The Classical Music Minute
The Classical Music Minute is a short, engaging classical music podcast that explores the stories, composers, and curious traditions behind the world’s greatest music.
Ever wondered who the Florentine Camerata were? Where the conductor’s baton came from? Or what the difference is between opera buffa and opera seria?
Hosted by Canadian composer and storyteller Steven Hobé, each episode offers a quick and entertaining journey through classical music history, uncovering fascinating facts about composers, famous works, opera, orchestras, and musical traditions.
Whether you’re a lifelong music lover or simply curious about classical music, hop around music history with Steven—one musical minute at a time.
The Classical Music Minute
Latest Episodes
What Were Rescue Operas? | The Classical Music Minute
Prisoners, secret identities, political oppression—and a daring rescue just in time. Discover how the revolutionary spirit of Europe inspired the rescue opera, a dramatic genre that gave us works such as Beethoven’s Fidelio—all in just...
What Is the Circle of Fifths? | The Classical Music Minute
It looks like a musical clock, but the Circle of Fifths is actually a map of how musical keys relate to one another. Discover how this ingenious diagram helps explain key signatures, harmony, and even how composers move from one key to another—...
Why Can a Piano Play in Every Key? The Secret of Equal Temperament | The Classical Music Minute
What if making music sound in tune actually requires making it slightly out of tune? Discover the ingenious compromise of equal temperament and how dividing the octave into twelve equal parts allows musicians to play freely in every key—all in ...
What Were Goethe's Rules for Actors? | The Classical Music Minute
Long before modern acting schools, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote a remarkable guide for performers. Discover why his advice on clarity, discipline, and natural expression still resonates with actors today—all in just sixty seconds.
How Did We Start Writing Music? | The Classical Music Minute
Music wasn't always written down. Discover how a medieval monk named Guido of Arezzo helped revolutionize music with a system of notation that still shapes the way musicians read and perform music today—all in just sixty seconds.