95. A dying woman’s cry from the abyss: Boulanger, Psalm 130
Powerful and moving, Lili Boulanger's cry From the Bottom of the Abyss (Psalm No.130) shows her deep commitment to her faith, and to her music-writing, in the face of major illness. Diana Ambache, lon...
20 Aug 202118min
94. Olympic magic and the best of the human spirit: Williams - Olympic Fanfare
The intensity, joy, heartbreak and thrills of great sporting moments are almost unmatchable... except by those in great music. The magic of the Olympics is transformed by the alchemist John Williams i...
10 Aug 20216min
93. Celebrate good times! Come on! Haydn, Symphony no.48
Celebratory music from Haydn that's pretty perfect and sure to leave you in a good mood and feeling happy! Music here on youtube or spotify Listening time 34 mins (podcast 7', music 27') What do y...
30 Jul 20216min
92. A quick and tasty Italian feast: Verdi, Nabucco Overture
Even more irresistible than the Italian football team and their ace national anthem is Verdi's overture to Nabucco. It's rousing and joyous and one of my favourite things. Music here, on Youtube or ...
20 Jul 20215min
91. Songs of lost love and lost youth - Butterworth, A Shropshire Lad
I get floored every time by these six songs of lost youth, love and life written on the cusp of World War 1 by a young composer who didn't make it through. Raw, simple and unforgettable. Music here, w...
10 Jul 20218min
90. Highland Fling? Mendelssohn Scottish Symphony (pt2)
How Scottish do you have to be to be worthy of the name? If you're going to write a Scottish Symphony should it contain Scottish music? Does Mendelssohn pass the test? Regardless, his Symphony No.3 is...
1 Jul 20218min
89. Highland Fling? Mendelssohn’s ’Scottish’ Symphony (Part 1)
Every time I hear it, I'm amazed by the power and emotion in Mendelssohn's music. Inspired by a trip to Scotland, his Symphony No.3 delights and surprises, without resorting to bagpipes! Music here ...
30 Jun 202111min
88. Funeral for a friend: Heinrich Schütz, Funeral Music
Asked to write funeral music for his friend and patron during the middle of a war, with millions dying all around plus a shortage of musicians, Heinrich Schütz finds hope, beauty and joy among the dev...
20 Jun 202110min
