We asked HPR-2 listeners to vote for their essential classical genres - the types of music that they simply can't live without. Are you bananas for baroque? Committed to classical? Rapt by romantic?
We counted down the most popular genres during our 2019 Fall Fund Drive - starting with #10 on September 25, and ending with #1 on October 4.
#10 - Grand Opera
Gene Schiller explains why grand opera is often called "the Super Bowl of the arts."
#9 - Film Music
John Kalani Zak explains the origins of film music, and how it can move us to tears (or the edge of our seats).
#8 - Concertos
A concerto can challenge both the soloist and the orchestra, as host Judy Anderson describes.
#7 - Romantic
Sharene Taba explains how Romantic music was a product of the Industrial Revolution.
#6 - Early Music
Early Music host Ian Capps recalls memories of discovering this genre of music.
#5 - Solo Piano
A piano can convey elegance, have you dancing, or give you a burst of energy, according to Howard Dicus.
#4 - Symphonic
Though a Symphony can be an hour or more in length, Gene Schiller distills it to just one minute.
#3 - Chamber Music
Host Craig DeSilva encourages listeners to seek out live performances of chamber music.
#2 - Classical
Louise King Lanzilotti introduces the Classical period as HPR-2 listeners' #2 favorite.
#1 - Baroque
Baroque didn't even have a name until after the period had ended, explains Louise King Lanzilotti.
