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 Does “Opus” Mean in Classical Music? | The Classical Music Minute
What Does “Opus” Mean in Classical Music?What does “opus” mean when you see it in a classical music title?In this episode of The Classical Music Minute, we explore the meaning behind this common musical term. Derived from the Lati...
Why Did Mozart Write So Many Operas? | The Classical Music Minute
Why did Mozart compose so many operas during his short lifetime?In this episode of The Classical Music Minute, we explore why opera played such an important role in Mozart’s career. In the late eighteenth century, opera was one of Europe...
Why Is Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 So Famous? | The Classical Music Minute
Why is Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 one of the most recognizable pieces of music ever written?In this episode of The Classical Music Minute, we explore the famous four-note opening that begins the symphony—often described as da-da-da-D...
Why Do Orchestras Tune to the Oboe? | The Classical Music Minute
Why Do Orchestras Tune to the Oboe?Why do orchestras tune to the oboe before a concert begins?In this episode of The Classical Music Minute, we explore the tradition behind the single tuning note that signals the star...
Why Is Pachelbel’s Canon in D Played at Weddings? | The Classical Music Minute
Why is Pachelbel’s Canon in D played at weddings?In this episode of The Classical Music Minute, we explore how a small Baroque chamber work by Johann Pachelbel unexpectedly became one of the most popular wedding processio...