Listening In

Carol of the Bells, one of the most recognisable pieces of Christmas music, is almost always thought of as American. But the story of this song begins over a century ago in Ukraine, as a folk song called Shchedryk, wishing households wealth and abundance for the New Year. In this essay, I trace how Mykola Leontovych transformed a simple four-note melody into a choral masterpiece, and how the Ukrainian National Chorus, under Alexander Koshetz, carried it across a war-torn Europe to introduce the world to a culture under siege. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit barnabymartin.substack.com

Tchaikovky's 'The Nutcracker' may be the most well-known ballet every written, famed for his beautiful and instantly recognisable melodies. But behind the music lies a story that will completely change the way you think about this Christmas classic. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit barnabymartin.substack.com

'Over the Rainbow', written by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg, has become a cultural icon since its inclusion in MGM's 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz. But despite its current fame, it very nearly didn’t see the light of the day. This is the story of how Over the Rainbow was written, but also how it was nearly lost to history. Thank you to AustinMcConnell (https://www.youtube.com/user/austinmcconnell) and Trace Dominguez (https://www.youtube.com/user/TravellinTrace) for their cameos. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit barnabymartin.substack.com

A breakdown of the music from Alfonso Cuarón’s Children of Men. Let's over-analyse some music. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit barnabymartin.substack.com