Caption: Amanda Ratliff
Amanda Ratliff 

Animated Conversation

Series: Art for Ears
From: The Fine Arts Society of Indianapolis
Length: 00:28:21

How do composers create lively dialogues or exchange spirited thoughts with their instrumental music? Read the full description.

Aratliff2_small True to its definition, animation–life, interest, activity, motion—can be infused into entire movements by just a few notes, a certain motive, or by material passing from one instrument to another. Our study of J.S. Bach (the Gigue from his French Suite No. 5 in G Major, BWV 816), Mozart (Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550, final movement), Brahms (excerpt from the opening of Symphony No. 1), and Bartók (the Piano Concerto No. 2, opening movement) will inspire an “Animated Conversation.”

To hear the full audio, sign up for a free PRX account or log in.

Also in the Art for Ears series

Caption: Amanda Ratliff

Leaping for Joy (00:27:38)
From: The Fine Arts Society of Indianapolis

Supposedly someone asked Franz Josef Haydn why the Dona nobis pacem of his “Nelson” Mass was so exhilarating, and not the expected peaceful atmosphere.
Caption: Amanda Ratliff

More Legends (00:28:52)
From: The Fine Arts Society of Indianapolis

In this program we explore legends kept alive by historic recordings and the performers’ unmatched contributions to the musical world.
Caption: Amanda Ratliff

Legends (00:28:10)
From: The Fine Arts Society of Indianapolis

This week we study great legends of the past—legendary performers, legendary recordings.
Caption: Amanda Ratliff

Change of Clothes (00:28:38)
From: The Fine Arts Society of Indianapolis

In today’s program we study musical works that have received a "Change of Clothes."
Caption: Amanda Ratliff

Favorite Chopin (00:26:41)
From: The Fine Arts Society of Indianapolis

Every dedicated listener surely has favorite Chopin performances.
Caption: Amanda Ratliff

Musical Journeys (00:27:07)
From: The Fine Arts Society of Indianapolis

Featuring programmatic music of Richard Strauss (selections from Don Quixote); Liszt (an excerpt of Vallée d’Obermann from the Swiss book “Years of Pilgrimage”); Wagner (an ...
Caption: Amanda Ratliff

Astrology and Mythology (00:26:29)
From: The Fine Arts Society of Indianapolis

This week we consider the influence of astrology and mythology on music.
Caption: Amanda Ratliff

“Call me unpredictable” (00:27:18)
From: The Fine Arts Society of Indianapolis

The great lyricist Sammy Cahn once wrote the famous “Call me irresponsible” for a 1963 film. We all know the words sung by Frank Sinatra: “call me unreliable, throw in ...
Caption: Amanda Ratliff

Great Opera Duets (00:26:53)
From: The Fine Arts Society of Indianapolis

Memorable moments in opera include great duets by peerless partners.
Caption: Amanda Ratliff

Turning Points (00:28:36)
From: The Fine Arts Society of Indianapolis

Many times in the arts, in literature, in any discipline, a turning point in a story hinges on one decision, on one unfolding, on one change of direction.

Piece Description

True to its definition, animation–life, interest, activity, motion—can be infused into entire movements by just a few notes, a certain motive, or by material passing from one instrument to another. Our study of J.S. Bach (the Gigue from his French Suite No. 5 in G Major, BWV 816), Mozart (Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550, final movement), Brahms (excerpt from the opening of Symphony No. 1), and Bartók (the Piano Concerto No. 2, opening movement) will inspire an “Animated Conversation.”

Timing and Cues

Total Runtime: 27:50

Related Website

www.fasindy.org