The Right Notes

About The Right Notes

In 2018 I started a U3A (University of the Third Age) classical music appreciation group. Every fortnight, at least until the coronavirus crisis broke, a group of retired people have been meeting in my home in Ceres, Fife, Scotland, to listen to and hear stories about classical music. In this website are some of the programmes I have presented, along with Spotify and YouTube links to the music.

And if you are wondering about the name The Right Notes: Morecambe and Wise with Andre Previn.

The Right Notes is also on YouTube.

Tom Davison.

Aram Khachaturian

Is it fair to call Aram Khachaturian the greatest Soviet composer? Good question!

Bedrich Smetana

If you thought Dvorak was the father of Czech music, think again. Here, we find out why that title belongs to Bedrich Smetana.

Latin America

Here in Scotland we don't hear enough music from Latin America. Listen to the music here and you might wonder why.

Shostakovich and Stalin

Shostakovich was undoubtedly one of the greatest composers of the 20th century but he was also one of the most troubled. No wonder!

Waltzes (Strictly No Dancing)

Some waltzes were written for the ballroom; those in this programme most definitely were not

Mozart's influence on Beethoven

They are two of the greatest composers ever but to what extent did one influence the other?

Jelly d'Aranyi

We rarely hear of the Hungarian violinist Jelly d’Aranyi these days but in her day – the early 20th century – she was a musical sensation who was feted by great composers and befriended by Prime Minister Herbert Asquith, no less.

Louise Farrenc

Here we look at the life and work of one of France’s greatest composers – but have you even heard of this person? Sadly, too few people have.

Ottorino Respighi

The Italian composer Ottorino Respighi is generally known for just two or three works but he composed much that deserves our attention

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About The Right Notes

Aram Khachaturian

Bedrich Smetana

Latin America

Shostakovich and Stalin

Waltzes (Strictly No Dancing)

Mozart's influence on Beethoven

Jelly d'Aranyi

Louise Farrenc

Ottorino Respighi

Carl Nielsen