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
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
151. An unbeaten 50 of flair and panache! Haydn, Symphony No.50
Always entertaining the crowds, Haydn brings up his 50 with typical style (before settling down for 50 more symphonies). Not a famous piece but well worth a listen! (27 mins)… Listen
148. Rituals, a riot and a revolution: Stravinsky, The Rite of Spring
110 years ago in Paris, Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring caused a furore and changed music forever. Did the police have to be called? It’s still a piece that shocks and stuns and is filled with something amazing every second.
Listening time c45 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
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
141. Songs from a disappearing world: Vaughan Williams, Norfolk Rhapsody
Haunting and melancholy music from my hometown, Vaughan Williams’s Norfolk Rhapsody No.1 features the old songs of fisherman and the last days of a way of life. Like the local landscape it’s bleak but beautiful!
Total listening time 18 mins (podcast 7′, music 11′)… 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