I explain the careful structure behind Contrapunctus five from Bach's Art of Fugue, while looking at different ways to approach playing fugues on the piano. Finally, we hear it complete on the piano as well as the continuo organ.

I talk with Lauren Cook, clarinetist, about her career, our experiences playing chamber music, and the piece I wrote for us to play last summer, and we play it together.

After a long break, the Music Post is back! Here's a peak at the new season of episodes, featuring new musicians, new music and old classics.

Listen to the creation of new music, live on the spot, on one and two pianos.

An extended episode, live from the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage. An all-American program, along with commentary, including music of yours truly, Wild/Gershwin and William Bolcom.

Together, we explore the intersection of pop and classical. I debate myself on the proper role of popular music in the life of the devoted musician, compare excerpts from Bach, Mozart, Madonna and Shakira, and play a composition of yours truly, inspired in unlikely fashion by a pop icon.

Today, you'll hear about two of the nine canons from the Goldberg Variations, variations that are truly astonishing for their craft and construction. Hear what makes them special, get to know two of them more closely, and hear them in performances.

In the first episode about the Goldberg Variations by Bach, we acquaint ourselves with the beautiful, serene variation 13 and the dazzling 14. You'll hear sections from different pianists, but also hear excerpts on the harpsichord string trio, before the hearing the variations back-to-back from the Music Post studio.

In today's short episode, you'll hear a new piece, and learn the basics of open and closed phrases and how they create and resolve tension in music.

The first in a many-part series on classical improvisation: what is it, what makes it special, why is it so rare, and why should we care? We delve into the science and the stories behind the people who are figuring all that out, and listen to some delicious music in the meantime. Featuring jazz pianist Paul Bratcher, neuroscience researcher Charles Limb of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and pianist Carlos Rodriguez.