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Music Speaks

Music Speaks

By Shaun Rimkunas

How does music impact your life?
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Professor Eugene Corporon (Part 2)

Music SpeaksJun 07, 2022

00:00
01:13:26
Carnival of the Animals Part 2

Carnival of the Animals Part 2

Via Wikipedia:

The Carnival of the Animals (French: Le Carnaval des animaux) is a humorous musical suite of fourteen movements, including "The Swan", by the French composer Camille Saint-Saëns. The work, about 25 minutes in duration, was written for private performance by two pianos and chamber ensemble; Saint-Saëns prohibited public performance of the work during his lifetime, feeling that its frivolity would damage his standing as a serious composer. 

Mar 26, 202428:07
Carnival of the Animals Part 1

Carnival of the Animals Part 1

Via Wikipedia:

The Carnival of the Animals (French: Le Carnaval des animaux) is a humorous musical suite of fourteen movements, including "The Swan", by the French composer Camille Saint-Saëns. The work, about 25 minutes in duration, was written for private performance by two pianos and chamber ensemble; Saint-Saëns prohibited public performance of the work during his lifetime, feeling that its frivolity would damage his standing as a serious composer. 

Mar 19, 202428:17
Beethoven Symphony No. 8 In F

Beethoven Symphony No. 8 In F

The Symphony No. 8 in F major, Op. 93 is a symphony in four movements composed by Ludwig van Beethoven in 1812. Beethoven fondly referred to it as "my little Symphony in F", distinguishing it from his Sixth Symphony, a longer work also in F.[1]

The Eighth Symphony is generally light-hearted, though not lightweight, and in many places loud, with many accented notes. Various passages in the symphony are heard by some listeners to be musical jokes.[2] As with various other Beethoven works such as the Opus 27 piano sonatas and the later Ninth Symphony, the symphony deviates from Classical tradition in making the last movement the weightiest of the four.


Mar 12, 202451:49
Beethoven 7 in A Major

Beethoven 7 in A Major

According to Wikipedia:


The Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92, is a symphony in four movements composed by Ludwig van Beethoven between 1811 and 1812, while improving his health in the Bohemian spa town of Teplitz. The work is dedicated to Count Moritz von Fries.

At its premiere at the university in Vienna on 8 December 1813, Beethoven remarked that it was one of his best works. The second movement, "Allegretto", was so popular that audiences demanded an encore.[1] The "Allegretto" is frequently performed separately to this day.

Mar 05, 202455:29
Sweeney Todd Part 3

Sweeney Todd Part 3

Sweeney Todd with Hanif Lawrence.

Feb 27, 202441:50
Sweeney Todd Part 2

Sweeney Todd Part 2

This episode explores one of Sondheim's darkest musicals, Sweeney Todd; we are with Professor Lawrence for this episode.

Feb 20, 202448:08
Sweeney Todd Part 1

Sweeney Todd Part 1

This episode explores one of Sondheim's darkest musicals, Sweeney Todd; we are with Professor Lawrence for this episode.

Feb 13, 202444:20
Beethoven's Sixth Symphony (Pastoral)

Beethoven's Sixth Symphony (Pastoral)

Via Wikipedia:

Beethoven was a nature lover who spent much of his time on walks in the country. He frequently left Vienna to work in rural locations. The composer said the Sixth Symphony is "more the expression of feeling than painting."

Feb 06, 202451:44
The Proust Questionnaire (Hunter Sigona)

The Proust Questionnaire (Hunter Sigona)

In this episode, Hunter takes on the annual Proust Questionaire.

Jan 30, 202446:29
The Proust Questionnaire (Shaun Rimkunas)

The Proust Questionnaire (Shaun Rimkunas)

Shaun takes the annual Proust questionnaire.

Jan 24, 202450:18
In A Nutshell Part 2

In A Nutshell Part 2

Via Wikipedia:

In a Nutshell is a musical composition by Percy Aldridge Grainger for orchestra, piano, and Deagan percussion instruments. The suite, published in 1916, is made up of four movements: "Arrival Platform Humlet", "Gay But Wistful", "Pastoral", and "The Gum-Suckers March". Grainger later made versions for both solo piano and piano duo. It is described as one of the early modernist works of Grainger.

Jan 16, 202430:01
In A Nutshell Symphony Suite

In A Nutshell Symphony Suite

Via Wikipedia: In a Nutshell is a musical composition by Percy Aldridge Grainger for orchestra, piano, and Deagan percussion instruments. The suite, published in 1916, is made up of four movements: "Arrival Platform Humlet", "Gay But Wistful", "Pastoral", and "The Gum-Suckers March". Grainger later made versions for both solo piano and piano duo. It is described as one of the early modernist works of Grainger.

Jan 09, 202425:48
Beethoven Fifth Symphony in C Minor

Beethoven Fifth Symphony in C Minor

Via Wikipedia

The Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67, also known as the Fate Symphony (German: Schicksalssinfonie) is a symphony composed by Ludwig van Beethoven between 1804 and 1808. It is one of the best-known compositions in classical music and one of the most frequently played symphonies,[1] and it is widely considered one of the cornerstones of western music. First performed in Vienna's Theater an der Wien in 1808, the work achieved its prodigious reputation soon afterward. E. T. A. Hoffmann described the symphony as "one of the most important works of the time". As is typical of symphonies during the Classical period, Beethoven's Fifth Symphony has four movements.

It begins with a distinctive four-note "short-short-short-long" motif, often characterized as "fate knocking at the doorWestern.", the Schicksals-Motiv (fate motif):

The symphony, and the four-note opening motif in particular, are known worldwide, with the motif appearing frequently in popular culture, from disco versions to rock and roll covers, to uses in film and television.

Like Beethoven's Eroica (heroic) and Pastorale (rural), Symphony No. 5 was given an explicit name besides the numbering, though not by Beethoven himself.

Jan 02, 202401:11:24
Christmas Carol Act II

Christmas Carol Act II

Via Wikipedia and IMDB

A Christmas Carol: The Musical is a 2004 American musical⁠ television film⁠ based on the 1843⁠ novella of the same name⁠ by⁠ Charles Dickens⁠, which also inspired a⁠ 1994 stage musical⁠ by⁠ Alan Menken⁠ and⁠ Lynn Ahrens⁠.

The story features an old bitter miser who is given a chance for redemption when ghosts haunt him on Christmas Eve.

The movie was directed by⁠ Arthur Allan Seidelman⁠ and written by Ahrens; the film stars⁠ Kelsey Grammer⁠,⁠ Jesse L. Martin⁠,⁠ Jane Krakowski⁠,⁠ Jennifer Love Hewitt⁠,⁠ Geraldine Chaplin⁠, and⁠ Jason Alexander⁠. The film first premiered on November 28, 2004, on the⁠ NBC⁠ television network.

Dec 26, 202301:03:05
Christmas Carol Act I

Christmas Carol Act I

Via Wikipedia and IMDB

A Christmas Carol: The Musical is a 2004 American musical television film based on the 1843 novella of the same name by Charles Dickens, which also inspired a 1994 stage musical by Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens.

The story features an old bitter miser who is given a chance for redemption when ghosts haunt him on Christmas Eve.

The movie was directed by Arthur Allan Seidelman and written by Ahrens; the film stars Kelsey Grammer, Jesse L. Martin, Jane Krakowski, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Geraldine Chaplin, and Jason Alexander. The film first premiered on November 28, 2004, on the NBC television network.

Dec 19, 202354:21
Kevin Mazzarella

Kevin Mazzarella

For this episode, we will interview a new guest, Kevin Mazzarella. Kevin is an experienced and passionate music educator and clinician. Kevin has presented a “Building Your Trumpet Toolkit” session at the Connecticut Music Educator Association (CMEA) in-service conference. Mazzarella completed his graduate work at the University of Connecticut (UConn) in trumpet performance and at Teachers College, Columbia University in music and music education.


Dec 12, 202301:35:15
Anything Goes Act 2

Anything Goes Act 2

Via Wikipedia:

Anything Goes is a musical with music and lyrics by Cole Porter. The original book was a collaborative effort by Guy Bolton and P. G. Wodehouse, revised considerably by the team of Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse.[1] The story concerns madcap antics aboard an ocean liner bound from New York to London. Billy Crocker is a stowaway in love with heiress Hope Harcourt, who is engaged to Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Nightclub singer Reno Sweeney and Public Enemy Number 13, "Moonface" Martin, aid Billy in his quest to win Hope. The musical introduced such songs as "Anything Goes," "You're the Top," and "I Get a Kick Out of You."

Since its 1934 debut at the Alvin Theatre (now known as the Neil Simon Theatre) on Broadway, the musical has been revived several times in the United States and Britain and filmed thrice. The musical has long been a popular choice for school and community productions.

Dec 05, 202342:22
Anything Goes Act 1

Anything Goes Act 1

Via Wikipedia:

Anything Goes is a musical with music and lyrics by Cole Porter. The original book was a collaborative effort by Guy Bolton and P. G. Wodehouse, revised considerably by the team of Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse.[1] The story concerns madcap antics aboard an ocean liner bound from New York to London. Billy Crocker is a stowaway in love with heiress Hope Harcourt, who is engaged to Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Nightclub singer Reno Sweeney and Public Enemy Number 13, "Moonface" Martin, aid Billy in his quest to win Hope. The musical introduced such songs as "Anything Goes," "You're the Top," and "I Get a Kick Out of You."

Since its 1934 debut at the Alvin Theatre (now known as the Neil Simon Theatre) on Broadway, the musical has been revived several times in the United States and Britain and filmed thrice. The musical has long been a popular choice for school and community productions.



Nov 29, 202352:36
Lincolnshire Posy

Lincolnshire Posy

Via Wikipedia:

Lincolnshire Posy is a musical composition by Percy Grainger for concert band commissioned in 1937 by the American Bandmasters Association.[1] Considered by John Bird, the author of Grainger's biography, to be his masterpiece, the 16-minute-long work has six movements, each adapted from folk songs that Grainger had collected on a 1905–1906 trip to Lincolnshire, England.[2][3] In a similar fashion to these folk songs, many of the movements are in strophic form. The work debuted with three movements on March 7, 1937 performed by the Milwaukee Symphonic Band, a group composed of members from bands including the Blatz Brewery and Pabst Blue Ribbon beer factory worker bands in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.[4]

Nov 21, 202354:43
Mini-Episode of Hunter's Music Theory Knowledge

Mini-Episode of Hunter's Music Theory Knowledge

In this episode, Shaun tests Hunter on Music Theory Knowledge via Classical FM.

Nov 14, 202305:38
Beethoven Symphony No. 4 in Bb Major

Beethoven Symphony No. 4 in Bb Major

Via Wikipedia

In general the symphony is sunny and cheerful, with light instrumentation that for some listeners recalls the symphonies of Joseph Haydn, with whom Beethoven had studied a decade before.[13] In a commentary on the symphony Grove comments that Haydn – who was still alive when the new symphony was first performed – might have found the work too strong for his taste.[2] The Fourth Symphony contrasts with Beethoven's style in the previous Third Symphony (Eroica), and has sometimes been overshadowed by its massive predecessor[n 4] and its fiery successor, the Fifth Symphony.[2]


Nov 07, 202301:14:53
Grace Rimkunas (Part 3) w/ Pop Quiz!

Grace Rimkunas (Part 3) w/ Pop Quiz!

Grace Rimkunas is a Connecticut native. She attended the University of Connecticut in pursual of an undergraduate degree in Music Education and a master’s in Curriculum Design and Instruction. Post graduation, Grace taught elementary general music and front ensemble for approximately four years. While teaching, she came to realize that she hoped to impact a larger audience of young people through music. She attended Indiana University in pursual of a master’s degree in Arts Administration. Grace interned with Music for All in the fall of 2021 and began working full time as an Advancement Coordinator in January of 2022. She is excited to announce that she has changed roles to Sponsorships Coordinator. 

Oct 31, 202336:50
Grace Rimkunas (Part 2)

Grace Rimkunas (Part 2)

Grace Rimkunas is a Connecticut native. She attended the University of Connecticut in pursual of an undergraduate degree in Music Education and a master’s in Curriculum Design and Instruction. Post graduation, Grace taught elementary general music and front ensemble for approximately four years. While teaching, she came to realize that she hoped to impact a larger audience of young people through music. She attended Indiana University in pursual of a master’s degree in Arts Administration. Grace interned with Music for All in the fall of 2021 and began working full time as an Advancement Coordinator in January of 2022. She is excited to announce that she has changed roles to Sponsorships Coordinator. 

Oct 24, 202333:32
Grace Rimkunas (Part 1)

Grace Rimkunas (Part 1)

Grace Rimkunas is a Connecticut native. She attended the University of Connecticut in pursuant of an undergraduate degree in Music Education and a master’s in Curriculum Design and Instruction. Post graduation, Grace taught elementary general music and front ensemble for approximately four years. While teaching, she came to realize that she hoped to impact a larger audience of young people through music. She attended Indiana University in pursuant of a master’s degree in Arts Administration. Grace interned with Music for All in the fall of 2021 and began working full time as an Advancement Coordinator in January of 2022. She is excited to announce that she has changed roles to Sponsorship Coordinator.

Oct 17, 202330:27
What the Heck are Shaun and Hunter Listening to? Part 4

What the Heck are Shaun and Hunter Listening to? Part 4

What the Heck are Shaun and Hunter Listening to? Songs 13-14

Oct 10, 202322:45
What the Heck are Shaun and Hunter Listening to? Part 3

What the Heck are Shaun and Hunter Listening to? Part 3

What the Heck are Shaun and Hunter Listening to? Songs 9-12

Oct 03, 202332:04
What the Heck are Shaun and Hunter Listening to? Part 2

What the Heck are Shaun and Hunter Listening to? Part 2

What the Heck are Shaun and Hunter Listening to? Songs 5-8

Sep 26, 202335:04
What the Heck are Shaun and Hunter Listening to? Part 1

What the Heck are Shaun and Hunter Listening to? Part 1

What the Heck are Shaun and Hunter Listening to? - Find Out in Songs 1-4

Sep 19, 202327:27
Anastasia Act 2

Anastasia Act 2

In this Episode, Hunter and Shaun discuss Ahren and Flaherty's musical, Anastasia Act 2.

(Via Playbill)

With music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and a book by Terrence McNally, and inspired by a 75 year old legend and subsequent beloved films, Anastasia transports audiences from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.

Sep 12, 202344:51
Anastasia Act I

Anastasia Act I

In this episode, Hunter and Shaun discuss Ahren and Flaherty's Anastasia, Act I.

(Via Playbill)

With music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and a book by Terrence McNally, and inspired by a 75 year old legend and subsequent beloved films, Anastasia transports audiences from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.


Sep 05, 202351:09
Hanif Lawrence (Part 3)
Aug 29, 202322:47
Hanif Lawrence (Part 2)

Hanif Lawrence (Part 2)

In this episode, Hunter Sigona discovers Hanif Lawrence's Top 12 Playlist.

In That Great Getting Up Morning (Kathleen Battle & Jessye Norman) https://youtu.be/2ZzCB6fEph

Walk Together Children (Moses Hogan Chorale) https://youtu.be/0AlSYZpPBPg

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing (Combined Choirs of BYU) https://youtu.be/nq-Q22Pf1W

Blow, Gabriel, Blow (New Cast Recording w/ Patti LuPone - 1987) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H81OvAcD90k

Star of Bethlehem (Jamaica Youth Chorale) https://youtu.be/jGMY6Qj-8k8


Aug 22, 202337:01
Hanif Lawrence (Part 1)
Aug 15, 202348:33
Beethoven Symphony No. 3 in Eb Major

Beethoven Symphony No. 3 in Eb Major

In this episode, Mary, Hunter, and Shaun analyze Beethoven's Third Symphony in Eb.

Aug 08, 202301:03:45
Laufey Part II

Laufey Part II

“Cause the Sun is Engaged with the sky and my best friend has found a new guy” = Laufey

Laufey Lín Jónsdóttir, known by the mononym Laufey, is an Icelandic singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who became popular in the early 2020s. She describes her musical style, a mixture of jazz pop and bedroom pop, as modern jazz. Laufey participated in The Voice Iceland in 2015. She released her debut EP Typical of Me in 2021, before releasing her debut album Everything I Know About Love in 2022.


Aug 01, 202331:31
Laufey Part 1

Laufey Part 1

“Cause the Sun is Engaged with the sky and my best friend has found a new guy” = Laufey

Laufey Lín Jónsdóttir, known by the mononym Laufey, is an Icelandic singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who became popular in the early 2020s. She describes her musical style, a mixture of jazz pop and bedroom pop, as modern jazz. Laufey participated in The Voice Iceland in 2015. She released her debut EP Typical of Me in 2021, before releasing her debut album Everything I Know About Love in 2022.


Jul 25, 202333:14
Linkin Park Part 3

Linkin Park Part 3

In this episode, we sit down with Nick Harriau to discuss Linkin Park second album "Meteora" for which it is the 20th anniversary.

Jul 18, 202316:60
Linkin Park Part 2

Linkin Park Part 2

In this episode, we sit down with Nick Harriau to discuss Linkin Park second album "Meteora" for which it is the 20th anniversary.

Jul 11, 202337:23
Linkin Park Part 1

Linkin Park Part 1

In this episode, we sit down with Nick Harriau to discuss Linkin Park second album "Meteora" for which it is the 20th anniversary.

Jul 04, 202339:60
Hozier Part 2 (Feat. Meredith Neumann)

Hozier Part 2 (Feat. Meredith Neumann)

In this episode, Hunter and Shaun, we break down some of Irish singers Hozier's music with Meredith Neumann.

Jun 27, 202335:11
Hozier Part 1 (Feat. Meredith Neumann)

Hozier Part 1 (Feat. Meredith Neumann)

In this episode, Hunter and Shaun, we break down some of Irish singers Hozier's music with Meredith Neumann.

Jun 20, 202346:13
Mini Verdi Requiem Episode Part 3

Mini Verdi Requiem Episode Part 3

In a Mini Music Speaks Episode, Shaun, Hunter and guest host Hanif Lawrence discuss Verdi's Requiem.

From strict scientific disciplines to the passionate artistry of Music, Hanif Lawrence has worked his way from one end of the spectrum to the other while sharpening his skills as a conductor and vocalist. “Music is what keeps me SANE!” Lawrence often says, and there has certainly been no shortage of it because he has been focused on making meaningful music that audiences everywhere will appreciate. This Jamaican-born musician holds a Bachelor of Music from Alcorn State University in Vocal Performance, and has performed, prepared ensembles, and conducted choirs in the United States, parts of Europe, and the Caribbean.

Jun 13, 202308:23
Verdi Requiem Part 2

Verdi Requiem Part 2

Shaun, Hunter and guest host Hanif Lawrence discuss Verdi's Requiem.

From strict scientific disciplines to the passionate artistry of Music, Hanif Lawrence has worked his way from one end of the spectrum to the other while sharpening his skills as a conductor and vocalist. “Music is what keeps me SANE!” Lawrence often says, and there has certainly been no shortage of it because he has been focused on making meaningful music that audiences everywhere will appreciate. This Jamaican-born musician holds a Bachelor of Music from Alcorn State University in Vocal Performance, and has performed, prepared ensembles, and conducted choirs in the United States, parts of Europe, and the Caribbean.

Jun 06, 202357:26
Verdi's Requiem Part 1

Verdi's Requiem Part 1

Shaun, Hunter and guest host Hanif Lawrence discuss Verdi's Requiem.

From strict scientific disciplines to the passionate artistry of Music, Hanif Lawrence has worked his way from one end of the spectrum to the other while sharpening his skills as a conductor and vocalist. “Music is what keeps me SANE!” Lawrence often says, and there has certainly been no shortage of it because he has been focused on making meaningful music that audiences everywhere will appreciate. This Jamaican-born musician holds a Bachelor of Music from Alcorn State University in Vocal Performance, and has performed, prepared ensembles, and conducted choirs in the United States, parts of Europe, and the Caribbean.

May 30, 202301:35:04
Beethoven Symphony No. 2 in D Major

Beethoven Symphony No. 2 in D Major

In this episode, guest host Valerie Nuzzolo and I discuss Beethoven's second symphony, and explore arching themes due to Beethoven's deafness.

May 23, 202301:06:03
Beethoven Symphony No. 1 in C Major

Beethoven Symphony No. 1 in C Major

Shaun, Hunter, and Guest Host Valerie Nuzzolo breaks down Beethoven's first symphony.


May 16, 202301:12:49
Carl Trammel Part 3

Carl Trammel Part 3

Carl G Trammel is a native of Lexington, Kentucky. For the past 10 years he has acted in, directed, stage managed, sound designed, produced, and written numerous shows. Most recently he directed Image Theaters production of The Scottish Play. Other roles include Assassins (Balladeer/Lee Harvey Oswald), Matilda (The Escapologist), American Idiot (Johnny), and To Kill a Mockingbird (Nathan/Boo Radley).

May 09, 202314:01
Carl Trammel Part 2

Carl Trammel Part 2

Carl G Trammel is a native of Lexington, Kentucky. For the past 10 years he has acted in, directed, stage managed, sound designed, produced, and written numerous shows. Most recently he directed Image Theater production of The Scottish Play. Other roles include Assassins (Balladeer/Lee Harvey Oswald), Matilda (The Escapologist), American Idiot (Johnny), and To Kill a Mockingbird (Nathan/Boo Radley).

May 02, 202301:09:32
Carl Trammel Part 1

Carl Trammel Part 1

Carl G Trammel is a native of Lexington, Kentucky. For the past 10 years he has acted in, directed, stage managed, sound designed, produced, and written numerous shows. Most recently he directed Image Theater production of The Scottish Play. Other roles include Assassins (Balladeer/Lee Harvey Oswald), Matilda (The Escapologist), American Idiot (Johnny), and To Kill a Mockingbird (Nathan/Boo Radley).

Apr 25, 202358:59
Final John Williams Film Music Pod (Part 6)

Final John Williams Film Music Pod (Part 6)

In this episode, Hunter and Shaun discuss some of John William's Film Music in the 2010's.

Apr 18, 202319:09