Chamber Music Sundays at Three

The program generally follows a very loose format that approximates the following: the basic theme is classical music in the broadest sense, meaning selections in the western tradition dating from the beginning of musical composition. Though not always strictly followed the sequence of music generally follows a chronological progression through those periods represented in this tradition: from the Medieval (before 1450), and Renaissance (1450-1600) periods, then meandering through Baroque (1600-1750), Classical (1750-1820), Romantic (1820-1910) to the Twentieth Century (1910-1945) and Modern (1945-present) eras.

Musical selections are accompanied by a few narrative comments regarding the composer, the work, the performers or the performance. A Musical Meander differs from its ancestors; as the name additionally implies, the program usually contains an interlude at some point during which music with origins other than the Western Classical tradition is played. This meander may take the form of folk or traditional music from anywhere in the world, modern music from around the world, New Age music, or anything else that the host feels would offer a meander of what he thinks constitutes 'good music.'

On occasions, this is a wide meander; in the past it has featured selections from performers such as Pink Floyd, Meatloaf, Ray Charles, and John Denver. It may also, especially around holiday times, feature readings of poetry or short stories. On other occasions the meander may be a long meander, offering a discussion or interview regarding some particular musical issue, involving local or visiting guests. The meander may also provide live music performed in the studio by local or visiting artists.

If you like to relax on Thursday evenings and explore a variety of musical genres, enjoying two hours of the best in music from the western classical tradition, combined with a smattering of something different, we invite you to try what Alan calls his "personal, eclectic, often iconoclastic, but always idiosyncratic selections” on 'A Musical Meander.'

Incorporated into the program is the Musical Meander Teaser where listeners are challenged to answer musical questions based on the selections presented.  Answers to the Teaser questions are given towards the end of the program.       

To see this week's teasers and solutions, see the play list for this week's show by clicking on the playlist link at the bottom of this page.

Three irregular Segments on the program feature guest interviews and musical discussions: 

            Two segments feature Brandon Christensen, violist and violist in the Department of Music at Southeast Missouri State University. Brandon is also Director of the popular local public concert series ‘Sundays @ 3’. This series features local and visiting performers who provide concerts of classical music.  On the program prior to each such concert Brandon previews the forthcoming concert with discussion and relevant musical selections and occasionally offers an interview with a guest performer.  Also featuring Brandon are his visits under the title ‘Christensen’s Chamber Choices’ where Brandon brings a few musical selections in the Chamber Music genre and discusses the theme that they illustrate.

            Another segment, entitled ‘Southeast Selection’ is more free-wheeling.  During this segment, a Southeast Public Radio listener brings with him or her one or more CDs that he or she finds particularly interesting and discusses the reasons for this interest.  Segments have featured, for example, a Southeast Public Radio Community Advisory Board member discussing and playing tracks from a CD she purchased on a trip to Europe, a local songwriter performer bringing and discussing his latest CD, local residents from the Middle East playing typical music from their homeland, and a local artist with selections from a Renaissance Band that he enjoys.  Southeast Public radio listeners who would like to offer such a segment, should contact Alan via his email address ajournet@semo.edu or by leaving a message at the studios of Southeast Public Radio by calling (573) 651-5070.  

When not Meandering, Alan has a day job; he teaches ecology, conservation biology and introductory science process courses in the Biology Department at Southeast Missouri State University.  Besides his family (including, of course, the ever present Chaco), Alan’s other passions include travel, camping, photography, and field work in Costa Rica.

During the concert season (September/October – April/May) ‘Chamber Music Sundays at Three’ offers a series of concerts featuring local performers and visiting artists who provide a wide  array of musical offerings in the classical genre in its broadest sense. Featuring a variety of smaller ensembles the concert series focuses on genres different from offerings of the Southeast Symphony Orchestra. Artistic Director Dr. Brandon Christensen, Assistant Professor of violinist and viola in the Music Department at Southeast Missouri State University, visits A Musical Meander on the Thursdays preceding concerts to preview and discuss the forthcoming performance.

For information on the concert series and ticketing please visit www.chambermusicsundays.com

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