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 Can a Piano Play in Every Key? The Secret of Equal Temperament | The Classical Music Minute
What if making music sound in tune actually requires making it slightly out of tune? Discover the ingenious compromise of equal temperament and how dividing the octave into twelve equal parts allows musicians to play freely in every key—all in ...
What Were Goethe's Rules for Actors? | The Classical Music Minute
Long before modern acting schools, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote a remarkable guide for performers. Discover why his advice on clarity, discipline, and natural expression still resonates with actors today—all in just sixty seconds.
How Did We Start Writing Music? | The Classical Music Minute
Music wasn't always written down. Discover how a medieval monk named Guido of Arezzo helped revolutionize music with a system of notation that still shapes the way musicians read and perform music today—all in just sixty seconds.
What Happened to Classical Music in the Early 20th Century? | The Classical Music Minute
The early twentieth century was a time of enormous musical change. Discover how composers responded to a changing world by breaking traditions, experimenting with new sounds, and redefining what classical music could become—all in just sixty se...
Drama Meets Music with Monteverdi | The Classical Music Minute
Opera didn't appear overnight. Meet Claudio Monteverdi, the composer who transformed music into powerful drama and helped create one of the world's greatest art forms. In just sixty seconds, discover why he's often called the father of opera.