Welcome to "Intermezzo" — where we take a few minutes to bounce some ideas around about classical music.
Some experiences just stick out. Maybe because they’re out of the ordinary, or maybe because our senses were on high alert that day. In this episode, Christy and her cohost Betty dig into the kind of memories that pop up when you least expect them — and how music can take us right back to those moments.
“I just moved to Michigan this year,” says Christy, “and being around all these pine trees suddenly brought me back to this huge pine tree I used to climb as a kid in Kansas City. It was perfect for climbing, and I’d always end up with sap in my hair—so hard to get out.”
That spark of nostalgia leads the conversation into how composers throughout history have done the same thing. Meet Fanny Mendelssohn, who, after a yearlong family trip through Italy in 1839–1840, wrote a set of pieces inspired by her time in Rome. One of them, "Farewell to Rome," really captures that feeling of not wanting to say goodbye.
“You can hear how reluctant she is to leave,” says Christy. “It’s like FAnny Mendelssohn's way of holding onto the city just a little longer.”
Why do composers write nostalgic music? And what is it about certain memories that keep echoing back?
Friday shout-outs!
Congrats to Margaret and Barbara!
Hear today's full episode by clicking "Listen" above.
Christy L'Esperance is the host and producer of Intermezzo.
Thanks to our cohost Betty.
Scott Clemens is IPR's Digital Content Producer.
