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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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. -
Iconic British composer Sir Edward Elgar is known for his marvelous “Enigma Variations,” but he also composed symphonies and a variety of other music. His second symphony from 1911, is a thought-provoking expression of the end of the Edwardian era and the full measure of the new 20th Century. -
The music of Spain is as varied and as delicious as its cuisine. Host Frank Byrne shares three contrasting works, culminating with a dynamic ballet score that fuses indigenous dances and songs, into a thrilling narrative. -
Richard Wagner is known for his over-the-top operatic spectacles. But earlier in his life, he composed other music that shows his budding talent and a different side of this legendary and complex genius. -
Symphonies for pipe organ and full orchestra are a thrilling experience. While the best known is Camille Saint-Saens’ Third Symphony, in this episode, enjoy two contrasting works by Aaron Copland and Alexandre Guilmant. The Copland shows modern trends in the 1920s, and the Guilmant is a full-blooded Romantic showpiece. -
Celebrate 250 episodes of "From the Archives" with Franz Schubert’s Symphony No. 9, known as “The Great.” Its “heavenly length” (as described by Robert Schumann), today seems just perfect, and Schubert gives us melodies as only he can. We’ll hear it in a spectacular live performance by the Gunter Wand and the Berlin Philharmonic.
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Erich Wolfgang Korngold was one of the greatest film composers of the early 20th century. He composed a brilliant score for the 1940 film “The Sea Hawk” starring Errol Flynn. It’s been called “the best swashbuckling film of all time,” and the music is spectacular and great fun.
