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Naxos Classical Spotlight explores the world of classical music. Along the way host Raymond Bisha shares the stories about the music, and the musicians who make it.  Raymond has been involved in classical music as a professional French Horn player, broadcaster, opera tour manager, concert organizer and since 2005 as a podcaster for Naxos.

Sep 9, 2016

Raymond Bisha presents two ballet scores by Aaron Copland: one woefully little known; one a beloved staple of dance companies. The jazz-influenced Hear Ye! Hear Ye! (1934) narrates the scenario of a nightclub murder and the ensuing trial in a Chicago courtroom. Highlighting life at the violent edge of American society, the work’s original choreography was by Ruth Page, who went on to become the Grande Dame of American ballet. In complete contrast, Appalachian Spring (1944) is Copland’s most internationally celebrated work. Inspired by a story created by the legendary dancer and choreographer Martha Graham, the score draws on a wealth of American folk music for its material.