69. The best Christmas treat! Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker
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
60 Burgeoning Spring, Love and Fortune: Orff, Carmina Burana
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
59. Medieval fun and games – and a bit of moralising
This is a journey of discovery for me, exploring some musical detective work and blatant speculation with Songs from the 12/13th Century Carmina Burana- drinking, love and wickedness and all hugely entertaining! New music to me and lots to enjoy. Listening time 26 mins… Listen
56. The best late Summer Music – by Samuel Barber
I love the final September burst of summer and this piece – Samuel Barber’s Summer Music – is the perfect accompaniment. Languid, hazy and slightly wistful. (Listening time 16 mins)… Listen
55. Silliness, drama and love – 3 songs from Mozart’s Magic Flute
My daughter’s bed time reading inspires a brief trip to the opera, for some great singing – high drama and high silliness from Mozart’s Magic Flute. Listen time 14 mins… Listen
52. Sleepless in Havanna? Gershwin – Cuban Overture
George Gershwin spent two hectic weeks on holiday in Cuba and returned with a case full of percussion instruments, latin spirit and musical inspiration. Total listening time c14 mins… Listen
50. Christmas ballet music that’s great any time: Nutcracker
So much great music to delight and enjoy in Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker. And it turns out my 7 year old daughter knows the storyline better than I did! [31 mins]… Listen
48. Ravel – trying not to be profound… and failing; his Piano Concerto
Maurice Ravel wanted his Piano Concerto to be lighthearted and brilliant, and not aim at profundity or at dramatic effects… and then wrote one of the most beautiful slow movements there is! Intro here: Listen here: or on Spotify: Please rate and … Listen