A Christmas selection: songs old and newer, performed by Leontyne Price, Luciano Pavarotti, Heidi Grant Murphy, Odetta, Mel Tormé, et glorious al.Trad., “Angels We Have Heard on High”Bach, “Herr, wenn die stolzen Feinde schnauben,” from the Christmas OratorioTrad., “Ríu ríu chíu”Trad., “Il est né, le divin Enfant”Schultz, “Ihr Kinderlein, kommet”Sc…

Lately, Jay has been writing about Stefan Zweig’s memoirs, “The World of Yesterday.” Zweig was a writer of immense talent and versatility. He also knew a lot of music and a lot of musicians. Composers set poems of his to music. Strauss collaborated with him on an opera. This episode is dedicated to Zweig and music.Reger, “Ein Drängen ist in meinem …

As Jay explains in his introduction, he has done many Christmas podcasts. And Fourth of July podcasts. And an Easter podcast or two. And Halloween podcasts. But not until now a Thanksgiving podcast. So, here are songs of gratitude and other items appropriate to the holiday. A little feast on its own, filling but not fattening.Handel or Ochs, “Dank …

This episode begins with Mozart—the glorious, peppy last movement of a piano concerto—and ends with Sarah Vaughan, singing a song (“Black Coffee”). In between we have Bill Monroe, Fanny Mendelssohn, Earl Scruggs—a real variety show. But all to a purpose.Mozart, Piano Concerto No. 14 in E flat, K. 449, last movementClarke, “The Cloths of Heaven”Monr…

Jay begins with the song for which the podcast is named: “Music for a While,” by Purcell. He ends with some theme music by the late Quincy Jones, “The Streetbeater.” In between are Mendelssohn, Liszt, Sibelius, and estimable others. A nicely diverse program.Purcell, “Music for a While”Mendelssohn, “Song without Words”Mozart, Symphony No. 35 in D, “…

On October 24, the Friends and Young Friends of The New Criterion gathered at The Players with David Dubal for a special version of his beloved piano evenings, featuring Cecile Licad performing Frédéric Chopin’s 24 Preludes, Op. 28.Autor: The New Criterion

Roger Kimball, the Editor and Publisher of The New Criterion, discusses highlights of the October 2024 issue and reads from its opening pages.Autor: The New Criterion

On September 5, the Friends and Young Friends of The New Criterion gathered at the magazine’s headquarters to hear remarks from D. J. Taylor in celebration of his new books, “Orwell: The New Life” (Simon & Schuster) & “Who is Big Brother?” (Yale University Press).Autor: The New Criterion

Roger Kimball, the Editor and Publisher of The New Criterion, discusses highlights of the September 2024 issue and reads from its opening pages.Autor: The New Criterion

Werner Hink, who for many years was a concertmaster of the Vienna Philharmonic, has died. Jay interviewed him some years ago and found him memorable. This episode ends with some playing by Hink (Bach). There is also some Schubert by Isaac Stern, whom Hink prized. There’s a little Broadway, a little rap. A nice buffet of music.Mozart, Overture to “T…

Jeremy Black, author of “The Holocaust: History and Memory,” and James Panero, Executive Editor of “The New Criterion,” discuss the misplacing of blame for the Middle East’s instability.Autor: The New Criterion

Jay begins this episode with Paul Hindemith, who in 1921 combined his interest in ragtime with his love of Bach. There is also a minuet by Ravel, glancing back at Haydn. There is a song by Zemlinsky, setting Langston Hughes. There are wonders and curiosities in this episode—which, by the way, has a sponsor: Michael Lohafer, who, as Jay says, is “a …

In this episode, Jay begins with a shout—“Carolina Shout,” the classic jazz number by James P. Johnson. There are songs by Schumann, Puccini, and Porter (Cole). There are piano preludes—starter pieces by their composers. At the end, there is a sunburst of calypso. Enjoy this smorgasbord.Johnson, James P., “Carolina Shout”Schumann, “Röseleine, Rösel…

The Friends of The New Criterion recently gathered for an evening in celebration of Peter Vertacnik, whose “The Nature of Things Fragile” won the magazine’s twenty-third poetry prize. Listen to hear Peter read a number of poems from this new collection.Autor: The New Criterion

Jay has assembled a little celebration of spring: songs, arias, a symphony, a sonata. Who doesn’t want to sing spring?Argento, “Spring,” from “Six Elizabethan Songs”Sinding, “Rustle of Spring”Wagner, “Du bist der Lenz,” from “Die Walküre”Beethoven, “Spring” Sonata, RondoStrauss, “Herr Lenz”Saint-Saëns, “Printemps qui commence,” from “Samson et Dali…

On March 14, the Friends and Young Friends of The New Criterion gathered at the magazine’s headquarters to hear remarks from Dr. Alexander Chula on his new book, “Goodbye, Dr. Banda: Lessons for the West From a Small African Country.”Autor: The New Criterion

Recently, Carnegie Hall hosted a John Williams gala. The program was all-Williams and the composer himself conducted most of the concert. In this episode, Jay hosts his own little Williams gala.All by John Williams:“The Mission”Scherzo for Motorcycle and Orchestra from “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”Olympic Fanfare and ThemeMain Title from “Ca…

On February 29, the Galliard Society joined the Friends and Young Friends of The New Criterion at The Players in New York for remarks delivered by Dominic Green.Autor: The New Criterion

Rossini was born on February 29, 1792. So Jay doffs his cap to him. We also hear Schubert, Brahms, Ravel, and worthy others (including Dvořák, who knew how to swing).Rossini, Overture to “La gazza ladra”Schubert, Symphony No. 5, first movementRavel, Piano Concerto in D for Left Hand AloneDvořák, Symphony No. 7, ScherzoChopin, Étude in A flat, Op. 2…

On the River Thames, the rise of cities & the future of history.A conversation occasioned by Jeremy Black’s essay in our February 2024 issue.Autor: The New Criterion

A Valentine’s Day special—with music by the likes of Strauss, Poulenc, and Barber, sung by the likes of Jessye Norman, Arleen Auger, and Leontyne Price. A bouquet, a box of candies—a musical present for you.Trad., arr. Quilter, “Over the Mountains”Strauss, “Traum durch die Dämmerung”Strauss, “Amor”Poulenc, “Fleurs”Koechlin, “Si tu le veux”Prokofiev…

Some rare Prokofiev, some common Prokofiev. An operatic blast from the past (Price and Tucker). A tribute to Colette Maze, a French pianist who has died at 109. Another tribute to Ewa Podleś, the great Polish contralto. A mixture of music, and thoughts, in this episode.Tchaikovsky, “Miniature Overture” from “The Nutcracker”Prokofiev, Symphony No. 2…

Jay offers tracks of various types—appropriate to the season. From William Byrd on throughspirituals and George Shearing. Merry Christmas.Bach, Christmas OratorioHandel, “Messiah”Byrd, “This Day Christ Was Born”Niles, “I Wonder as I Wander”“Ding Dong! Merrily on High,” with George Shearing and his quintetGounod, “Noël”Leontovych, “Carol of the Bell…

Mussorgsky was inspired by some pictures at an exhibition. Mendelssohn, Strauss, and Tchaikovsky, among others, were inspired by their sojourns in Italy. In this podcast, Jay leads anenjoyable and enriching tour.Mussorgsky, “Pictures at an Exhibition”Mendelssohn, Symphony No. 4, SaltarelloStrauss, “Aus Italien,” “Neapolitan Folk Life”Tchaikovsky, “…

Executive Editor James Panero sits down with Visiting Critic Wilfred M. McClay to discuss “The burden of the humanities,” the fifth annual Circle Lecture of The New Criterion.The full text of the speech will be available in the November 2023 issue. For more information about the Circle of The New Criterion, visit newcriterion.com/circle.…

A phrase has crept up into our political discussion: “to know what time it is.” Jay begins this episode with a Rodgers & Hart song: “I Didn’t Know What Time It Was.” Then we have Mozart, Boccherini, Rachmaninoff, Donizetti—a slew of interesting items. The episode ends with Louis Armstrong and His Hot Five.Rodgers & Hart, arr. Riddle, “I Didn’t Know…

Frederica von Stade—known all over as “Flicka”—is an American mezzo-soprano and one of the greatest singers of our time, or any. Last month, Jay recorded a podcast with her, a “Q&A”: here. She is one of the most versatile singers. What Jay presents here is a sampler.Mozart, “Ah, perdona al primo affetto,” from “La clemenza di Tito”Fauré, “La rose”T…

Several composers have written “moments musicaux,” or “musical moments,” including Schubert and Rachmaninoff. So has a contemporary American, Joshua Nichols. Jay plays a “moment” from each composer. (Actually, Rachmaninoff gets two.) He also plays music from Brazil, etc. The episode ends with a souvenir of the late André Watts.Rachmaninoff, Moment …

A program of American, or American-ish, music, in honor of Independence Day.Trad., “My Country, ’Tis of Thee”Dvorak, String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96, “American,” final movementPuccini, “ Dovunque al mondo ,” from “Madama Butterfly”Joplin, “Gladiolus Rag”Gershwin, “Summertime,” from “Porgy and Bess”Gershwin-Wild, Virtuoso Étude on “Liza”Cop…

Yes, June is bustin’ out, and so is a new episode. Jay plays that song and several others, known and less known. There’s also piano music, a violin piece—a tasty musical meal.Rodgers & Hammerstein, “June Is Bustin’ Out All Over,” from “Carousel”Kern & Harbach, “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes,” from “Roberta”Albéniz, “Evocación,” from “Iberia,” Book 1Strau…

Roger Kimball, the Editor and Publisher of The New Criterion, discusses highlights of the June 2023 issue and reads from its opening pages.Autor: The New Criterion

“Zadok the Priest” is the musical hit of British coronations, and has been since the 1720s. “The Swan” is a hit too, and is never more magical than in Godowsky’s piano arrangement. These are two of the selections in this episode. Others are by Mozart, Leroy Anderson, and other worthies. An appetizing, eclectic menu.Handel, “Zadok the Priest”Mozart,…

On May 11, 2023, The New Criterion welcomed Lincoln Jones, the director of the American Contemporary Ballet, Los Angeles, alongside the dancer Hannah Barr for a discussion and demonstration of ballet at a Friends and Young Friends spring soirée in the editorial offices, with an introduction by Executive Editor James Panero. To become a Friend or Yo…

Isaac Sligh & James Panero discuss the Republic of Georgia, Crusaders, travel writing, audiophiles & more.To read Isaac's article on Crusaders and the Caucasus in The Critic, visit https://thecritic.co.uk/issues/march-2023/land-of-ghosts-and-legends/.To learn more about the Ralston Listening Library, which Isaac used to curate, visit https://new.se…

Roger Kimball, the Editor and Publisher of The New Criterion, discusses highlights of the May 2023 issue and reads from its opening pages.Autor: The New Criterion

Jay concludes this episode with “Speak Low,” the Kurt Weill song (lyrics by Ogden Nash). Before that, you have any number of other interesting things. Well, a specific number: six. A very tasty menu of music.Handel, “The Harmonious Blacksmith”Strauss, “Malven”Boccherini-Berio, “Ritirata notturna di Madrid”García Lorca, “Sevillanas”Wagner, “Lohengri…

A program of music, by a slew of composers.Bach, “Preis und Dank,” from the Easter OratorioBach, “Mache dich, mein Herze, rein,” from the St. Matthew PassionMascagni, Easter Hymn, from “Cavalleria rusticana”Trad., arr. Bonds, “You Can Tell the World”Handel, “I know that my Redeemer liveth,” from “Messiah”Rimsky-Korsakov, “Russian Easter Festival Ov…

Adam Kirsch & James Panero discuss the April poetry issue, the New Criterion Poetry Prize, and more. Brian Brodeur reads selections from his winning book, Some Problems with Autobiography (Criterion Books).Autor: The New Criterion

Roger Kimball, the Editor and Publisher of The New Criterion, discusses highlights of the April 2023 issue and reads from its opening pages.Autor: The New Criterion

A smorgasbord of music, from the light and Viennesey to the angular and modern.Bacewicz, Overture for OrchestraVustin, “Lamento”Sæverud, “Ballad of Revolt”Johnston/Burke, “Pennies from Heaven”Escaich, “Nun komm”Helmesberger, “Entr’acte Valse”Mussorgsky, Serenade, from “Songs and Dances of Death”Strauss, Eduard, “Mit Extrapost — Polka schnell”Giorda…

Roger Kimball, the Editor and Publisher of The New Criterion, discusses highlights of the March 2023 issue and reads from its opening pages.Autor: The New Criterion

Robert Erickson and James Panero discuss Plutarch, plays, pastrami, and more. The second of our podcasts on the Hilton Kramer Fellowship.The texts used in the New Criterion classics reading group are as follows:—Histories, Herodotus, Landmark Edition, tr. Andrea L. Purvis, ed. Robert B. Strassler—Persians, Aeschylus, tr. Janet Lembke & C. J. Herrin…

Paul Johnson, the great English historian and journalist, passed away last month. Music was important in the life of Paul Johnson. Jay has arranged a little program, in tribute.Mozart, Clarinet Concerto, first movementBruckner, Scherzo from Symphony No. 9Brahms, Intermezzo in B-flat minor, Op. 117, No. 2Mozart, Ave verum corpusNelson, “Crazy”Mozart…

Benjamin Riley and James Panero discuss the Hilton Kramer Fellowship, the bridges of Robert Adam, and what it takes to write for The New Criterion.This is the first podcast in a series celebrating the tenth anniversary of the magazine’s Hilton Kramer Fellowship.Autor: The New Criterion

Roger Kimball, the Editor and Publisher of The New Criterion, discusses highlights of the February 2023 issue and reads from its opening pages.Autor: The New Criterion

Remarks from Harry Mount on the publication of his new book Et Tu, Brute? The Best Latin Lines Ever.Autor: The New Criterion

This episode features the “Nokia tune”—which actually comes from a Spanish guitar piece. We also have tributes to two late-greats: the clarinetist Stanley Drucker and the organist Frederick Swann. And music by Handel, Berkeley, Guillaume Connesson (b. 1970), et al. A wonderful assortment.Poulenc, Sonata for Clarinet and Piano, last movementDebussy,…

Roger Kimball, the Editor and Publisher of The New Criterion, discusses highlights of the January 2023 issue and reads from its opening pages.Autor: The New Criterion

A Christmas podcast: with carols, songs, and other things from all over. Various musical presents under this Tannenbaum.Bach, “Grosser Herr, o starker König,” from the Christmas OratorioTrad., “The First Noël”Trad., “Joy to the World”Rinker & Huddleston, “December”Trad., “O du fröliche”Trad., “Balulalow”Trad., “Everywhere I Go, Somebody Talkin’ ’Bo…

As our heading suggests, Jay fills this episode with preludes and other short pieces, and songs—by Tchaikovsky, Debussy, Shostakovich, and others. A wonderful, filling assortment.Shostakovich, Fugue in A major, from Preludes and Fugues, Op. 87Debussy, “La fille aux cheveux de lin”Debussy, “Minstrels”Shostakovich, arr. Tsyganov, Prelude in D flat, O…