This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.

Templeton discusses his theory of the old masters, that they're not as long-haired and stuffy as some have made them out to be. They were human beings, after all. Bach didn't write the arpeggio passages himself; he simply wrote the chords, much like writing for bands now. The artist is allowed to improvise on those chords.

Introduces Bach Brandenburg Concerto #5 in D major. Discusses the cadenza in particular, which is full of beautiful sequences. It is a musical vitamin. (music is not recorded here)

The old masters were pranksters. Haydn woke up his audience in the second movement of his surprise symphony with a loud chord. Haydn's Farewell Symphony.

Introduces the last two movements of the divertimento in F major, a musical joke. The violin goes perfectly off key. (music is not recorded here)

Explains his satirical operas. Introduces a Rosa Ponselle recording. (music is not recorded here)

Discusses seeing a brass band in a park and Rachmaninoff.

Introduces Rachmaninoff's Prelude in C sharp minor. (music is included)

Introduces Edvard Grieg's "To Spring." (music is included)

Discussion influence of Debussy and Ravel. Introduces Debussy's "Claire de Lune." (music is included)

[Poor quality original.]

Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection

WNYC archives id: 72691
Municipal archives id: LT3884