Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
His playing too advanced for small-town churches, his cantatas far more complex than those of his contemporaries (and thus under-appreciated), Bach initially found his genius thwarted. This program surveys the amazing achievements of the man of whom...
Handling social situations with finesse
Filmed at a bustling cafe, a wedding, a christening, and a variety of other interesting locations, this program shows how to order and pay for beverages and how to express familial relationships and marital status. Commentary provides insights into ...
Richard Wagner
In Lohengrin, Wagner links arias with recitatives - unbroken musical continuity is born. In Tristan und Isolde, he changes the very role of the orchestra. And in The Ring of the Niebelungen, he invents the leitmotif. This program charts the fortunes...
Beginning with bonjour: hello and what follows
This program covers how to greet friends, introduce oneself to strangers, talk about where one comes from, and tell what one does for a living. Settings include an exhibition of rare books, a yacht race, an opera festival, a youth orchestra performa...
Traveling in France: booking passage, booking rooms
In France, traveling by public transportation is a popular way to see the sights. This program introduces questions and answers related to buying train and boat tickets and arranging for lodgings. Settings include a harbor near the famous Chateau d'...