Holiday Traditions fill our lives in so many ways; they mark the passing of time, make us feel grounded and secure by providing continuity, and they warm our hearts by creating memories that sustain us through the years.
One of our favorite Classical California traditions begins in early autumn and concludes at midnight each New Year’s Eve…..The Classical California Playlist Countdown!
This year we’ve collected the Ultimate 101; The pieces you chose to wrap up yet another year that speak to the beautiful complexity of our Golden State. Each year we put out the call and eagerly watch the results come in like kids anticipating Christmas Morning! What will they choose? Will Haydn finally make the list? How many John Williams will there be? Will Ludwig once again reign supreme??
And you, dear listening family, NEVER disappoint! Your choices are so thoughtful and inspiring, and the stories you tell…..! My great joy as we present the countdown every year is letting you take the reigns and share your stories; your words as you describe the music that means so much to you often take my breath away, and I am honored to present you to the whole listening community. I’d like to celebrate the New Year by highlighting a few of 2025’s most compelling and heartfelt music stories, and the music they inspire.
We’ll being with an American classic that came in at #12
John Wright says,
This piece is not just a ballet story, but the story of America. It begins with the Awakening and Gathering, proceeds through some Discord, until finally (such is the musical genius of Copland) the Great Tune seems to construct itself until it rings out whole and true. The end reprises the Awakening, and the last note on a triangle shines like a star in the night sky. As we approach our 250th birthday, it behooves us to remember "Tis the gift to be simple, Tis a gift to be free...
And Karen Poindexter agrees!
When I hear this piece I am instantly transformed to the wide open spaces of the American landscape: broad expansive meadows and the highest peaks of the Rockies. I have escaped the bounds of my tightly controlled life and can sail free over the gorgeous open land that is America.
Number 12 in the 2025 Classical California Ultimate 101
A very special event which took place featuring David Finckel and Wu Han, Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring
There are such wonderful stories about some of this year’s runner-ups that simply must be included!
Next we hear from April Muller Tilles, with a wonderful bit of personal nostalgia about Antonin Dvorak’s Humoresque #7
In 1915, Charlie Chaplin came to the town of Niles, now part of Fremont, to film comedies, including, "The Tramp." The Dvorak piece, Op. 101, Humoresque No. 7, was utilized by Chaplin to enhance the pathos for his Tramp character. The Niles community has preserved the memory of the SNA (Essanay) film company and Chaplain's legacy with a museum, preserved homes, and artifacts. It's a great town to visit. Play Dvorak's heartfelt Humoresque on your way into town!
Here is the wonderful Augustin Hadelich with Dvorak’s Humoresque No7
Nancy La Bash brings us an incredible story that is very close to home!
I first heard the Biebl “Ave Maria” many years ago, sung by Chanticleer in a San Francisco concert where they accompanied performance artists, Eiko and Koma. The stage was a pool of water, no more than two inches deep, in which the naked performers moved in slow motion on their hands and knees, creating a myriad of shapes and forms. The men of Chanticleer stood around the perimeter of the pool, dressed in hooded robs like monks. I remember the mesmerizing movements of the dancers and the monastic quality of Chanticleer’s singing. I was stunned and in awe over the performance. Years later, I had the opportunity to sing the “Ave Maria” with Chanticleer at a Chanticleer in Sonoma workshop at Sonoma State University. Chanticleer sponsored future Chanticleer in Sonoma workshops which I was lucky to attend and at each one we sang the Biebl. This piece has great meaning for me around the promulgation of vocal talent in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond, thanks largely to Chanticleer.
Virginia Jansen has a clear favorite for 2025, a masterpiece by The King of Song that speaks to the grandeur of California.
This is simply the best piece of music ever written! What is better for a California list than music that expresses our rushing streams with many quiet pools adjudicating the flow, also a metaphor for thought as well as physical activity. And abundant wildlife enjoying them as well as humans? Its melodies and changes of pace and surprising repetitions just when you thought it was over is appropriate for California enjoyment as well as musical excitement.
Number 76 in the 2025 Classical California Ultimate 101 Countdown, here's Franz Schubert’s Piano Quintet D667 performed at the Festival Mozaic in the Central Coast of California in San Luis Obispo County.
And finally, it’s not a party until everyone is on the dance floor. Olivia Bitter’s choice for the number 28 spot is impossible to resist!
To me, Arturo Márquez’s Danzón No. 2 embodies the true soul and spirit of KUSC and the LA classical music scene. As someone who currently lives out of California, but who has traveled this past March for the very first time to LA, this particular piece reminds me everyday of the special memories I made there. From its light and fast-moving tempo at the beginning, to its climax bursting forth full of energy, joy, and life, no playlist would be complete without it. A perfect piece to commemorate a perfect trip experience. I’m already planning to return to LA for more memories next year! Ever since I first watched a video recording of Gustavo Dudamel leading the LA Phil in a performance of Danzón No. 2, I was immediately in love with it, which is why this piece has a special place in my heart.
And that’s a wrap on 2025! Our deepest thanks and appreciation to all of our listening family, especially to the folks who contributed to this year’s Ultimate 101! You are truly the Life of The Party!
See you next year!
