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This Classical Life... with Esther Yoo

Jess Gillam meets violinist Esther Yoo to listen to music spanning Bach live from Carnegie Hall, a haunting track by Joep Beving and Wicked the musical.

Jess Gillam swaps musical choices with the American violinist, Esther Yoo. Esther spends most of her time on the road as a concert soloist, or playing with her trio (the Z. E. N. Trio) made up of former BBC New Generation Artists. Jess and Esther swap notes on tips for touring, what to listen to when returning home and how to get back to basics when practising.

Esther's musical choices range from sparkling Bach performed on the piano, a courageous song from Wicked and a track from pianist-composer Joep Beving which, to Esther, resonated with her at a time of experiencing anxiety. There's also music from Poulenc, Bjarte Eike's Barokksolistene and Anna Meredith.

29 days left to listen

1 hour

Last on

Yesterday 17:00
BBC Radio 3

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Music Played

  • Frédéric Chopin

    Waltz, Op 64 No 1, 'Minute'

    Performer: Alexandre Tharaud.
    • Chopin: Waltzes: Tharaud.
    • Harmonia Mundi.
    • 12.

  • Johann Sebastian Bach

    Chaconne in D minor from Partita for Violin Solo BWV 1004

    Performer: Mikhail Pletnev.
    • DG.

  • Francis Poulenc

    Four Motets on a Theme of Penitence: no.4 Tristis Est Anima Mea

    Choir: Choir of St John’s College, Cambridge. Conductor: George Guest.
    • CHANDOS.

  • Träd

    Huan lo ts'ao yuan (Happiness upon the grassy plain)

    Performer: Tsui Wah-Nam.
    • Smithsonian Folk Library.

  • Cleo Sol

    23

    Performer: Cleo Sol.
    • Forever Living Originals.

  • Joep Beving

    Hanging D

    Performer: Joep Beving.
    • DG.

  • Trad.

    Wallom Green (The English Dancing Master)

    Music Arranger: John Playford. Music Arranger: Bjarte Eike. Ensemble: Barokksolistene. Director: Bjarte Eike.
    • The Alehouse Sessions.
    • RUBICON.
    • 101.

  • Stephen Schwartz

    Defying Gravity (from Wicked)

    Performer: Idina Menzel. Performer: Kristin Chenoweth. Ensemble: Members of the Cast. Conductor: Stephen Oremus.
    • VERVE.

  • Jean Sibelius

    Country Scenery (1st movement Suite for Violin and Strings)

    Performer: Esther Yoo. Conductor: Vladimir Ashkenazy. Orchestra: Philharmonia Orchestra.
    • DG.

  • Anna Meredith

    Blackfriars

    Performer: Anna Meredith. Music Arranger: Richard Jones. Ensemble: Ligeti Quartet.
    • Nuc.
    • Mercury Classics.
    • 9.

Broadcast

  • Yesterday 17:00
    BBC Radio 3

Why are more young people listening to classical music?

Why are more young people listening to classical music?

20yo classical musician and presenter Jess Gillam is here to improve your playlist game.

Podcast

  • This Classical Life

    Jess Gillam hosts the music show for people who like classical and other stuff too.