Epic Classical

Epic Classical from Germany does something unusual. It pairs classical masterpieces with jazz standards, and the result is surprisingly coherent. You might hear Beethoven's 7th followed by Billie Holiday. Jarring on paper? It works. The classical selection leans dramatic - Mahler, Wagner, the kind that swells. Jazz picks favor classic era: Coltrane's A Love Supreme, Miles' Kind of Blue, plus German trumpeter Till Brönner. Announcers speak German briefly, letting the music breathe. This is not background noise. It demands attention. The jazz avoids easy listening, choosing expansive improvisati…