Janna Levin, a theoretical cosmologist and professor of astronomy and physics, talks about Mozart, black holes, and life’s unfinished work.

Hanna Arie-Gaifman shares a story about why this Bach sarabande reminds her of her cousin, Zuzana Ruzickova, who survived the Holocaust and went on to become an acclaimed harpsichordist.

Composer, violinist, and vocalist Caroline Shaw shares memories of playing Mendelssohn’s “Octet for Strings” as a music student and how it helped spark a lifelong love for chamber music.

Nick Ferrone is a real-estate agent by day and harmonica player by night. In this episode, he talks about his abiding appreciation for Samuel Barber’s “Adagio for Strings.”

Actress Lucy Boynton remembers her childhood as one surrounded by music. Here, she shares a favorite piece by Chopin and reflects on the power of music to establish tone in filmmaking. 

Entrepreneur Martha Lane Fox recounts how Beethoven’s music allowed her to gain confidence and find her voice again.

Steve Reich talks about the influence of 13th-century French composer Pérotin on his own compositions and why medieval music feels fresh to contemporary ears.

Acclaimed violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter muses on how Bach’s music has accompanied her through moments of sorrow and joy alike.

Pianist Víkingur Ólafsson, known for his facility with canonic and contemporary music, muses on the unpredictability of both his homeland of Iceland and the Baroque “futurist” Rameau.