155. Pitting man against nature: Haydn, Symphony No.51
A subtle extremist, in his Symphony no.51 Haydn throws down some extraordinary challenges to his horn players – can they beat the ‘immutable forces of nature’? Listening time 30’… Listen
153. Ecstasy, beauty, and ripping the universe open: Messiaen, Vingt regards sur l’enfant Jésus – with Rolf Hind
Pianist Rolf Hind introduces one of the epics of piano music. A heady mix of virtuoso composing and devout faith, Olivier Messiaen’s 20 reflections on the infant Jesus, Vingt regards sur l’infant Jésus, brings us a two-hour deep dive of … Listen
152. An injection of flavour and joy: Nohl, Spices
Hot off the press! The wonders of modern tech allow us to enjoy Katharina Nohl’s rhapsody for piano and orchestra, Spices, before its even been performed by live musicians! And Katharina joins us to talk us through the recipe. (33 mins)… Listen
149. Keeping us fresh since 1784: Haydn, Piano trio No.19
Meeting his boss’s insatiable desire for new content ‘forced’ [his word] Joseph Haydn to write original, inventive music that sounds as fresh and full of life today as when it was written. And he wrote so much great music that I only heard this piano trio for the first time this week – and it’s wonderful stuff. Listening time 19 mins.… Listen
147. Music in the blood and poetry in the soul: Williams, Penillion
A rarity from Wales (a Welsh rare-bit?), Grace Williams’s orchestral piece Penillion surprises, delights and has an epic grandeur. It’s terrific stuff and I think you’ll love it! (25 mins)… Listen
146. Risk and adventure: Tower, Fanfare for the uncommon woman
Another great, short piece, here’s the first of Joan Tower’s Fanfares celebrating risk-taking and adventurous women. This is both celebratory and substantial, plus a workout for brass and percussion. Listening time 8 mins (podcast 5.5′, music 2.5′)… Listen
142. In search of happy music: Arnold, English Dances
English folk music is often typically nostalgic and melancholy. Cacophony goes in search of happiness with Malcolm Arnold’s English Dances – pretty, witty and bright! (24mins)… Listen
140. Hidden pigeons & dancing farmers: Kaprálová, Rustic Suite
Packed with memorable Czech songs about pigeons, nightingales, love, life and unploughed fields, Vítěslava Kaprálová’s Rustic Suite mixes countryside charm with the confident orchestral swagger of a 23 year old receiving acclaim in Paris and London. Music full of life and good tunes! Listening time 21mins… Listen
139. Escaping to a happier place: Tailleferre, Little Suite
Small but perfectly formed, Germaine Tailleferre’s Little Suite is seven minutes of innocent delight from a composer looking to escape from the trials of a difficult life. It may be short, but it’s packed with memorable tunes and a joyous spirit. Irresistible!
Listening time c14 minutes … Listen