97. Shake it off and get transcendent! Adams, Shaker Loops
One of the closest [classical] things to electronic dance music, John Adams’s Shaker Loops is one of my favourite things. Dreamy and reflective music mixed with thrilling dance music that leaves us ecstatic, maybe even transcendent! Listening time 32 mins (Podcast 7, Music 25′)… Listen
96. Flights of Fancy: Debussy, Piano préludes
Freethinking, inventive – quiet and mysterious one moment, giddy and playful the next, Debussy’s préludes – short pieces for piano – are great escapes for your imagination! Listening time 26 mins (podcast 9′, music 17′) Music here with the excellent … Listen
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 illness. Diana Ambache, long-time champion of women composers, joins me to talk about Boulanger’s short life, major talent and this subtle masterpiece for huge choir and orchestra. Listening time 42mins (Podcast 18′, Music 24′)… Listen
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 into four minutes of musical, life-affirming perfection. Olympic Fanfare and Theme is one of my favourite Williams pieces, and that’s really saying something! (Listening time 11′)… Listen
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 simply one of my favourite things. [13 minute listen]… Listen
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. Listening time: 21 mins … Listen
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 brilliant, moving and surprising… (29 mins)… Listen
89. Highland Fling? Mendelssohn, ‘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! Listening time: 32 mins (Podcast 12′, music 20′)… Listen