From the Archives is a curated tour of the world’s greatest composers, conductors and performers, captured in distinctive and memorable audio recordings.
Building on a lifetime of collecting recordings, host Frank Byrne shares the best performances he knows, each with a special element that sets it apart. A lifelong student of classical music, Byrne’s love of collecting classical music is only eclipsed by his joy in sharing it with friends.
Thanks to the wealth of recorded classical music available today, we have the opportunity to explore and consider performances that the average listener may never have heard. Listening together on From the Archives, we will gain insights to those great musicians who truly bring this music to life. Please join us.
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Do you believe in time travel? Thanks to the miracle of recorded sound, we can hear ten of the greatest violinists of the early to mid-20th century with recordings from as early as 1903. We’ll get a glimpse into performance traditions of the 19th century and know how Joachim, Ysaye, Sarasate, Kreisler and others actually sounded. -
Gustav Holst’s “The Planets” is one of the most famous works in the orchestral repertoire. Its inspired melodies and marvelous scoring were innovative when composed, and clearly a labor of love. We’ll hear it in a classic 1970 recording by the Boston Symphony that has been restored and remastered with amazing results. -
Dmitri Shostakovich composed powerful music in many genres. We’ll hear a wonderful concerto composed for a dear friend his, and an evocative film score honoring a famous scientist. -
The combination of violin, cello, and piano has long been a favorite of composers, chamber musicians, and audiences. We have two excellent trios, both happen to be in G minor, and both are by incredible women composers – Cecile Chaminade and Clara Schumann. -
For centuries the name of King Arthur has inspired works of art, literature, and music. We have music by three British composers from the 17th to the 20th centuries, each of which captures the spirit and mystery of this legendary sovereign. -
Dance music throughout the ages has been an integral part of life and art. Dances from the Renaissance period were popular music of their day and are reflective, joyful, and can be great fun. We’ll explore music of four of the best Renaissance composers. -
To mark the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, enjoy a program of American music old and new, familiar and refreshingly current. As our nation has changed over time, so has our music. -
We have more themes and variations with music from France, England, and Germany. From massive orchestral moments to equally massive moments on piano alone, we'll works by Vincent d'Indy, Hubert Parry and Johannes Brahms. -
In Franz Schubert’s tragically short life, his Viennese friends loved arranging musical soirees where his music was featured. They called these events “Schubertiades.” In this episode, we have our own Schubertiade featuring his glorious final piano sonata. -
The Leningrad Philharmonic of old was a legendary musical experience. This episode features two of Russia’s greatest instrumental soloists in live 1960s performances with that great orchestra. It’s dynamic and not to be missed.
