The music of love

Gary Goldschneider performing the Beethoven Marathon in Amsterdam in 1984 (© Nationaal Archief/Rob C. Croes)

Gary Goldschneider (1939-2019) is a concert pianist and an astrologer and to him the stars and music are intrinsically connected. In this programme, he discusses the music inspired by great romantic passion – pieces such as the theme for Romeo and Juliet and Wagners Liebestod are perfect illustrations of love’s perfect partnership – not with marriage, but with death or suffering.

Most of the great composers suffered when it came to their love lives, and this programme discusses whether great art can be created without that essential element of pain. 

Producer: Dheera Sujan

Broadcast: January 2007