Music Mysteries

Finding Sylvie transports you back to Paris in 1912. While doing research for the novel, I discovered these wonderful resources for musical information and inspiration. I’ve shared a few with you here and hope you enjoy them, too.

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Sticky Notes: The Classical Notes Podcast

Conductor Joshua Wellerstein provides thoughtful analysis of orchestral works and the composers who created them, in a conversational style that is engaging to new and long-time classical music fans. The discussion about Debussy’s Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun is particularly relevant to Finding Sylvie, as the ballet version of the piece premiered in 1912 in the Châtelet Theater. I look forward to every new podcast episode.

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Classical Nerd 

This YouTube channel features short, entertaining videos on music composition and music history. The talks on Ravel, Debussy, and Lili and Nadia Boulanger helped me to better understand these important musical figures who play leading roles in Finding Sylvie. Check out the playlists for Great Composers and Great Performers for more biographies. Kudos to channel creator, composer and music educator Thomas Little.

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Medici TV

Medici TV hosts live broadcasts and videos of classical performances by the world’s leading musicians and ensembles. There’s also a masterclass archives, and I can picture my violinist detective Sylvie Lewis, learning from these esteemed teachers. This resource is available through my local library, but you can also subscribe directly. I could spend hours here, but I need to get back to writing.

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Classical Breakdown

I found this podcast through an episode on Ravel’s “Bolero” with guest Joshua Wellerstein of Sticky Notes fame. John Banther, tubist and host of “Classical Breakdown,” discusses classical music in a fun and accessible way. He also interviews musicians from the National Symphony Orchestra, like in the episode, “Under Pressure: What is an Oboe with Nick Stovall.” I’m enjoying exploring this podcast.