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The great Czech composer Antonín Dvořák redefined music of his native land and shared its indigenous rhythms and colors with the world. We’ll hear two contrasting works – his buoyant Serenade for Winds Op. 44 in a spectacular live recording, and his melodramatic tone poem “The Golden Spinning Wheel” based on a folk tale that must be heard to be believed.

In what remains one of the most significant examples of variations in music, Italian Renaissance composer Costanzo Festa created 125 variations on a 15th century melody. We’ll hear 32 of those in a stunning recording of what’s been called one of the most remarkable accomplishments in music.

We have two very different symphonies this week: an Italian gem from 1800 by cello prodigy Luigi Boccherini and a powerful 21st century portrait by American composer Jonathan Leshnoff of the chaos and homesickness of American soldiers in World War I. Leshnoff’s Symphony No. 3 incorporates texts from solders’ letters to tell the story of the great war’s impact on their lives.

Charles Ives was decades ahead of his time in his unconventional compositions. Hear his amazing “Concord Sonata” for piano, an original organ composition written at age 15, and a recording of the man himself singing and playing the piano.

Hear the music of Richard Wagner in virtuoso transcriptions for symphonic band. Wagner himself heard his music played by bands and approved of the adaptation. After hearing these compelling performances, you’ll have a thrilling new perspective on his music.

Dynamic works by Ernest Bloch and Bela Bartok show that music for large string orchestras can be incredibly powerful, especially when interpreted by master conductors like Rafael Kubelik and Constantin Silvestri.

Tone poems are almost like film scores before there was film, portraying scenes from literature or an event through music. Hear remarkable tone poems by Ernest Chausson, Steven Stucky, and Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

The passing of Britain’s longest reigning monarch and one of the world’s most remarkable people merits a special show in her honor. We’ll hear music that she loved as well as music that was important in her life and role as Queen for 70 amazing years.

Hungarian composer Bela Bartok was one of his country’s most famous and revered composers. He also worked for years to preserve his nation’s ethnic music and his own compositions were infused with the folk harmonies and rhythms he learned in small towns and villages. Hear his Second Violin Concerto and his demanding Piano Sonata, both in masterful performances.

What’s Halloween without really scary music? Have (no?) fear….we’ve got you covered. It’s amazing the eerie sounds that can come from an orchestra and even a solo piano. Just wait for some of the creepiest sounds you’ve ever heard.