNYC/WQXR's 24-hour marathon performing works from the yet-to-be-released new album, “Orange,” by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw. #24at44

"With Nicky" - Back to More Basics - Left Hand Part 2

Violinist Nicola Benedetti is back "With Nicky," for more of the basics of great violin technique. This week - more left hand exercises. Here's a note from Nicky: "We’re back! After a few very busy weeks practising lots of notes (which I’m still practising), I’m excited to share with you Back to More Basics Left Hand Part 2. Before you watch this week’s video, I’d really encourage you to revisit Back to More Basics Left Hand Part 1 as this week is a continuation from what we were talking about in that video. As usual, please show me some trust and some patience as I take you through these exercises - we’re going to be adding the bow to Schradieck No. 1. It’s important to try and have organisation in your bowing when you approach exercises in order to stay focussed on the left hand. We will also be looking at a counter exercise to the widening and expanding movements and remember that yes, it might seem boring, but very quickly, and with concentration, you will see your playing getting better...I did and it’s SOOO worth it! " Film produced by www.jaegerfilm.com Jaegerfilm Link to Schradieck Exercises: http://conquest.imslp.info/files/imglnks/usimg/3/37/IMSLP26801-PMLP59431-Henry_Schradieck_School_of_Violin_Technics_Bk.1.pdf

WQXR’s Midday Masterpieces series highlighting rising stars from The Juilliard School continues with the school's Trombone Choir, live from The Greene Space at WNYC/WQXR at 1 pm ET.

Kids React to Women Composers

What would happen if we played a set of classical pieces composed entirely by women to a group of children? Watch below to find out! Produced in collaboration with Brooklyn Music Factory.

Lang Lang plays Listz's Un Sospiro

It's World Piano Day! Celebrate the 88th day of the year with this amazing performance of Lang Lang's 'Un Sospiro' in the Greene Space (he's got a new album out today, Piano Book), and he'll be visiting us again on April 9!

It’s Bach’s birthday, and we’re celebrating with a musical party at The Greene Space! Watch live with performances from Simone Dinnerstein and Ensemble Baroklyn; the Arturo O'Farrill Trio; and Rebel: Ensemble for Baroque Music. WQXR’s Elliott Forrest hosts.

offstage | Steven Isserlis, cello

Happy Birthday Bach! Watch legendary cellist Steven Isserlis, one of WQXR's "19 for 19", give a joyous and haunting performance of the Minuets from the First Cello Suite. (Special thanks to everyone at Wigmore Hall)

'With Nicky' - Back to More Basics - Left Hand Part 1

Violinist Nicola Benedetti reveals the secrets of great violin technique on "With Nicky." This video focuses on left hand basics. Here's a few words from Nicky about this week's video: "This week, we are going back to more basics focusing on the left hand. We have covered lots of things to do with freedom of motion with the exercises in the first Back to Basics video which we hope has helped you to get a sense of comfort and familiarity with your left hand. In this video, I’m going to take you through one of the most sacred, basic and life changing exercises for me: Schradieck Number 1. It’s not the fact of the exercises, it’s about the approach and application of it. I’m going to take you through it slowly and in lots of detail, so please be patient and trust the exercise – it’ll be worth it. It was one of a few things that helped absolutely transform my playing after which everything became easier. Finally, these videos wouldn’t have been possible without an amazing team: Scott Jaeger, our film maker, Laura Gardiner, our Education Director, Rebecca Driver, PR Manager and Hannah King, Online Media Manager. I want to say a huge thank you to all four of them." Film produced by www.jaegerfilm.com Jaegerfilm TIME CODES 00:02 Left Hand Part 1 02:50 Schradieck Number 1 04:23 Extreme Work, for a Condensed Period of Time 12:24 Context and Realistic Goals to Avoid Disappointment 13:44 If You’re Trying to Change Something Basic, Play Less, but With More Focus Link to Schradieck Exercises: http://conquest.imslp.info/files/imglnks/usimg/3/37/IMSLP26801-PMLP59431-Henry_Schradieck_School_of_Violin_Technics_Bk.1.pdf

Watch the announcement of the 2019 Avery Fisher Career Grants live from The Greene Space at WNYC/WQXR. The ceremony, hosted by WQXR's Elliott Forrest, features performances by this year's honorees who have been selected for their potential to have great careers as instrumentalists. This year's recipients are Christina and Michelle Naughton; pianist Henry Kramer; Angelo Xiang Yu; and the JACK Quartet.

offstage | Elena Urioste, violin

A spicy ending to Ysaÿe's Ballade from '19 for 19' violinist Elena Urioste.

John Holiday performs Gershwin’s Summertime

It may still be winter in New York, but John Holiday sure made it feel like summer when he performed Gershwin's 'Summertime' in our Greene Space last week.

John Holiday performs Goin’ Home (Antonin Dvorak/William Arms Fisher)

We were blown away by John Holiday when he came to the Greene Space for our Classical Beer Jam. Find out why in this dazzling performance of "Goin' Home," William Arms Fisher's setting to the slow movement from Dvorak's 'New World' Symphony.

Watch a live webcast of WQXR’s Classical Beer Jam! This latest edition is all about the Big Apple, celebrating music written in and inspired by the city we love. Musical guests include Aaron Diehl, John Holiday, Imani Winds and JACK Quartet. Special thanks to our participating brewers: Sixpoint, Strong Rope Brewery, Alewife, KelSo Beer Company and Big aLICe Brewing. Hosted by WQXR’s Matt Abramovitz.

(...offstage) by WQXR | Beatrice Rana, piano

Witness an intimate, soul nourishing performance of Chopin courtesy of pianist Beatrice Rana, one of WQXR's "19 for 19" artists, ahead of her Carnegie Hall debut.

He Sang/She Sang with Soprano Pretty Yende

Join us as Aria Code producer Merrin Lazyan talks to soprano Pretty Yende about singing the role of Marie in La Fille du Régiment at the The Metropolitan Opera on He Sang/She Sang.

"With Nicky" - Vibrato Part 2

Learn the secrets to great violin playing with Nicola Benedetti! This week's video continues with the subject of vibrato. Here's a few words from Nicky: "This week is something of a continuation as we progress from easier to slightly harder vibrato exercises. Development of any skill that is difficult is never a linear process. I strongly advise you to embrace the ups and downs – in not doing so, you will only set yourself up for disappointment, which is a waste of your energy and emotion. Remember it’s the same for everyone - things will get better, then worse, then better again. You’re in good company! This week, it’s a slightly shorter video, and we’ll be focussing on how to put some of last week’s exercises into practice with one of the most popular pieces of violin repertoire ever - Meditation by Massenet from Thais. Then we’ll be exploring exercises in the higher positions, how to use double stops to practise vibrato, & finishing with some examples of putting it all into practice. We would love you to share your top tips, videos of exercises and your struggles or ideas on vibrato with us - don’t be shy! We’re all here to learn." Produced by Scott Jaeger and Jaegerfilm 01:34 Meditation Workshop 03:36 Vibrato in High Positions 05:30 Vibrato Exercises with Double Stops 10:13 Engaging Bicep and Arm in Vibrato 12:14 Examples

The Knights perform Year of the Boar (Sufjan Stevens/arr. Michael Atkinson)

We had such an awesome time when The Knights came to The Greene Space at WNYC/WQXR as a part of our '19 for 19' kickoff event! Here's one of the pieces they played - 'Year of the Boar,' by Sufjan Stevens, arranged by Michael Atkinson.

Join us as Aria Code producer Merrin Lazyan talks to bass-baritone Luca Pisaroni about his role debut as Don Giovanni at the The Metropolitan Opera on He Sang/She Sang.

"With Nicky" - Vibrato

Nicola Benedetti is back with her latest video on violin technique! This week's focus? Vibrato. Here's something from Nicky about the video: "This video takes you on an exploration of the different ways vibrato can be played and will leave you with some exercises to help develop the basic vibrato movements. Whether you’ve been doing vibrato for 2 months or 2 years, these exercises are great - I still use them today! This video is quite long, so here are the timecodes to help you navigate through it." 00:03 Introduction 02:27 The Fundamentals 06:59 Vibrato Comparison 11:35 Exercises 12:48 The Wobble and That Final Knuckle 14:37 Adding Sound, but not Sounding Pretty 17:41 Practice Plan - Try to Be Realistic and Intelligent with Your Practice 18:05 Going Between The Fingers Film produced by www.jaegerfilm.com Jaegerfilm #withnicky #musiceducation #vioin

Roy Eaton Plays Joplin's 'Original Rags'

We've been celebrating the music of Scott Joplin all week - here's pianist Roy Eaton playing Joplin's 'Original Rags' as a part of our 'Scott Joplin at 150' celebration back in November.

Laquita Mitchell and Joshua Rifkin perform 'Real Slow Drag' from Joplin's Treemonisha

We were thrilled to hear an excerpt from Joplin's hidden gem in the Greene Space. Listen to Laquita Mitchell and Joshua Rifkin perform from Joplin's opera Treemonisha.

"With Nicky" - Developing your sound

Nicola Benedetti is back with another video on the secrets of playing violin like a pro. In this video, Benedetti focuses on the importance of developing your sound. Check it out! Video produced by www.jaegerfilm.com - Jaegerfilm

Join us as Aria Code producer Merrin Lazyan talks with baritone Gerald Finley ahead on He Sang/She Sang.

Jerron 'Blind Boy' Paxton Plays Scott Joplin's 'The Entertainer'

We watched in amazement when Blind Boy Paxton played this guitar arrangement of Joplin's 'The Entertainer.'

Jade Simmons Plays Scott Joplin's 'Maple Leaf Rag'

Back in November, we celebrated Scott Joplin's 150th birthday, hosted by pianist Jade Simmons - who gave an awesome performance of Joplin's 'Maple Leaf Rag!'

"With Nicky" - Back to Basics

Want to know the secrets of playing violin like a pro? Master the basics of the violin with master violinist Nicola Benedetti in her new video series, "With Nicky!" In this video, Benedetti goes back to the basics of violin technique. Video produced by www.jaegerfilm.com - Jaegerfilm

Nicola Benedetti performs Meditation from Massenet’s Thaïs

Did you miss Nicola Benedetti & Wynton Marsalis when they were here in the Greene Space? Here's a clip featuring Nicola Benedetti performing Massenet's 'Meditation' from Thaïs. Make sure to check out the whole concert on our page before it goes away February 15!

Xavier Foley performs Glière's “Intermezzo & Tarantella”, Op. 9

Bassist and composer Xavier Foley is one of our '19 For 19' artists to watch this year. Check out his performance of Gliere's 'Intermezzo and Tarantella' in our Greene Space!

ElĪna Garanča sings “Widmung” by Robert Schumann

We were blown away by Elina Garanca when she came to the Greene Space for performances and conversation a few months ago. Here's one of her mesmerizing performances from that night - Schumann's 'Widmung.'

Rachel Willis-Sorensen: Song to the Moon from Rusalka by Dvorak

You'll be singing to the moon after hearing Rachel Willis-Sørensen sing the 'Song to the Moon' from Dvorak's Rusalka.

Soprano Meghan Kasanders and Pianist Cameron Richardson-Eames Perform Strauss’s ‘Morgen!’

Soprano Meghan Kasanders will melt your heart the same way she melted ours with this moving performance of Strauss's 'Morgen!'