The Classical Music Pod

Sam chats to composer Eric Whitacre about their experience recording The Sacred Veil together with VOCES8. The 12-movement work is a collaboration between Whitacre and poet-lyricist Charles Anthony Silvestri, and comprises texts by Silvestri, Whitacre and Silvestri’s late wife Julie. Its intimate score ‘tells a story of courtship, love, loss and the search for solace’.Find out more about the piece here: https://ericwhitacre.com/music-catalog/the-sacred-veil …Featured Clips:Mov. 1: The Veil OpensMov. 11: You Rise, I FallMov. 4: Magnetic PoetryMov. 12: Child of Wonder… Buy us a coffee innit: https://ko-fi.com/classicalpod … Follow us here: instagram.com/classicalpod/ twitter.com/ClassicalPod facebook.com/ClassicalPod/

Today’s episode is all about geography. Tim talks international competition politics and how Rachmaninov’s disputed legacy ties into the debate. Meanwhile Sam forges a musical map of Middle Earth in a Lord of the Rings analytical pilgrimage. All topped off with a very literal fluffy-dog story. Live long and prosper. Check out Russia Beyond’s dubious Rachmaninov listicle: https://www.rbth.com/arts/334377-sergei-rachmaninoff-russian-composer …Music ReferencedBeethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 17, ‘The Tempest’’Meet the Flintstones’ by Hoyt CurtinThe Open University theme tuneVarious themes from Howard Shore’s soundtrack to The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Bear McCreary’s soundtrack to The Rings of Power… Buy us a coffee innit: https://ko-fi.com/classicalpod … Follow us here: instagram.com/classicalpod/ twitter.com/ClassicalPod facebook.com/ClassicalPod/

Tim travels to the home of Icelandic composer Anna Thorvaldsdottir for a classical chat. They discuss Icelandic’s musical pedigree, her upcoming role as Featured Artist at the Aldeburgh Festival, her cameo in Todd Field’s Tár and the importance (or unimportance) of a work’s conceptual inspiration in the ears of the listener.…Featured Clips:ARCHORA, performed by the Iceland Symphony Orchestra under Eva OllikainenAIŌN, performed by the Iceland Symphony Orchestra under Eva OllikainenRó, performed by CAPUT Ensemble under by Guðni FranzsonLinks:Anna’s website: https://www.annathorvalds.com/ Some info on her upcoming residency: https://www.annathorvalds.com/blog/2022/12/20/featured-artist-at-the-2023-aldeburgh-festival Andrew Mellor on Iceland as a classical music powerhouse: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/apr/05/iceland-classical-music-symphony-orchestra-uk-tour … Buy us a coffee innit: https://ko-fi.com/classicalpod … Follow us here: instagram.com/classicalpod/ twitter.com/ClassicalPod facebook.com/ClassicalPod/

In today's episode Sam and Tim discuss recent concert hall dramas as unionised musicians seize the means of sound production. Meanwhile Sam peers into the gilded musical cages of Jane Austin’s Sense and Sensibility in the next instalment of his film music series.…Music Referenced‘Mars’ from Holst’s The Planets‘Gallop’ interlude from Shostakovich’s opera The Nose‘My Father's Favourite’ from Patrick Doyle’s score to Sense and Sensibility… Buy us a coffee innit: https://ko-fi.com/classicalpod … Follow us here: instagram.com/classicalpod/ twitter.com/ClassicalPod facebook.com/ClassicalPod/

Tim speaks to the US singer, composer and producer Caroline Shaw. They cover her various composer hats, the upcoming performance of her Four Portraits at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and their shared appreciation for Abba and Fiona Apple.…Links:Caroline’s website: https://carolineshaw.com Some info on Four Portraits: https://www.lyricopera.org/lyric-lately/notes-on-four-portraits/ … Buy us a coffee innit: https://ko-fi.com/classicalpod … Follow us here: instagram.com/classicalpod/ twitter.com/ClassicalPod facebook.com/ClassicalPod/

In our latest instalment: *POW* Sam investigates Batman’s secret musical identity *WHAM* Tim holds the Anglican Church to account in a hard-hitting exposé (not) *ZOINKS* We discuss Ukrainian composer Galina Grigorjeva’s new disc of choral music *ZAP* And yes, another excuse to talk about Star Trek.…Music Referenced‘The Ritual/Ancient Battle /2nd Kroykah’ by Gerald Fried‘Batman Theme’ by Neal HeftiDanny Elfman’s Batman themeShirley Walker’s theme to Batman: The Animated SeriesMain theme from Batman Forever by Elliot GoldenthalHans Zimmer’s score to The Dark Knight‘Journey to the Line’ from Hans Zimmer’s score to The Thin Red Line‘Gollum’s Theme’ from Howard Shore’s score to The Lord of the RingsGalina Grigorjeva: Agnus Dei; Prayer; Diptych; In Paradisum; God is the Lord; and Nox vitae, performed by the Estonian National Male Choir under Mikk Üleoja… Buy us a coffee innit: https://ko-fi.com/classicalpod … Follow us here: instagram.com/classicalpod/ twitter.com/ClassicalPod facebook.com/ClassicalPod/

Sam speaks to soprano Ella Taylor about their upcoming roles in Philip Glass’s Akhnaten at ENO and Verdi’s Don Carlo at the Royal Opera. The conversation turns to Ella’s trepidation at embarking on a new production with a new set of co-workers, what it means to be a trans singer playing trouser roles – and ancient Egyptian trivia.…Links:Trans Voices video: https://www.theguardian.com/culture/video/2022/mar/10/the-uks-first-professional-trans-choir-its-a-joyful-act-of-resistance Akhnaten at ENO: https://www.eno.org/whats-on/akhnaten/ Don Carlo at ROH: https://www.roh.org.uk/tickets-and-events/don-carlo-by-nicholas-hytner-details Shadwell’s Powder Down: https://shadwell.bandcamp.com/album/powder-down … Buy us a coffee innit: https://ko-fi.com/classicalpod … Follow us here: instagram.com/classicalpod/ twitter.com/ClassicalPod facebook.com/ClassicalPod/

Returning to your ears for the first time this year, the boys bring with them a film-music special. Sam unwraps Carter Burwell’s magnificent score to The Banshees of Inisherin while Tim quizzes Sam on Oscar nominations, German model trains and a certain topless dictator. …Music ReferencedJohn Williams’s soundtracks to Jaws, ET, Schindler’s List, Superman and Star WarsRichard Strauss’s Death and TransfigurationCarter Burwell’s score toThe Banshees of Inisherin: ‘The Mystery of Inisherin’, ‘Walking Home Alone’Bulgarian Women’s Choir: Polegnala E ToudoraJohn McCormack: ‘Siciliana / Cavalleria’… Buy us a coffee innit: https://ko-fi.com/classicalpod … Follow us here: instagram.com/classicalpod/ twitter.com/ClassicalPod facebook.com/ClassicalPod/

Tim speaks to wunder cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason about sibling dynamics, touring in the States and his new album Song. But before all that, Sam gets stuck in a Groundhog Day-inspired time loop while trying to analyse one of the pieces from Sheku’s album: the 12 Variations on ’Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen‘ by Ludwig van Beethoven.You can find links to Sheku’s album Song here: https://sheku.lnk.to/SongSo …Music ReferencedBeethoven‘s 12 Variations on ’Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen’‘Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen’ from Mozart’s The Magic FluteABBA: ‘Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)’Beethoven‘s Vestas Feuer‘Notte e giorno faticar’ from Mozart’s Don GiovanniBeethoven’s Diabelli Variations in C Major, Op. 120: Variation 22Alien Ant Farm: ‘Smooth Criminal’… Buy us a coffee innit: https://ko-fi.com/classicalpod … Follow us here: instagram.com/classicalpod/ twitter.com/ClassicalPod facebook.com/ClassicalPod/

Sam is back in the interview seat chatting to conductor, producer and arranger Jules Buckley about his upcoming Aretha Franklin Prom with singer-songwriter Sheléa. They talk about he art of arranging, the unquestionable genius of Franklin and Buckley’s relationship with the Proms.…Aretha Prom StuffEvent Page: https://www.bbc.co.uk/events/eqrcd4 Watch it on BBC Four/iPlayer (from 27 August): https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001bdx5 Listen on Radio 3/Sounds: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001b5km … Buy us a coffee innit: https://ko-fi.com/classicalpod … Follow us here: instagram.com/classicalpod/ twitter.com/ClassicalPod facebook.com/ClassicalPod/

Sam chats to one of his mega heroes, the composer and broadcaster Howard Goodall. Together they discuss awards ceremonies, Howard’s pandemic piece Never to Forget, the mixed field of composition and, of course, working with Rowan Atkinson.…Howard StuffWebsite: http://www.howardgoodall.co.uk/ Scores: https://www.fabermusic.com/shop/list?_contributor=Howard%20Goodall&order=sales_desc … Buy us a coffee innit: https://ko-fi.com/classicalpod … Follow us here: instagram.com/classicalpod/ twitter.com/ClassicalPod facebook.com/ClassicalPod/

A short time ago in a South London bedroom not so far away … CLASSICAL POD. Sam finds new ways of listening, via the early work of John (Coolidge) Adams. He analyses the US composer’s 1973 work for chamber ensemble and tape Christian Zeal and Activity. Meanwhile, Tim quizzes Sam on City of Culture 2025 Bradford, not before a quick pit stop at Iceland’s world-famous Phallological Museum. …Music referenced:Star Wars: Main Theme by John WilliamsVince Vance & The Valiants: ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’The ‘Lacrimosa’ from Mozart’s Requiem‘Make Our Garden Grow’ from Bernstein’s CandideStar Wars: Luke and Leia Theme‘March’ from Prokofiev’s The Love for Three OrangesStar Wars: Parade of the Ewoks‘The Sacrifice from’ Stravinsky’s The Rite of SpringStar Wars: The Dune Sea of TatooineJohn Adam’s Christian Zeal and Activity, performed by Edo de Waart and the San Francisco SymphonyGavin Bryers’s Jesus’ Blood Never Failed Me Yet‘Onward Christian Soldiers’The Main Theme from Hustle… Buy us a coffee innit: https://ko-fi.com/classicalpod … Follow us here: instagram.com/classicalpod/ twitter.com/ClassicalPod facebook.com/ClassicalPod/

Sam chats to Professor and International Chair of Music Education at the Royal Northern College of Music Nate Holder about decolonising the music curriculum – what it means, and what it practically involves – as well as questioning what the goals of music education should be.…Nate StuffWebsite: https://www.nateholdermusic.com/ The Why Music Podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-why-music-podcast Books (order here): Where Are All The Black Female Composers? Where Are All The Instruments? Why Is My Piano Black And White? I Wish I Didn't Quit: Music Lessons… Buy us a coffee innit: https://ko-fi.com/classicalpod … Follow us here: instagram.com/classicalpod/ twitter.com/ClassicalPod facebook.com/ClassicalPod/

Sam and Tim emerge from their winter hibernation for a special episode celebrating the musical culture of Ukraine. Six Ukrainian composers and performers share their favourite Ukrainian-composed music, while Sam takes a sideways look at Valentin Silvestrov’s delicate piece for synthesiser, piano and strings The Messenger.Big thanks to Antonii Baryshevsky, Anna Fedorova, Pavel Gintov, Victoria Loukianetz, Ivan Nebesnyy and Ludmilla Yurina.…Donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine AppealVia Presto Music, buy one of 14 albums featuring a wide range of Ukrainian repertoire, or a selection of printed music by Ukrainian composers.…Music referenced:Okean Elzy’s ‘We Won’t Give Up the Fight’Valentin Silvestrov’s Esquisses de crimée, Op. 8 – 1. ‘The Rocks of Uch-Kosh’, performed by Pavel Gintov‘Song about the Cossack Holota’, performed by Dmytro HubiakMykola Lysenko’s Byut’ porohy (‘Dniper's Rapids Are Roaring’), performed by the Orchestra of the National Broadcasting Company of Ukraine under Volodymyr SirenkoThe ‘Emigration Elegy’ by Stefania Turkewich, performed by Pavlo Hunka and Albert KrywoltBeethoven’s Variations on Folk Songs, Op. 107 – 7. ‘Schöne Minka’, performed by Leonidas Kavakos and Enrico PaceBoris Lyatoshynsky’s Symphony No. 3 in B Minor, Op. 50, performed by the Ukrainian State Symphony Orchestra under Theodore KucharDmitry Bortniansky’s The Cherubic Hymn, performed by the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir under Paul HillierThe overture to Wagner’s Der fliegende HolländerValentin Silvestrov’s Kitsch Music – 1., performed by Vladimir Feltsman‘Summertime’ from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, performed by Golda Schultz and the Metropolitan Opera‘Ot hodit’ son kolo vikon’, performed by Kvitka CisykMykola Leontovych’s ‘Shchedryk’Peter J. Wilhousky’s ‘Carol of the Bells’, performed by the Mormon Tabernacle ChoirIvan Nebesnyy’s How Many Letters to You, performed by Svitlana Hleba and the Lviv Virtuosos Academic Chamber Orchestra under Serhiy BurkoValentin Silvestrov’s The Messenger, performed by Iryna Starodub and the Kiev Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra under Dmitry YablonskyValentin Silvestrov’s ‘La belle Dame sans Merci’, performed by Alexei Lubimov and Alexei MartinovThe Odessa Opera Chorus performing the National Anthem of Ukraine by Mykhailo VerbytskyVictoria Loukianetz performing ‘Ridna Maty Moya’… Follow us here: instagram.com/classicalpod/ twitter.com/ClassicalPod facebook.com/ClassicalPod/

This Christmas, to celebrate 50 years since Jesus Christ Superstar first opened on Broadway, we’ve dedicated an entire episode to unwrapping its magic. What is it about the rock opera that makes it, as one Times critic wrote, ‘the one masterpiece of Lloyd Webber’s career’? Why, after five decades, does it still give pause for theological thought? And how can one piece of music connect such disparate-seeming artists as Dmitri Shostakovich, Googoosh, Lin Mannuel Maranda, and Kanye West? Featuring interviews with Sirs Tim Rice and Karl Jenkins, Alain Boublil, Peaches and Nico Muhly, this is … The Jesus Christ Superspecial.… Buy us a coffee innit: https://ko-fi.com/classicalpod … Follow us here: instagram.com/classicalpod/ twitter.com/ClassicalPod facebook.com/ClassicalPod/

NuqneH! In this week’s episode Sam has a good old podcast chat with the founding members of Manchester Collective, Rakhi Singh and Adam Szabo. They discuss unusual programming and widely sourced inspirations – as well as the range of skills a modern musician needs. Qapla'!…Music referenced:Manchester Collective performing Bryce Dessner’s AheymManchester Collective, Abel Selaocoe & Chesaba performing Ka BohalengThe Bulgarian State Radio & Television Female Vocal Choir performing Kaval Sviri under Katya BarulovaManchester Collective & Mahan Esfahani performing Górecki’s Harpsichord Concerto… Buy us a coffee innit: https://ko-fi.com/classicalpod … Follow us here: instagram.com/classicalpod/ twitter.com/ClassicalPod facebook.com/ClassicalPod/

Against all the odds, the boys were invited backstage to the Ivors Composer Awards. Tune in to hear them try almost too hard to brand themselves the Ant and Dec of the classical music world. Also – the late, great Victoria Wood in this week’s analysis of Franz Schmidt’s Fourth Symphony, not before some flagrant Handelian recycling.…Music referenced:’Pizzicato’ from Delibes’s SylviaSometimes Voices by Alex Paxton, performed by HYPER DUOCATAMORPHOSIS by Anna Thorvaldsdottir, performed by the Berlin Philharmonic under Kirill PetrenkoCaroline Kraabel’s London 26 and 28 March 2020: Imitation: InversionRiver (O Nodi Re) performed by Zoe & Idris RahmanMartin Iddon’s Lampades, performed by Jack Adler-MckeanSarabande from Act 3 of Handel’s Almira‘Lascia la spina, cogli la rosa’ from Handel’s The Triumph of Time and Delusion‘Lascia ch'io pianga’ from Act 2 of Handel’s RinaldoFranz Schmidt’s Symphony No. 4 performed by the Frankfurt Radio Symphony under Paavo Järvi… Buy us a coffee innit: https://ko-fi.com/classicalpod … Follow us here: instagram.com/classicalpod/ twitter.com/ClassicalPod facebook.com/ClassicalPod/

It’s the 50th episode of the Classical Music Pod! We struck gold with today’s guest, composer and bandleader Cassie Kinoshi, who previews her upcoming Aurora Orchestra commission, Three Suns Suite, and discusses how labels and preconceptions can be limiting for musicians. …Music referenced:Seed performing ‘Interplanetary Migration’, written by Cassie KinoshiSeed performing Cassie Kinoshi’s ‘Afronaut’ from the Mercury Award nominated album DriftglassIf She Could Dance Naked Under Palm Trees by Cassie Kinoshi, performed by the LSO… Buy us a coffee innit: https://ko-fi.com/classicalpod … Follow us here: instagram.com/classicalpod/ twitter.com/ClassicalPod facebook.com/ClassicalPod/

There’s a French flavour to this week‘s episode as we take the next step in our series of neglected pieces, unwrapping Louise Farrenc’s Trio for Flute, Cello and Piano (with a little help from Adele). We also pay tribute to the composer of the Channel 4 News theme, Alan Hawkshaw, and receive police guidance on where not to practise your flute.…Music referenced:Abba’s ‘Ode to Freedom’‘The Wizard and I’ from Stephen Schwartz‘s WickedAlan Hawkshaw‘s Channel 4 News themeMov. 1 of Louise Farrenc’s Trio for Piano and Flute in E minor, performed by Gian Luca Petrucci, János Devich, Jenő JandóMain theme from James Horner’s soundtrack to The Wrath of KhanAdele’s ‘Hometown Glory’Alan Hawkshaw‘s Countdown theme… Buy us a coffee innit: https://ko-fi.com/classicalpod … Follow us here: instagram.com/classicalpod/ twitter.com/ClassicalPod facebook.com/ClassicalPod/

Sam chats to an innuendo-filled Nicky Spence about Jenůfa at the Royal Opera, the ‘vortex of need’ and his rustic roots …Catch the Royal Opera’s production of Jenůfa here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFvD7suXk1I&t=969s Here’s our episode on Janáček’s Sinfonietta: https://timmyfisher.co.uk/the-classical-music-pod/2020/11/20/mahan-esfahani-janek-and-j-lo …Music referenced:‘Tim and Sam’s Podcast’, written and performed by Harry SeverNicky Spence in Janáček’s Jenůfa at the Royal Opera House… Buy us a coffee innit: https://ko-fi.com/classicalpod … Follow us here: instagram.com/classicalpod/ twitter.com/ClassicalPod facebook.com/ClassicalPod/