Music Contributor Dr. Scott Stewart Shares His Favorite Romantic Works By Various Composers

Love might be the most common theme in music. You’ll find references to love and romance in folk songs, the classical world, pop, jazz, musical theater, movie soundtracks and even in TikTok videos.  It is a touchpoint of inspiration for composers, some of whom have composed music specifically for the objects of their affection. WABE music contributor Dr. Scott Stewart joined “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes to discuss a Valentine’s Day collection of musical love letters.

“There is a long history of composers dedicating music to their employers or mentors, but they have also — sometimes in sneaky, coded ways — sent romantic messages through their music,” Stewart said.

Composers and their romantic music compositions featured in the interview:

1. Richard Wagner – “Siegfried Idyll”
2. Richard Wagner – “Tristan und Isolde”
3. Robert  Schumann – “Die Lotosblume” (The Lotus Flower)
4. Johannes Brahms – “Intermezzo in A Major, Op. 118, No. 2”
5. Gustav Mahler – “Adagietto from Symphony No. 5”
6. Leoš Janáček – “String Quartet No. 2 ‘Intimate Letters’ II. Adagio”
7. Benjamin Britten – “‘My Beloved is Mine’ from the Canticle No. 1”
8. Edward Elgar – “Salut d’Amour”
9. Edward Elgar – “Enigma Variations, Variation 1”
10. Fritz Kreisler – “Liebesleid”

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