Episode 1: Characters

Music and stories can both have characters. Learn how composers musically represent characters in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Overture to The Magic Flute.

Episode 2: Setting

Where does a story take place? Composers can give us clues about the setting of a story with their music. Hear how Johann Strauss Jr.’s Overture to The Bat tells listeners that the story takes place in Vienna.

Episode 3: Conflict & Resolution

Composers use melody and harmony to represent the conflicts and resolutions found in our favorite stories. Hear how Antonín Dvořák tells an autobiographical story of conquering his homesickness and finding happiness in his “Largo” from Symphony No. 9.

Episode 4: A Musical Story

Characters, setting, conflict and resolution work together to tell stories. Composers represent them musically to tell stories we can hear. Listen to how they tell the story of Dan the dog in Edward Elgar’s “G.R.S.” from Enigma Variations.

Episode 5: The Remarkable Farkle McBride

Music and words can team up to tell a story. Hear the words to John Lithgow’s The Remarkable Farkle McBride while the CSO plays music by Bill Elliott representing a young child’s journey to find an instrument that satisfies his love of music.