n Haydn came to London he was treated like a superstar: wined and dined by the great and good, and his concerts were the hottest ticket in town. The ‘Miracle’ Symphony, no.96, was Haydn’s first written for Londoners and is designed to win us over with its charms. Music to put a smile on our faces and a spring in our step! Listening time c32 (music 22′, podcast 10′)… Listen
Individual, passionate, soulful music rooted in the southern states, Florence Price’s Symphony No.1 was the first by a black woman composer to be played by a major US orchestra back in the 1930s. A Moment of History, but those ‘twin handicaps’ [her words] meant that her music has hardly been played since and we’ve been missing out on great music from a distinctive voice – it’s time to put that right! (Listening time 47 mins: podcast 8′, music 39′)… Listen
A bold statement from composer Carl Nielsen, that music IS life, who demonstrates it with a breathtaking symphony of awesome power and overwhelming optimism. The perfect piece for Cacophony’s 100th episode. (50 mins)… Listen
For ep99, I wanted to explore something deeply personal. Mahler’s Symphony No.4 is one of the first pieces I discovered for myself and it moves me like very little else. Sometimes pained, sometimes playful, but most often sublime, the third movement takes you all the way to heaven, just by opening your heart. Listening time 33 mins … Listen
It’s inexplicable to me, but Anton Bruckner’s music has been dividing opinion since he started writing it 140 or so years ago. He goes in search of the meaning of life and comes back with… Marmite! Personally, I love it. There are few better noises than the transcendental climax of a Bruckner symphony. In this episode, it’s the thrilling end of his 3rd. (Listening time 20 mins)… 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
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
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
