An Exploration of Schubert, Handel's Israel in Egypt, and more on WETA Classical this week

Sound Impact explores classical composers’ fascination with folk songs and musical nationalism, from Dvořák’s stirring and nostalgic “American” quartet to stunning quartet arrangements of Scandinavian folk songs by the Danish String Quartet.

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John Banther and James Jacobs explore the life and music of Franz Schubert. He was a composer who seemed to fit some of the "tragic artist" stereotypes of the Romantic period, he was prolific, had unrequited love, and died tragically young. Explore Schubert's life, his unrivaled gift for melody, efficiency with composing, his arrest, and more!

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Opera Matinee presents the Ballad of the Canal by Yin Qing. This 2012 opera incorporates Chinese folk music to celebrate the history of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, the longest canal in the world and the personalities who lived along its flowing waters. A production of National Centre for the Performing Arts, conducted by Lü Jia.

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The weekend on Choral Showcase, we offer Israel in Egypt - an early oratorio by George Frideric Handel drawn from the Book of Exodus. Sung in three parts, it recounts the story of Moses delivering his people from Egyptian bondage to freedom.

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​A piano duo plays Saint-Saëns’ thrilling Danse Macabre. A teenage violinist performs Jessie Montgomery’s “Peace” and reflects on a stunning experience deep in a cave in Virginia. We also hear from a winner of the prestigious Junior Sphinx competition.

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Greet the cool autumn mornings with the perfect musical companion, Classical Sunrise. Here are this week's selections:

• Monday 6:52AM Scarlatti:  Keyboard Sonata, K 29 in D Major
• Tuesday 6:52AM Haydn - String Quartet, Op. 76 No. 4 "Sunrise": III
• Wednesday 6:53AM  Alfvén - Mountain King: Dance of the Shepherdess
• Thursday 6:54AM Chopin - Etude, Op. 10 No. 5 G-flat Major "Black Key"
• Friday 6:55AM Grainger - Handel in the Strand

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