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
Great music to mark the US Presidential hand-over! Raucous fun alongside the deep and meaningful, Three Places in New England is challenging, confusing, complex, silly and surprising music that leaves me baffled but smiling and moved too! A hundred years old but way ahead of its time from one of America’s first great composers, Charles Ives. Listening time 28mins.… Listen
Three musical geniuses really make the magic come alive in Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s classic, Nutcracker. (38 mins)… Listen
They say you never forget your first loves and one of mine was Carmina Burana – it’s immediate and high impact. Even before I was properly into music I was into this… and you will be too! There’s really nothing like the sound of a huge choir and orchestra: it’s awesome stuff! Listening time: 35mins … Listen
