I used to play or listen to it and want to reconnect with that part of my life.

I listen to it regularly and want to engage with it on a deeper level.

How do you feel about classical music?

When I’m doing tasks like cooking, exercising or cleaning.

When I’m reading or studying, for example.

When I’m relaxing, sleeping or just “hanging out.

When I’m paying attention solely to the music

When does listening to music bring you the most joy?

I attend a few shows a year, but it’s not a large part of my life.

I regularly attend live shows and can’t get enough of them.

Do you enjoy live music?

I know what I like and rarely stray from my favorites.

I’m open to new things, but there are classics for a reason.

I relish discovering the new and unfamiliar.

When it comes to listening to music …

I like folk, bluegrass and more traditional forms.

If it’s improvised and cool, I’m there.

If I’m not listening to classical music, I’m listening to …

Rooted in Black music history in the Americas and worldwide.

Going beyond Western Europe traditions, often influenced by folk music.

Drawing from traditional music of the Middle East, Southeast Asia and more.

Delving into traditional music of Native Americans and other First Nations.

Surveying traditional music of Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

Exploring traditional music cultures from around the world.

I'd like to learn more about music from:

Take a 2 minute quiz to share your taste

We'll recommend YourClassical programming just for you

Discover the power and joy of classical music

Man playing violin

Start the quiz

We can help you find classical music you'll love

The first Friday of the month beginning at 3 p.m., host Tom Crann presents Theme and Variations. We pick the theme — you choose the variation by requesting a piece of music inspired by that theme.

Our theme this month is COMFORT and/or JOY: What music that gives you either at this time? Send us your stories and music that gives you comfort and/or joy. 

Use this form to ask that a piece be played on Theme and Variations, our classical-music program hosted by Tom Crann. We accept requests all month long.

You must be 13 or older to submit any information to Minnesota Public Radio. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about things like our programs, products and services. See 

Tom Crann is heard on YourClassical MPR from 3 to 7 p.m. weekdays. Prior to rejoining the classical team at MPR, Tom was the host of All Things Considered for MPR News from 2005 to 2025, where he interviewed a wide range of public figures, including Minnesota's members of congress, politicians, experts, writers, and artists. He anchored Minnesota Public Radio's award-winning live coverage of the 35W bridge collapse. He has hosted other special coverage for MPR News, including live coverage of election nights since 2012.  He has been a host, producer, and interviewer for Minnesota Public Radio since 1995.   His work on MPR News has been recognized with an Eric Severeid award, a regional Edward R. Murrow award, and a National Headliner award. He has also hosted the international cultural broadcasts "Sounds Irish" and "The Last Night of the Proms," a co-production with the BBC. Tom began his career at MPR/APM as a classical host in 1995. In addition to his work at Minnesota Public Radio, Crann has spent more than 20 years hosting and producing classical music and cultural programs at public radio stations around the U.S, and for RTE/Lyric FM in Ireland, where he is still a contributor.


Chris McDuffie

Tom Crann

We pick the theme — you choose the variation by requesting a piece of music inspired by that theme. Our theme for December is COMFORT and/or JOY.


tom crann headshot classical mpr credit chris mcduffie

 Join Tom Crann for Theme and Variations the first Friday of every month

Theme and Variations - Nov. 7, 2025

November’s theme was gratitude, and listener requests included Beethoven’s ‘Heiliger Dankgesang,’ Fritz Kreisler’s ‘Liebesleid,’ the Shaker tune “Simple Gifts” and the American masterpiece it inspired, ‘Applachian Spring.’ Listen now with host Tom Crann!


Todd Davidson | Illustration Works | Corbis

November Theme and Variations: Gratitude

Reading the title of a classical piece of music can make you feel like you are already behind. Symphony, prelude, toccata, opus, all those numbers.... Is it important to know what they mean? Performance Today host Valerie Kahler will help decode this confusing taxonomy and give some tips for the next time you open a concert program.

Classically Training, Episode 4 – “Sonatas, concertos, and preludes, oh my!”

In this episode, Performance Today host Valerie Kahler gives some tips for the next time you open a concert program.


YourClassical MPR

Classically Training: “Sonatas, concertos, and preludes, oh my!”

Conductors have an important job. They start the music, stop the music, set the tempo, and help shape the sound of a piece. And they do all of this with their arms! However, every conductor does the arm-waving part a little differently. So how do musicians know what to do? This week, our host sits down with conductor Hannah Schendel to help demystify the movement that creates our music.

Classically Training, Episode 3 – What does the arm waving mean?

In this episode, our host sits down with conductor Hannah Schendel to demystify the art of conducting.


Classically Training: What does the arm waving mean?

There are 88 keys on the piano, and each one plays a different note. But how did they choose those 88 notes and why did they stop there? Is that even something someone chooses? In this episode, Dr. Andy Fleser explains the history of one of the world’s most important instruments. 

Classically Training, Episode 2 – How did the notes on the piano get there?

In this episode, Dr. Andy Fleser explains the history of the piano, one of the world’s most important instruments.


MPR 

Classically Training: How did the notes on the piano get there?

Classically Training, Episode 1: What is classical music? Our curious host decides this is where her journey should begin but quickly learns that the answer may be harder to find. After consulting with folks on the street and an elementary music class, she decides to get some help from conductor Bill Eddins.

Classically Training, Episode 1: What is classical music?

Our curious host quickly learns that the answer may be harder to find.


Classically Training: What is classical music?

Classical music can feel intimidating. The jargon, history, and virtuosity make the genre feel like an exclusive club. Classically Training is a new video podcast for folks who are curious about classical music and need a place to start. In this podcast from YourClassical MPR, follow your eager host, Aerin O'Malley, on her own journey to classically train. In each episode, Aerin brings her burning questions to classical music experts to try and get some answers. Follow along for a season of curiosity, discovery, great teachers, and music. The first episode drops Monday, Sept. 8, 2025.

Classically Training: Podcast Trailer

Classically Training is a new video podcast for folks who are curious about classical music and need a place to start. 


Coming September 8: Classically Training

Pipedreams® 

APM/MPR

SymphonyCast® 

Where classical music is always arriving, with host Steve Seel. Listen live at 10 p.m. central every Wednesday on YourClassical Radio.


Join Tom Crann for Theme and Variations the first Friday of every month

Theme for December

Make a Request for Theme and Variations

Love the music?

Your Donation

Latest Shows Episodes

Latest Shows Episodes

Join Tom Crann for Theme and Variations the first Friday of every month

November Theme and Variations: Gratitude

Classically Training: “Sonatas, concertos, and preludes, oh my!”

Classically Training: What does the arm waving mean?

Classically Training: How did the notes on the piano get there?

Classically Training: What is classical music?

Coming September 8: Classically Training

Pipedreams®

SymphonyCast®

Extra Eclectic