If you want a change from Christmas pop, Christmas baroque is the way to go – here’s a sparkling little gem from Arcangelo Corelli – a great 15 minute way to reset, reflect and energise – it manages all these things! (17 mins: podcast 3′, music 14′)… Listen
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
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
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
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
Come on the fantastic – and fantastical – musical adventure that is Anna Clyne’s This Midnight Hour. You’ll be thrilled, excited, maybe a bit scared, ultimately consoled… or maybe not! What does this great music do to you? (Listening time 19 mins)… Listen
Exhilarating and fun, Beethoven’s fourth symphony is like one of the best days out. This is Beethoven in the best of moods and relishing what’s possible. It’s a joyful ride! (Listening time 43′)… Listen
Delicate, sparkling and perhaps surprisingly touching, here are three short diversions from the various trials of modern life – written 300 years ago by Couperin and brilliantly rewritten in 2006 by Thomas Adès who takes delight in the sound of music. Listening time 20mins… Listen
