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
Why Did Baroque Arias Repeat Themselves? The Da Capo Aria | The Classical Music Minute
Why would an opera aria finish—and then send the singer straight back to the beginning? Discover the da capo aria, a Baroque form that turned repetition into an opportunity for singers to improvise, ornament, and show off their artistry—all in ...
Before the Blues, There Was John Dowland | The Classical Music Minute
Sad songs were popular long before modern playlists. Meet John Dowland, the Elizabethan composer and virtuoso lutenist who transformed melancholy into some of the most hauntingly beautiful music of his age—all in just sixty seconds.
What Were the Apollonian Principles in Stravinsky’s Music? | The Classical Music Minute
Stravinsky wasn't always the revolutionary behind The Rite of Spring. Discover how the ancient Greek ideal of Apollo—order, clarity, balance, and restraint—helped shape his Neoclassical music and a very different side of his creativity...
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—...