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Send us Fan MailFeeling tired? Need to unwind? Then how about some gentle, soothing piano music? Welcome to the the Episode 2 of Series 6 in the Relaxing Piano Playlist! In this episode, I perform for you music all centered on the theme of Spring with works by Mendelssohn, Grieg, Sindig, MacDowell, Tchaicovsky and the second movement from the "Coronation" Piano Concerto No.26 by Mozart.
Send us Fan MailWhat happens when the thing you love most becomes the thing you can never completely walk away from?This week on Here's What We Know, conductor and pianist Robert Emery returns for a conversation about creativity, music, and the curious ways our minds work. From practice rooms to Abbey Road Studios, Robert shares what life is really like for a professional musician, why creative people often struggle to switch off, and what he's learned from spending a lifetime immersed in music.Gary and Robert also trade stories about family, parenting, travel, questionable hotel experiences, and the challenges that come with building a career around passion. They explore the lives of Mozart, Franz Liszt, and Berlioz, uncovering the very human struggles, quirks, and triumphs behind some of history's most celebrated composers.Robert also shares the story behind Orchestral Meditations, his latest project featuring meditation music recorded at Abbey Road Studios with a full symphony orchestra and choir.In This Episode:• Why musicians never really leave work behind• The truth about practicing and mastering a craft• What Mozart and Michael Jackson may have had in common• How creativity affects everyday life• Stories from Abbey Road Studios• The fascinating history of Franz Liszt and musical celebrity• Why travel helps reset the mind This episode is sponsored by: Reed Animal Hospital Bio:Robert Emery is a conductor, pianist, and serial entrepreneur. He is lucky enough to travel the world; ranging from performances in London's Royal Albert Hall, through to the Sydney Opera House, Robert has seen them all.Besides music, he is the Founder & Director of The Arts Group, one of the most diverse entertainment companies in the UK. Within the portfolio is a national music tuition agency, symphony orchestra, choir, artist agency, record label, and production company.Aside from that, he lives in London and Cambridge, has a wife (Mrs. E), a toddler (Master T), a baby (Master A), and 4 cats.Website: https://robertemery.com/Orchestral Meditation: http://orchestralmeditation.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/robertemeryofficial/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertemeryofficial/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertemeryofficial/Tags: Robert Emery, Creativity, Classical Music, Professional Musician, Music Career, Mozart, Franz Liszt, Music History, Conducting, Pianist, Abbey Road Studios, Orchestral Meditations, Creative Process, Creative Life, Music Industry, Composers, Arts & Culture, Creativity and Purpose, Work-Life Balance, Performing Arts, Creative Careers, Music Education, Connect with Gary:Gary's WebsiteFollow Gary on InstagramGary's TiktokGary's FacebookWatch the episodes on YouTubeAdvertise on the PodcastThank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!
Diane Jones speaks with virtuoso mandolinist, singer, songwriter and composer Chris Thile about Bach, improvisation, and his upcoming solo concert at the Virginia Arts Festival.
Send us Fan MailWhy is Beethoven's Ninth Symphony considered one of the most important works in classical music?In this episode of The Classical Music Minute, we explore the revolutionary ideas behind Beethoven's final completed symphony. Premiered in 1824, the work broke new ground by introducing a choir and vocal soloists into the final movement—something virtually unheard of in a symphony at the time.The famous Ode to Joy theme, based on Friedrich Schiller's poem, celebrates unity, friendship, and the common bonds that connect humanity. Combined with the symphony's unprecedented scale and emotional depth, it helped redefine what orchestral music could achieve.The work's influence can still be heard today, and its message continues to resonate across cultures and generations.In just sixty seconds, discover why Beethoven's Ninth Symphony changed music history forever.Fun FactThe Ode to Joy melody from Beethoven's Ninth Symphony was adopted as the anthem of the Council of Europe in 1972 and later became the official anthem of the European Union, making it one of the most widely recognized pieces of classical music in the world.About The Classical Music MinuteThe Classical Music Minute is a short podcast exploring fascinating stories, quirky history, and surprising facts from the world of classical music—all in about sixty seconds.Each episode offers a quick and entertaining glimpse into composers, masterpieces, musical traditions, and the curious moments that shaped music history.You can also read the written versions of these episodes on Substack, where they're published as short articles delivered directly to subscribers.About Steven, HostSteven Hobé is a Canadian composer and actor based in Toronto and a member of the Canadian League of Composers. He is the creator and host of The Classical Music Minute, a series devoted to making classical music history engaging, surprising, and accessible.Topics CoveredBeethoven Ninth Symphony, why is Beethoven's Ninth important, Ode to Joy, Beethoven symphonies, choral symphony, Ludwig van Beethoven, classical music history, famous symphonies, Beethoven deafness, Ode to Joy meaning, music history explained, European anthemJoin me on Substack
Send us Fan MailHere's a quick preview of Episode 2 in Series 6 which will be released in full on Friday May 12th at 12am GMT.
A few weeks ago, we talked to two sonic branding experts who compose music for household appliances. And we played for them a song “sung” by a washing machine that they didn't really appreciate. But many of our listeners immediately identified the tune, a famous melody by 19th-century composer Franz Schubert. And, as our guest tells us, it's not just any tune—it's one of Schubert's most beloved compositions, “The Trout,” which he returned to several times during his short but prolific career. L. Michael Griffel, a Schubert expert and former head of the music history department at The Julliard School, joins us for our mea culpa to “Die Forelle.” A transcript for this episode will be added to the original segment page: Who's composing music for my washing machine? Subscribe to this podcast. Follow our show on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Bluesky @scifri and sign up for our newsletters. Got a science question that's keeping you up at night? Call us: 877-472-4374 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Making a living as a musician has always been hard. For classical and experimental artists, it can feel nearly impossible. Ye Jin Min knows this firsthand. A violinist, composer, singer, and conductor equally at home in Carnegie Hall and the avant-garde, she has spent her career navigating the brutal economics of professional music-making. Her answer is Unboxed Musicians — a bold new venture designed to build sustainable, creative ecosystems where musicians and composers can actually thrive. In this conversation with the Tällberg Foundation, Ye Jin reflects on the joy and discipline of making music, the structural barriers that hold artists back, and why reimagining the business of music may be just as important as the music itself.
A companion episode to our conversation with Ye Jin Min. Sit back and listen to three pieces she imagined, composed, and played: Vinyl Road, Honey, and Four Moons with Koriobots.
Send us Fan MailWhat is the difference between opera and operetta?In this episode of The Classical Music Minute, we explore two closely related forms of musical theatre. Opera is usually larger in scale and often more serious in tone, with music driving the drama from beginning to end. Many operas deal with intense themes such as love, tragedy, power, fate, and betrayal.Operetta, whose name means “little opera,” is generally lighter and more comic. It often includes spoken dialogue, catchy melodies, romantic plots, mistaken identities, and a playful theatrical style.Popularized by composers such as Johann Strauss II and Franz Lehár, operetta became especially fashionable in nineteenth-century Vienna and later influenced the development of musical theatre.In just sixty seconds, discover how opera and operetta are connected, and why one tends to bring the drama while the other brings the sparkle.Fun FactOperetta helped shape the modern musical. Its combination of spoken dialogue, memorable songs, romance, and comedy influenced later stage works on Broadway and in London's West End.About The Classical Music MinuteThe Classical Music Minute is a short podcast exploring fascinating stories, quirky history, and surprising facts from the world of classical music—all in about sixty seconds.Each episode offers a quick and entertaining glimpse into composers, masterpieces, musical traditions, and the curious moments that shaped music history.You can also read the written versions of these episodes on Substack, where they're published as short articles delivered directly to subscribers.About Steven, HostSteven Hobé is a Canadian composer and actor based in Toronto and a member of the Canadian League of Composers. He is the creator and host of The Classical Music Minute, a series devoted to making classical music history engaging, surprising, and accessible.Topics Coveredopera vs operetta, difference between opera and operetta, what is operetta, opera explained, operetta explained, classical music terms, musical theatre history, Johann Strauss II, Franz Lehár, Die Fledermaus, The Merry Widow, classical music for beginnersJoin me on Substack
This episode is a wild ride, folks! Jeana is back from a whirlwind weekend, having attended a wedding in Grand Rapids and a music festival in Denver, where she got to see some amazing performances, including a concert by Cage the Elephant. But it's not all fun and games - they're also discussing some serious topics, like the ongoing situation with Iran and the potential for a nuclear reactor to be built in Aurora, Colorado. This episode covers a wide range of topics, from politics to music to business. Ross and Jeana chat with the newly elected chairman of the Colorado Republican Party, Craig Steiner, about his plans for the party and how he hopes to overcome the challenges they're facing. They also talk to Brett Friedman, the owner of DTC Slice, a popular pizza joint in Denver, about the ins and outs of running a successful restaurant business. And, of course, they dive into some lighter topics, like country music and the best pizza crust in Colorado. So if you're looking for a podcast that's a little bit of everything - politics, music, business, and humor - then this episode is for you. Join Ross and Jeana and their guests as they discuss the issues of the day and share some laughs along the way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
JJ and Haz get all the stereotypes around opera off their chest before enjoying what the genre has to offer. Includes a tribute to Dame Felicity Lott, a treasure swap of Mozart arias and potted origins story.Mae JJ a Haz yn trafod yr holl stereoteipiau am opera cyn mwynhau'r hyn sydd gan y genre i'w gynnig. Yn cynnwys teyrnged i'r Fonesig Felicity Lott, cyfnewid trysor o ariâu Mozart a stori tarddiad wedi'i chrynodeb.Support the showwww.artsactive.org.ukEmail a2@artsactive.org.ukX @artsactiveInstagram artsactivecardiff Facebook artsactive#classicalmusic #artsactive #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff #cardiffclassical
Send us Fan MailWhy did Beethoven lose his hearing?In this episode of The Classical Music Minute, we explore one of the most famous mysteries in music history. Ludwig van Beethoven began experiencing hearing problems in his late twenties, including ringing in the ears and difficulty hearing high sounds and distant voices.By 1802, he knew the condition was serious and progressive. During a stay in Heiligenstadt, he wrote the deeply personal Heiligenstadt Testament, describing the distress caused by his hearing loss.Although many possible causes have been suggested, including illness, infection, autoimmune disease, and lead exposure, the exact reason for Beethoven's deafness remains uncertain.What makes his story extraordinary is that he continued to compose some of his most powerful music even as his hearing declined.In just sixty seconds, discover how Beethoven's deafness became part of one of the most remarkable creative stories in classical music.Fun FactBeethoven's Ninth Symphony premiered in 1824, when he was profoundly deaf. According to one famous account, he could not hear the audience applauding and had to be turned around to see their reaction.About The Classical Music MinuteThe Classical Music Minute is a short podcast exploring fascinating stories, quirky history, and surprising facts from the world of classical music—all in about sixty seconds.Each episode offers a quick and entertaining glimpse into composers, masterpieces, musical traditions, and the curious moments that shaped music history.You can also read the written versions of these episodes on Substack, where they're published as short articles delivered directly to subscribers.About Steven, HostSteven Hobé is a Canadian composer and actor based in Toronto and a member of the Canadian League of Composers. He is the creator and host of The Classical Music Minute, a series devoted to making classical music history engaging, surprising, and accessible.Topics CoveredBeethoven deafness, why did Beethoven go deaf, Beethoven hearing loss, Ludwig van Beethoven, Heiligenstadt Testament, Beethoven Ninth Symphony, Beethoven biography, classical music history, composers with hearing loss, Beethoven factsJoin me on Substack
Wayla speaks with Virginia Symphony Music Director Eric Jacobsen about Finding Peace at Potsdam, a unique performance that explores a pivotal moment in history in the wake of World War II.
The Black Orchestral Network has released a letter urging American orchestras to invest more heavily in Black classical musicians and rethink fellowship and career development programs. The organization says stronger support systems and greater representation are critical to the future of classical music. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
This week we speak with Vladimir Fanshil, founder of Live at Yours, the innovative concert series bringing intimate classical music performances into living rooms, heritage-listed spaces and unexpected venues across Australia. We discuss why classical music continues to endure across generations, the emotional intimacy of hearing music up close, and what audiences are searching for in an increasingly noisy and disconnected world, particularly amongst the younger generations.
Fluent Fiction - Norwegian: Musical Hearts Unite: A Night of Inspiration in Oslo Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/no/episode/2026-05-21-22-34-01-no Story Transcript:No: Solens stråler skinner over Oslofjorden og lyser opp Operaen i Oslo med sin moderne, blanke fasade.En: The sun's rays shine over the Oslofjorden and illuminate the Operaen i Oslo with its modern, shiny facade.No: Det er vår, og i kveld er det en etterlengtet konsert.En: It is spring, and tonight, there is a long-awaited concert.No: Klassisk musikk fyller luften, og det er en spesiell følese av forventning.En: Classical music fills the air, and there is a special sense of anticipation.No: Lars går inn i den store salen, hjertet hans banker raskt.En: Lars enters the large hall, his heart beating quickly.No: Musikk har alltid vært essensen i livet hans, men noe mangler.En: Music has always been the essence of his life, but something is missing.No: Han er en musikk lærer, elsker sin jobb, men han har ikke følt den inspirasjonen han lengter etter på en stund.En: He is a music teacher, loves his job, but he hasn't felt the inspiration he longs for in a while.No: Solveig, derimot, sitter allerede på plass.En: Solveig, on the other hand, is already seated.No: Hun er en journalist, alltid på jakt etter de beste kulturhistoriene, men ofte føler hun seg ensom midt i sine travle dager.En: She is a journalist, always on the hunt for the best cultural stories, but often, she feels lonely amidst her busy days.No: Hun lengter etter ekte forbindelser.En: She longs for genuine connections.No: Av en tilfeldighet, finner Lars seg selv sittende rett ved siden av Solveig.En: By chance, Lars finds himself sitting right next to Solveig.No: Under åpningsstykket, føler de begge en uventet ro, en forbindelse, som om musikken snakker direkte til dem.En: During the opening piece, they both feel an unexpected calm, a connection, as if the music speaks directly to them.No: I pausen, tar Lars mot til seg.En: During the intermission, Lars gathers the courage.No: "Hei, jeg heter Lars," sier han litt nervøst.En: "Hi, my name is Lars," he says, a bit nervously.No: Solveig smiler, "Hei, jeg er Solveig. Liker du konserten?"En: Solveig smiles, "Hi, I'm Solveig. Are you enjoying the concert?"No: De snakker om musikken.En: They talk about the music.No: De innser at de deler en felles kjærlighet for Beethoven og Mozart.En: They realize they share a mutual love for Beethoven and Mozart.No: Hva som skulle vært en kort prat, blir en livlig samtale.En: What was supposed to be a brief chat turns into a lively conversation.No: Lars føler en gnist, noe han ikke har følt på lenge.En: Lars feels a spark, something he hasn't felt in a long time.No: "Vil du ta en kaffe etter konserten?" spør Lars.En: "Would you like to grab a coffee after the concert?" asks Lars.No: Solveig nøler et øyeblikk, hennes journalistisk timeplan sitter fast i hodet hennes.En: Solveig hesitates for a moment, her journalistic schedule stuck in her mind.No: Men nysgjerrigheten tar overhånd.En: But curiosity takes over.No: "Ja, det hadde vært fint," svarer hun til slutt.En: "Yes, that would be nice," she finally replies.No: Etter konserten, finner de en koselig kafe i nærheten.En: After the concert, they find a cozy café nearby.No: Over kaffekopper, dykker de dypere inn i samtalene.En: Over cups of coffee, they dive deeper into their conversations.No: Lars deler om sin søken etter mer enn bare musikk i livet og Solveig deler hennes ønske om noe ekte, noe mer enn bare artiklene hun skriver.En: Lars shares about his search for more than just music in life and Solveig shares her desire for something real, something more than just the articles she writes.No: De diskuterer drømmer, frykt, musikken mellom dem, men også livet utenfor notebladene.En: They discuss dreams, fears, the music between them, but also life outside the sheet music.No: Lars føler seg inspirert igjen.En: Lars feels inspired again.No: Solveig føler at hun har funnet noen som forstår hennes verden.En: Solveig feels she has found someone who understands her world.No: Natten avsluttes, og de står utenfor kaféen, under de milde vårstjernene.En: The night concludes, and they stand outside the café, under the gentle spring stars.No: "La oss møtes igjen," foreslår Lars.En: "Let's meet again," suggests Lars.No: Solveig smiler, "Ja, det vil jeg gjerne."En: Solveig smiles, "Yes, I'd like that."No: Lars og Solveig går hver til sitt, men begge med en ny følelse av håp.En: Lars and Solveig go their separate ways, but both with a new sense of hope.No: Han har funnet inspirasjon, ikke bare i musikken, men i menneskelige forbindelser.En: He has found inspiration not just in music, but in human connections.No: Solveig kjenner varme, en ekte forbindelse i hjertet.En: Solveig feels warmth, a true connection in her heart.No: Denne kvelden på Operahuset i Oslo blir mer enn en konsert; det er begynnelsen på noe nytt. Et løfte om møte igjen - med musikkens tidsløse skjønnet som deres felles bakteppe.En: This evening at the Operahuset i Oslo becomes more than just a concert; it is the beginning of something new—a promise to meet again, with the timeless beauty of music as their shared backdrop. Vocabulary Words:rays: strålerilluminate: lyser oppfacade: fasadelong-awaited: etterlengtetanticipation: forventningessence: essenseninspiration: inspirasjonlonely: ensomgenuine: ekteintermission: pausencourage: motspark: gnistcuriosity: nysgjerrighetcozy: koseligdive: dykkedreams: drømmerfears: fryktunderstands: forstårpromise: løftebackdrop: bakteppeessence: essensenjournalist: journalistmutual: fellesconversation: samtaleschedule: timeplanconnections: forbindelsermusic: musikkBeethoven: BeethovenMozart: Mozartstars: stjerner
Send us Fan MailWhy has Pachelbel's Canon in D become one of the most popular wedding pieces of all time?In this episode of The Classical Music Minute, we explore how a Baroque composition written centuries ago became closely associated with modern wedding ceremonies.Known for its flowing melodies and repeating harmonic progression, Canon in D creates a calm and elegant atmosphere that naturally suits processions and ceremonial moments. Its adaptable instrumentation has also helped make it a favourite for string quartets, organists, pianists, and wedding ensembles of all kinds.Although the piece was not originally composed for weddings, its popularity grew rapidly during the twentieth century through recordings, films, and widely broadcast ceremonies.In just sixty seconds, discover why this gentle Baroque masterpiece continues to accompany couples down the aisle around the world.Fun FactThe famous chord progression in Canon in D has become so recognizable that variations of it have appeared in countless pop songs over the years, leading some musicians to jokingly call it “the four-chord ancestor” of modern music.About The Classical Music MinuteThe Classical Music Minute is a short podcast exploring fascinating stories, quirky history, and surprising facts from the world of classical music—all in about sixty seconds.Each episode offers a quick and entertaining glimpse into composers, masterpieces, musical traditions, and the curious moments that shaped music history.You can also read the written versions of these episodes on Substack, where they're published as short articles delivered directly to subscribers.About Steven, HostSteven Hobé is a Canadian composer and actor based in Toronto and a member of the Canadian League of Composers. He is the creator and host of The Classical Music Minute, a series devoted to making classical music history engaging, surprising, and accessible.Topics CoveredCanon in D, Pachelbel Canon in D, wedding classical music, why Canon in D weddings, Johann Pachelbel, famous wedding music, Baroque music, classical wedding songs, Canon in D history, wedding procession musicJoin me on Substack
Josh Saak from Boise, IdahoLooking for questions on Major League Baseball, Geography, American History, and Classical Music or ComposersLinks:J-Archive recap of Josh's appearances.Recommends: Planet Money and 99% InvisibleQuizzes at: Mostly online, OQL, Learned League, QuipFavorite Animal: DogEden Spencer from Minneapolis, MinnesotaLooking for questions on Geography, Dogs, and Food & DrinkLinks:Quizzes at: Trivia Workshop live stream, BP Trivia, Learned League - and live at Venn Brewing Recommends: Jim Harold's Campire podcastLooking forward to: A trip to the Dominican Republic#######JOIN THE DISCORD!!!The best way to get the latest updates about the podcast and the Tuesday Sunday night Twitch stream is to join the Discord server. It's easy to do by clicking this link: https://discord.gg/z95CZGQrKQWant to build your own game of Tangents?All you have to do is pick a date that works for you: https://calendly.com/triviaworkshop/And be sure to check out the other Trivia Workshop links here:https://linktr.ee/TriviaWorkshopThank You Patreon Crew!This podcast wouldn't be possible without your support. Thank you all - and welcome to our newest member, Alissa! If you'd like to join, it's easy! Just go to https://www.patreon.com/TriviaWorkshop for your options.And as always, thanks to the entire Patreon Crew - Adam Wendell, Alissa, Andrew Buxbaum, Anne Putnam, Asha Ouseph, Brandon Fellows, Brian Irving, Brock Kwiatkowsky, Bryan Nash, cheyenne fletcher, Chris Collins, Christian Hernandez, Claire Bancroft, Dalton McGhiey, Danielle Fields, Ian Schulze, Jane Hansen, Jay Borsom, Jeff Clear, Jillian Hawkins, JJaz, John Liu, Kevin Kuschel, Leslie Hyman, Luc Leavenworth, Madeleine Garvey, Martin Ebert, Matt Lamia, Marc Poland, Nabeel Bader, Nanci Skinner, Nicole Bates-Rush, Paul Paquet, Quizmaster Caleb, Samantha Kuchar, Sara Callori, Sarah Collins, Scott Anglemyer, Scott Barber, Shaun Bernstein, Steven Beningo, StitchinStacey, Tamara Morgan, The Professional Left, Tim Robert Gomez, Tony Schmit, Wendy Curtis, and Will Gilbert
For 45 years, George Palmer harboured a secret. He spent every spare moment composing classical music, and then shoving his scores in his bottom drawer. Until one day, almost by pure chance, that music saw the light of day.As a young man, George had dreams of becoming a renowned classical music composer, but when he walked into university, he didn't feel like he belonged in the music department.George left after his first week, and followed a school friend into the law department.At first, George was not inspired by the law, but he ended up falling in love with the human side of the justice system.For the next 45 years, he climbed the ranks from barrister, to Queen's Counsel, and finally to judge in the NSW Supreme Court, where he had ultimate responsibility for all adoptions in the state.But through all those years in public life, George had a secret "vice".Every spare moment he had was spent at his piano, scribbling down choral works and orchestral scores that he never intended anyone to see or hear.He never spoke about composing with his colleagues, friends or family, until one day George's talents were uncovered through chance and tragedy.George's latest work The Drover's Wife - The Opera is playing at Brisbane's QPAC until 22 May, and then will be staged at Sydney's Opera House in August, 2026.This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris. Executive Producer is Eliza Kirsch.It explores World War Two, family origin stories, spies, British intelligence, hearing loss, late in life career changes, second career, protective list, adoption, foster care, Supreme Court, legal system, justice system, judicial system, commercial law, Beethoven, Bach, Wagner, opera, contemporary classical music, contemporary Australian composers, Indigenous stories, Leah Purcell, stage adaptations, books, writing.
What happens when a teenager becomes so obsessed with music that she sneaks into orchestra concerts just to experience it again?In this unforgettable episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich talks with author, broadcaster, and music historian Nancy Shear about her remarkable memoir I Knew a Man Who Knew Brahms. Nancy shares how a free ticket to the Philadelphia Orchestra changed the course of her life forever and led her into the inner world of legendary conductors, musicians, and orchestras.From backstage adventures at the Academy of Music to working closely with the iconic Leopold Stokowski, Nancy opens up about the passion, beauty, pressure, and humanity behind classical music.In this episode, you'll discover: How music became Nancy's refuge and purpose What really happens behind the scenes of a world-class orchestra Why classical music still resonates emotionally today How orchestras unite people from every background Where beginners should start exploring classical music Whether you're a lifelong music lover or someone who's never attended a symphony, this conversation will inspire you to slow down, listen deeply, and rediscover the emotional power of music.Get Nancy's book: I Knew a Man Who Knew Brahms If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves music, storytelling, or inspiring life journeys.Send us Fan MailWHFC 91.1 FMIt's all about community. WHFC 91.1 FM, Harford Community College Radio, is the college radio staDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showRate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | FacebookTwitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennettTikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTokSponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:Hosted on BuzzsproutSquadCastSubscribe by Email
Some conversations stay with you because of what a person has accomplished. Others stay with you because of who that person became along the way. Internationally acclaimed bassoonist Frank Morelli is both. His story is about far more than music. It's about what happens when a lifetime of dedication shapes not only an artist, but a human being.There's something deeply moving about a person who spends a lifetime devoted to music and still meets the world with humility and a genuine sense of wonder. In this heartfelt episode of Speaking of Travel, Frank reflects on the deeper journey behind a life in music and the ways it shaped not only his career, but his understanding of purpose and gratitude.For more than 60 years, Frank's path has carried him around the world, from concert halls and international performances to decades spent mentoring and encouraging young musicians. Yet what stands out most is not simply his remarkable career, but the kindness and sincerity he brings to every part of his life.There is a gentleness in Frank that immediately puts people at ease. Even after years of recognition and accomplishment, he remains deeply grateful for the experiences music has given him. His love for teaching shines throughout this episode, along with his belief that music can open hearts and create connection in ways few things can.This conversation moves beyond performance and into something far more human. It becomes a reflection on what happens when someone continues evolving through every season of life.“The longer I've lived with music, the less it feels like performance and the more it feels like gratitude.”Frank Morelli continues to inspire not only through his artistry, but through the quiet grace and humanity he brings to the world around him.
Send us Fan MailWhy has The Four Seasons remained one of the world's most recognizable pieces of classical music?In this episode of The Classical Music Minute, we explore the enduring popularity of Antonio Vivaldi's famous set of violin concertos. Written in the early eighteenth century, The Four Seasons uses music to depict scenes from nature, including birdsong, storms, flowing water, hunting scenes, and winter winds.This approach, known as program music, helped make the work vivid and accessible to audiences. Combined with energetic rhythms, memorable melodies, and dazzling violin writing, the music continues to captivate listeners centuries after it was composed.Today, The Four Seasons remains a staple of concert halls and one of the most frequently used classical works in film and television.In just sixty seconds, discover why Vivaldi's musical portrait of the seasons still resonates today.Fun FactEach concerto in The Four Seasons was originally published alongside a sonnet—possibly written by Vivaldi himself—describing the scenes and imagery the music was intended to portray.About The Classical Music MinuteThe Classical Music Minute is a short podcast exploring fascinating stories, quirky history, and surprising facts from the world of classical music—all in about sixty seconds.Each episode offers a quick and entertaining glimpse into composers, masterpieces, musical traditions, and the curious moments that shaped music history.You can also read the written versions of these episodes on Substack, where they're published as short articles delivered directly to subscribers.About Steven, HostSteven Hobé is a Canadian composer and actor based in Toronto and a member of the Canadian League of Composers. He is the creator and host of The Classical Music Minute, a series devoted to making classical music history engaging, surprising, and accessible.Topics CoveredVivaldi Four Seasons, why is Four Seasons popular, Antonio Vivaldi, Four Seasons explained, program music, Baroque violin music, famous violin concertos, classical music for beginners, Four Seasons history, Vivaldi masterpieceJoin me on Substack
Hot off the presses and straight to you, it's a brand new Whisper in the Wings from Stage Whisper. And this time, we sat down with the writer/performer Elena Mazzon, to talk about her current show Clara: Sex, Love, and Classical Music. This was such a brilliant show packed with brilliant music, that just like this conversation, should not be missed. So be sure you hit play and catch the show while you still can!Clara: Sex, Love, and Classical Music Now- May 10th@ 59E59 TheatersTickets and more information are available at 59e59.orgAnd be sure to follow Elena to stay up to date on all her upcoming projects and productions: elenamazzon.com@ele_mazzon__
Culture Friday on the federal investigation into Smith College, Collin Garbarino reviews The Sheep Detectives, and Arsenio Orteza highlights a classical music label challenging industry norms. Plus, the Friday morning news.Support The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donateAdditional support comes from Homeschool Diploma. At Homeschool Diploma we believe graduation is more than a milestone; it's a celebration of a life shared together and a moment to give thanks to God for his leading and providence. We exist to elevate graduation for home and private schools with personalized, premium-quality diplomas, regalia, invites and more. www.homeschooldiploma.comFrom Pensacola Christian College. Academic excellence, biblical worldview, affordable cost. go.pcci.edu/worldAnd from Ambassadors Impact Network, evaluating every deal through two rigorous screens: a spiritual impact assessment examining leadership, values, and gospel intentionality, plus financial diligence conducted by members with private equity backgrounds. Only about 7% of companies reviewed reach members for investment consideration. This dual-screen process is designed for busy professionals who want vetted, faith-forward opportunities. Learn more at ambassadorsimpact.com
Fluent Fiction - Norwegian: Lars' Leap of Faith: Triumph on Norway's National Stage Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/no/episode/2026-05-05-22-34-01-no Story Transcript:No: Solen skinte over Oslo denne vårdagen.En: The sun shone over Oslo on this spring day.No: Fuglene kvitret, og folk i gatene var kledd i sine fineste bunader.En: The birds chirped, and people in the streets were dressed in their finest bunader.No: Det var 17. mai, Norges nasjonaldag, og stemningen var elektrisk i byen.En: It was the 17th of May, Norway's National Day, and the atmosphere in the city was electric.No: Inne i det store, moderne Operahuset våknet nervene til live for Lars.En: Inside the large, modern Operahuset, Lars' nerves came to life.No: Det var en viktig dag.En: It was an important day.No: Lars sto ved sitt elskede fiolinetui, og hendene hans skalv litt.En: Lars stood by his beloved violin case, and his hands trembled a bit.No: Korsetten sted fra et øyeblikk da han så opp og betraktet den elegante arkitekturen.En: The corset tightened for a moment as he looked up and admired the elegant architecture.No: Han tok et dypt åndedrag og tenkte på den soloen han skulle spille.En: He took a deep breath and thought about the solo he was going to play.No: Det var som en scene fra en drøm—han skulle spille foran et fullsatt publikum her, i selve hjertet av norsk kultur.En: It was like a scene from a dream—he was to perform in front of a full audience here, in the very heart of Norwegian culture.No: Han så Ingrid, hans kollega, snakke med orkesterleder Erik.En: He saw Ingrid, his colleague, talking to the orchestra leader Erik.No: Ingrid hadde alltid vært selvsikker, med et smil som kunne løse opp den strammeste situasjon.En: Ingrid had always been confident, with a smile that could dissolve the tensest situation.No: Hun så på Lars og smilte oppmuntrende.En: She looked at Lars and smiled encouragingly.No: Men hans egen tvil kledde ham som en tung kappe.En: But his own doubts clothed him like a heavy cape.No: Erik, med sin skarpe dirigentstokk, forventet det beste av alle.En: Erik, with his sharp conductor's baton, expected the best from everyone.No: Det var en konstant påminnelse om at han måtte levere noe spesielt, spesielt i dag.En: It was a constant reminder that he had to deliver something special, especially today.No: Men Lars hadde en plan.En: But Lars had a plan.No: Han ville bruke tid alene, på Operahusets tak, før framføringen.En: He wanted to spend some time alone on the roof of the Operahuset before the performance.No: Han listet seg opp de smale trappene til taket, en hemmelig plass hvor han kunne se utover Oslofjorden.En: He sneaked up the narrow stairs to the roof, a secret place where he could look over the Oslofjorden.No: Den friske vårbrisen hilste ham velkommen, og han følte en ro bredte seg i kroppen.En: The fresh spring breeze welcomed him, and he felt a calm spread throughout his body.No: Han åpnet etuiet og lot fiolinbuen gli over strengene, tonene svevde mot himmelen.En: He opened the case and let the violin bow glide over the strings, the notes soaring towards the sky.No: Utsikten, med den krystallklare horisonten, ga ham fred.En: The view, with the crystal-clear horizon, gave him peace.No: Lars visste også at han trengte råd.En: Lars also knew he needed advice.No: Selv om det var skummelt, tok han mot til seg og snakket med Erik før konserten.En: Even though it was daunting, he mustered the courage to speak with Erik before the concert.No: Erik lyttet oppmerksomt og svarte med vennlige ord om viktigheten av å stole på sitt eget talent.En: Erik listened attentively and responded with kind words about the importance of trusting one's own talent.No: Til slutt, inne i salen, gled han inn i sin plass i orkesteret.En: Finally, inside the hall, he slipped into his place in the orchestra.No: Publikum var spent, stillheten før stormen var til å ta og føle på.En: The audience was tense, the calm before the storm was palpable.No: Lysene dempet seg, og det var tid for Lars' øyeblikk i rampelyset.En: The lights dimmed, and it was time for Lars' moment in the spotlight.No: Han tenkte igjen på roen fra taket, og lyttet til hjerterytmen som sakte roet seg.En: He thought again of the peace from the roof and listened to his heartbeat gradually calming.No: Da han begynte å spille, fylte musikken rommet med en magi som kun levende toner kan skape.En: As he began to play, the music filled the room with a magic that only live notes can create.No: Strengene sang, og hans sorg og glede ble formidlet til hver en sjel i salen.En: The strings sang, and his sorrow and joy were conveyed to every soul in the hall.No: Det var som om Oslo selv pustet med ham.En: It was as if Oslo itself breathed with him.No: Da han fullførte, brøt applausen løs, en rungende hyllest til hans dyktighet og mot.En: When he finished, the applause erupted, a resounding tribute to his skill and courage.No: Ingrid og Erik møtte ham med stående applaus.En: Ingrid and Erik met him with a standing ovation.No: Lars' smil var bredt og ekte da han bøyde seg i anerkjennelse.En: Lars' smile was broad and genuine as he bowed in acknowledgment.No: Han hadde klart det, han beviste for seg selv at han tilhørte her, blant de beste.En: He had done it, he proved to himself that he belonged here, among the best.No: Hans frykt ble til mot, og han lærte at ønske om støtte styrker, ikke svekker.En: His fear turned to courage, and he learned that the desire for support strengthens, rather than weakens.No: Lars var klar for flere slike dager, hvor musikken flyter friere enn noen sinne.En: Lars was ready for more days like this, where the music flows freer than ever.No: I anledning Nasjonaldagen hadde han ikke bare gitt publikum en minneverdig opplevelse, men også gitt seg selv en dyrebar gave—troen på seg selv.En: On the occasion of the National Day, he had not only given the audience a memorable experience, but also given himself a precious gift—the belief in himself. Vocabulary Words:chirped: kvitretbunader: bunaderelectric: elektrisknerves: nervertrembled: skalvcorset: korsettenadmired: betraktetarchitecture: arkitekturenscene: scenedream: drømorchestra: orkesterencouragingly: oppmuntrendecape: kappeconductor's baton: dirigentstokkreminder: påminnelsesneaked: listet segnarrow stairs: smale trappenebreeze: brisenhorizon: horisontenmustered: tok mot til segattentively: oppmerksomtpalpable: til å ta og føle påspotlight: rampelysetmagic: magiresounding: rungendetribute: hyllestacknowledgment: anerkjennelsecourage: motsupport: støtteprecious: dyrebar
Two classically trained musicians meet at a party, start improvising, and end up building a Grammy-winning duo.That moment became the start of ARKAI. What began as a simple jam turned into something much bigger. A new sound, a new path, and a reminder that sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come when you step outside the rules.This conversation is about taking risks, trusting your instincts, and building something from nothing.To read the complete transcript and watch the podcast video, visit the episode blog.What You'll Learn- Why many classically trained musicians struggle with improvisation- How a single jam session turned into a long-term collaboration- Why waiting for permission can hold you back- How to start creating even without formal composition training- What actually goes into building a Grammy-winning project- Why great music alone is not always enough- How visuals and storytelling help your music reach more people- The difference between being a musician for passion vs career- Why self-belief often matters more than talent- How taking risks shapes your identity as an artistTopics Covered in This Episode- Early musical influences and beginnings- Life at Juilliard and structured training- The moment ARKAI was formed- Learning to improvise and compose outside the system- Finding a sound beyond classical music- Using modern platforms to reach an audience- Letting go of fear and overthinking- What the Grammy process looks like- Building a brand around your music- Defining success on your own terms- Creating opportunities instead of waiting for themWho This Episode Is For- Classically trained musicians who want to try something new- Artists who feel stuck or unsure where to go next- Musicians interested in composing or improvising- Creators building their own identity- Anyone curious about how real music careers are built- Artists balancing passion and income- Musicians who want to take more risksConnect with ARKAIWebsiteInstagramSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFacebookConnect with Jason TonioliWebsite FacebookYouTube InstagramSpotifyPandoraAmazon MusicApple Music
Send us Fan MailWhy Is Bach Called the Father of Classical Music?Why is Johann Sebastian Bach often referred to as the “Father of Classical Music”?In this episode of The Classical Music Minute, we explore the lasting influence of one of history's greatest composers. Although Bach lived during the Baroque period, his work laid the foundation for much of the music that followed.Renowned for his mastery of counterpoint, Bach demonstrated how multiple independent musical lines could work together in harmony. His compositions, including The Well-Tempered Clavier and The Art of Fugue, are still studied today for their structural brilliance and expressive depth.Later composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms learned from Bach's techniques, helping to carry his influence into the Classical and Romantic eras.In just sixty seconds, discover why Bach's music continues to shape the sound of classical music centuries later.Fun FactBach's music was largely forgotten after his death in 1750 until it was revived decades later—most notably when Felix Mendelssohn conducted a famous performance of the St. Matthew Passion in 1829, sparking renewed interest in his work.About The Classical Music MinuteThe Classical Music Minute is a short podcast exploring fascinating stories, quirky history, and surprising facts from the world of classical music—all in about sixty seconds.Each episode offers a quick and entertaining glimpse into composers, masterpieces, musical traditions, and the curious moments that shaped music history.You can also read the written versions of these episodes on Substack, where they're published as short articles delivered directly to subscribers.About Steven, HostSteven Hobé is a Canadian composer and actor based in Toronto and a member of the Canadian League of Composers. He is the creator and host of The Classical Music Minute, a series devoted to making classical music history engaging, surprising, and accessible.Join me on Substack
From Radar Research to Stellar Nucleosynthesis Fred Hoyle, born in West Yorkshire in 1915, spent his childhood immersed in the cinema where his mother worked as a pianist, performing classical music for silent films and providing the environment where Hoyle taught himself to read by watching the onscreen subtitles. He pursued his higher education at Cambridge, where he studied under distinguished physicists like Paul Dirac, Max Born, and Rudolf Peierls while developing an interest in chemistry and particle physics. After earning his PhD in 1939, Hoyle's academic career was interrupted by World War II, during which he performed secret radar research for the British military in Section 8X RC8 before returning to Cambridge as a professor in 1945. A critical turning point occurred during a military-related trip to the United States when he met astronomer Walter Baade, whose research into population I and II stars and the catastrophic energy of supernovae inspired Hoyle to investigate how elements are formed. In 1946, Hoyle published a seminal paper on stellar nucleosynthesis, theorizing that the universe's chemical elements, from hydrogen to uranium, were forged step-by-step within the cores of massive stars. This theory emerged during a period of great debate between the "cosmic egg" model proposed by Georges Lemaître and the "steady state" model, the latter of which Hoyle championed despite Albert Einstein's earlier rejection of a similar concept in an unpublished paper. While Gamow argued that all elements were synthesized in the high-heat environment of the early expanding universe, Hoyle maintained that the cosmos was perpetual and lacked a definitive beginning. This rivalry was further complicated by the fact that 1940s astronomers had not yet accurately determined the age of the universe, with estimates fluctuating wildly between 2 billion and 10 billion years. Guest Author: Paul Halpern. (2/4)DECEMBER 1961
This playlist is 73% vinyl friendly. Not bad. From 2016, the TechDas Air Force One Premium turntable might well have been aimed initially at the present user of said plane, if features like vacuum clamping, pneumatic bearings, the Disc suction system and an impressive Wow & Flutter ratio of 0.03% (WRMS) were his or her thing and depending on the spec required it retailed at between $140,000 and $152,000. You read that right. Any track marked * has been given either a tiny or a slightly larger 41 Rooms tweak/edit/chop and the occasional tune might sound a bit dodgy, quality-wise. On top of that, the switch between different decades and production values never helps in the mix here. Lyric of Playlist 151 Nearly as good as captured cinematically. A busy day in the life of Joni. 00.00 (Intro) THE FLAMINGOS – Stars (Edit) – Unreleased demo – 1983. Episode #1 for info. 00.41 NEW ORDER – Sunrise (Writing Session Recording) – Low-Life, Definitive Edition box set – Warner Music – 2023 Yep, slower than the version most will know – either from the album or when played live, or indeed the equally vocal-less ‘Rough Mix’ take the band generously gave me for the Discreet Campaigns v/artist cassette that kickstarted the short-lived Rorschach Testing label – but it’s another where you’re practically hearing the band getting to grips with a rhythm and/or the shell of a song. My money’s on Hooky being the one who suggested the tempo should be taken up a notch or two. 04.48 THE WAKE – The Calendar (demo) – Unreleased – 1983 Onwards to become The Torn Calendar but here it was one of three tracks demo’d (along with ‘Places’ {pre Send Them Away} and Rise and Shine) on a TEAC 4-track reel to reel the band borrowed from me. They certainly made far better use of it than I ever did. The written lyrics given to Bedford’s Katie Possum at some point, along with her review in the local paper of the band’s second gig at Winkles… and that’s Stephen, my dog, Flanagan and Mac at my house the day before said gig. 08.10 A CERTAIN RATIO – And Then She Smiles – Force, LP – Factory – 1986 It’ll be no surprise to those that know me that I’m a bigger fan of the ‘tougher’ earlier ACR but here Jez Kerr’s voice is so sublime over a more ‘reflective’ sound. 11.59 THE OUBLIETTE – That’s Enough – Stream only – 2026 This is a complete first! Here – by complete accident – sits the first ever AI generated track to feature on 41 Rooms! And who knows re the video? It’s not an area I intend actively searching out, so expect them very infrequently but The Oubliette’s Youtube channel has a bucket load of tracks if you fancy your ’80s indie and darkwave-sounding tunes on the ‘artificial’ side. 15.18 LOVELAND (feat RACHEL McFARLANE) – Let the Music (Lift You Up) (Full On Vocal Radio Edit) – 12″ – Big Beat – 1994 ‘The Full On Vocal Mix, with its pounding piano and hackneyed lyrics, is undeniably old-fashioned and is about as cheesy as a lorry-load of Wotsits. But it comes with a guarantee to create absolute mayhem on all but the most elite of dancefloors. For those DJs who are more concerned about their own credibility than their audience’s enjoyment levels, there is also a much cooler garage-style remix from Olympic’s Bottom Dollar crew plus some deep and funky dubs‘. – Andy Beevers, Record Mirror (Music Week), 5.3.94 There are times when storming vocals, ‘less than critical’ lyrics and hands in the air are all you need… and this Big Beat belter had me smiling back then. 18.30 MARCO BENEVENTO – Houdini – Glera, LP – Big Crown Records – 2026 A bit of a broken beat and summery, Latin thing going on here, like someone taking a late ’60s Sergio Mendes vocal snippet on a wild ride. 20.59 MIDNIGHTROBA – Day’s Gon’ Come – Raise A Symphony, 2LP – Sonder – 2026 Roba El-Assawy has been heard far too infrequently since her days fronting Attica Blues. 22.42 THE ISLEY BROTHERS (feat RONALD ISLEY and ANGELA WINBUSH) – Float On (Bad Boy Remix) (Instrumental edit) * – Floatin’ On Your Love, 12″ – 4th & Broadway – 1996 I cut out all the ‘bump and grind’ lurrrv thang lyrics, as it was the beats, bv’s and ad libs stuff on this mix that made me buy the 12″ in the first place. Oh, and Ronald Isley could always sound like he was just itching to break into Summer Breeze any second. No bad thing. 24.31 HONEY DIJON (feat. JACOB LUSK) – Satisfied – The Nightlife, download only – Someothershit -2026 On first listen I briefly thought that Anohni (previously of Antony and the Johnsons) was on board here sounding soul sexy but it’s ‘competitor in American Idol’ (Season 10, apparently), Jacob Lusk quivering and sailing high on Ms Dijon’s production. African beat vibes sparkling all the way. 28.32 THE YOUNG DISCIPLES – Apparently Nothin’ – 12″ – Talkin’ Loud – 1991 Early in the Gilles Peterson and Norman Jay’ label catalogue and one hell of a funky strut. The wonderful Straight No Chaser mag was always a must read, even if a lot of the sounds and artists passed me by. I could still find tunes I’d never happen on anywhere else, unless I’d stood all day in London Soho’s Mr Bongo’s shop (or the likes) back in the day. 32.55 RÓISÍN MURPHY – If We’re In Love – 12″ – Echo – 2005 Strut Part 2! Between her Moloko days and solo career the Arklow, Ireland girl is a regular of sorts at 41 Rooms. Not sure about that sleeve cover, though. 37.20 CAN – I Want More – 7″ – Virgin – 1976 ‘German experimental electronic artist makes the UK’s Top 30 singles chart’ shock, horror probe. 40.34 FINITRIBE – Catch The Whistle – Promo 12″ only – Finiflex – 1993 First heard by me as a Tommy Vance-spoken ‘One FM exclusive’ on the Beeb’s lead radio station, though my mixtape forever played it slower than intended. Still rather it a tad pitched down. Squelchy sounding snares were often the order of them days. 46.14 ZIN MIYAKEZAWA – A Sanctuary Of Twilight Filled With Tranquility * – Classical Music, Vol. 108- Instrumental BGM – Download only – Audiostock – 2025 BGM = Background music, but ‘Incidental’ sounds so much classier, don’t you think? I’m slightly doubting whether Zin Miyakezawa is a real human but either way A Sanctuary… brings to mind Richard Harvey’s Elegy (the theme from TV’s 1983 Shroud For A Nightingale) and to a certain degree, parts of Harry’s Theme – Terminus (Silent Witness, S10, E10), and as all three have now made it to 41 Rooms you’ll instantly remember them all, I’m sure. You’re welcome, though a proper musician would tell me where exactly I’m right or wrong on all that. 48.39 ROBIN TROWER – Bluebird – Robin Trower, 12″ EP – Chrysalis – 1977 With a lot more guitar here than is usually found on 41 Rooms, for me with any Robin Trower I heard back in the day it was always Jimmy Dewar’s vocals that I took to. 54.07 KELELA – Idea 1 – Download only – Warp – 2026 A wash of a sound from the decade-long Warp label artist. 57.23 CALLERS – Young People – Life Of Love, LP – Western Vinyl – 2010 Dark Folk, I reckon. When Sara Lucas’ vocal gets earthy and ‘gutteral’ and let’s loose. It’s a switch that used to get me with Liz Fraser, though her ‘switch’ sounded more polarised. 01.01.01 THIS MORTAL COIL – Strength Of Strings – Filigree & Shadow, 2LP – 4AD – 1986 The first of two times vocalist Dominic Appleton fronted TMC, and I have to admit that I got the title wrong on the show. So, without time to correct it you got no title and I’d have better gotten away with it (or sounded less vague?) if there hadn’t been twenty five TMC tracks on the release, all with different personnel involved. Sod’s Law. 01.05.11 DRY CLEANING – Sliced By A Fingernail – Download only – 4AD – 2026 And from the 4AD label in 1986… to their 2026 output and I’d be slight wary of anybody saying ‘Happy birthday’ in this tone to me. 01.09.10 GNAG OF FOUR – He’d Send In The Army – Solid Gold, LP – EMI – 1981 Always saying it like they saw it. 01.12.56 YOUNG MARBLE GIANTS – Cakewalking – Final Day, 7″ – Rough Trade – 1980 In a most understated manner they sort of made a statement when they appeared on BBC 2’s Something Else in late ’80. 01.15.42 OSCAR FARRELL – Tripping Up In A Rush – I’ve Already Called, 12″ EP – dh2 – 2025 I might have to keep an eye and ear on this chap. 01.18.40 CABARET VOLTAIRE – Sleepwalking (John Peel session track, 1984) – Radiation (BBC Recordings 84-86), LP – Get Back – 2001 Having earlier been Cakewalking, now we’re Sleepwalking. All part of the service. Though actually released three years earlier (but only on CD) the above Get Back-label vinyl release has been followed up in 2026 by a bootleg version. The people dictate… and I’ll be with them catching the very last CV gigs ever, near the end of the year. 01.24.03 GIFT – Pinkhouse Secret Rave (Redux) – Download only – Self-released – 2026 A track from their 2022 debut album, Momentary Presence given a 2026 rework/remix, sorry ‘Redux’ and according to Discogs there are at least 33 acts called Gift! In this day and age – what with both the clamber for attention and the availability of info out there – you’d think… 01.28.16 GANZHEIT – Bolt It Down (Why Work?) * – Summer Of ’84 (demo cassette only) – Self-released – 1984 Out of Bedford. Clattering and driving punk electronic stuff. From the same time-frame, this one reminding a bit of Portion Control, a band who’d played the town earlier in the year above. 01.34.21 SUPER EXTRA BONUS PARTY (feat SORCA McGRATH) – Some Dark Forces – LovesVinyl Issue 02, v/artist 12″ – LovesVinyl – 2019 Ex-Ships vocalist sails over a Running Up The Hill-like drum pattern. 01.38.30 TRACEY THORN – Easy – Out Of The Woods, LP – Virgin – 2007 On the quieter side, One of the ‘signature’ voices, 01.41.49 BETH HIRSCH – Miner’s Son (Aquatic Mix) – 10″ – Artefact – 1997 Bang Bang’s mix sets Beth back a bit in the mix but if lesser known than Ms Thorn above, it’s yet another signature voice. 01.46.43 JONI MITCHELL – Song For Sharon – Hejira, LP – Asylum – 1976 Epic storytelling in a single song. 01.54.46 WAR (feat JOSE FELICIANO) – East L.A. – Peace Sign, 2LP – Avenue – 1994 This show had to be totally put together on the fly, between daily meet ups with friends back in Bedford and London, but the weather was brill right through and the piecing together ended up in the Leytonstone sunshine… even though that’s nowhere near East L.A. There’s a longer, more up front vocals version of the song where Jose also takes on the verses and given my JF leanings I could have placed that one here, but I actually like him ‘countering’ to War vocalist, Lonnie Jordan. Everything about Jose’s vocal when he first drops in here is why I first loved the man back in the late 60’s/early ’70s. I once reminded Jose of the track’s two versions and also (importantly) why I liked this one more… and maybe understandably he seemed a bit disappointed. Show 152 will be here June 7. Dec x The post Post Punk Plus Podcast Playlist 151 – Original upload 3.5.26 appeared first on 41Rooms.
Join us on The Founder Spirit podcast with Eric Genuis, a composer, virtuoso pianist and compassionate storyteller, who has dedicated the past three decades to playing for society's most broken: death row prisoners, traumatized youth, the elderly, the homeless, and veterans battling PTSD. Uncover the extraordinary story behind his mission-driven career—how a shocking first prison performance ignited a lifelong calling. Discover how Eric's compositions are rooted in stories of suffering, redemption, and the relentless fight to see the good in everyone, no matter their past. Most people overlook the profound power of music to heal, uplift, and transform lives—even those on the brink of despair. Playing for the forgotten, his music becomes a vessel for redemption and human dignity. Eric's approach to music transcends entertainment—delivering hope and beauty, cultivating compassion, and elevating our collective humanity.How did Eric turn a world-class music career into a mission of healing and transformation for the marginalized? TUNE IN to this conversation & find out. Don't forget to subscribe and support us on Patreon!For detailed transcript and show notes, please visit TheFounderSpirit.com.Also follow us on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/TheFounderSpirit- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheFounderSpirit- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFounderSpirit- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFounderSpirit- X: https://twitter.com/founder_spiritIf this podcast has been beneficial or valuable to you, feel free to become a patron and support us on Patreon.com, that is P-A-T-R-E-O-N.com/TheFounderSpirit.As always, you can find us on Apple, YouTube and Spotify, as well as social media and our website at TheFounderSpirit.com.The Founder Spirit podcast is proud to be a partner of the Villars Institute, a non-profit foundation focused on accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy and restoring planetary health.About This Podcast:Whether you are an entrepreneur, a mid-career professional or someone who's just starting out in life, The Founder Spirit podcast is for you!In this podcast series, we'll be interviewing exceptional individuals from all over the world with the founder spirit, ranging from social entrepreneurs, tech founders, to philanthropists, elite athletes, and more. Together, we'll uncover not only how they manage to succeed in face of multiple challenges, but also who they are as people and their human story.So TUNE IN & be inspired by stories from their life journey!
Send us Fan MailFeeling tired? Need to unwind? Then how about some gentle, soothing piano music? Welcome to the the first episode of Series 6 in the Relaxing Piano Playlist! In this episode, I perform for you music by Bach, Beethoven, Schubert, Liszt, Debussy and Ravel.
Send us Fan MailWhat Does “Opus” Mean in Classical Music?What does “opus” mean when you see it in a classical music title?In this episode of The Classical Music Minute, we explore the meaning behind this common musical term. Derived from the Latin word for “work,” opus numbers are used to catalogue and organize a composer's compositions.Typically assigned in order of publication rather than composition, opus numbers help distinguish one piece from another—especially when composers wrote many works in the same genre.For example, Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata is listed as Op. 27, No. 2, indicating its place within a published set of works.While not all composers used opus numbers consistently, the term remains a helpful way to navigate the vast world of classical music.In just sixty seconds, discover how one simple word helps organize centuries of musical creativity.Fun FactSome composers, including Frédéric Chopin, were very selective about which works received opus numbers—often assigning them only to pieces they felt were worthy of publication, leaving many compositions unpublished or without a number.About The Classical Music MinuteThe Classical Music Minute is a short podcast exploring fascinating stories, quirky history, and surprising facts from the world of classical music—all in about sixty seconds.Each episode offers a quick and entertaining glimpse into composers, masterpieces, musical traditions, and the curious moments that shaped music history.You can also read the written versions of these episodes on Substack, where they're published as short articles delivered directly to subscribers.About Steven, HostSteven Hobé is a Canadian composer and actor based in Toronto and a member of the Canadian League of Composers. He is the creator and host of The Classical Music Minute, a series devoted to making classical music history engaging, surprising, and accessible.Join me on Substack
We'll remember legendary conductor, composer, educator and San Francisco icon Michael Tilson Thomas who died on Wednesday. He served 25 years as music director of the San Francisco Symphony and was a towering figure in the classical music world in the Bay Area and globally. He is credited with revamping classical music with his risky musical choices, innovative collaborations, and talent for teaching young people. Thomas retired from the symphony in 2020 and was diagnosed with a rare brain cancer around that same time. We'll talk about Thomas' legacy and lasting imprint on San Francisco. Guests: Joshua Kosman, classical music critic, San Francisco Chronicle Mark Leno, former California state senator; longtime friend of Michael Tilson Thomas Donato Cabrera, music and artistic director, California Symphony John Adams, composer - his new opera "Girls of the Golden West" runs at San Francisco Opera through December 10th Julia Bullock, Grammy-winning opera singer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When the world's most famous dancer offered a young sailor a job as his assistant, Blue Robinson thought it was a joke at first. But what followed was the most fascinating and formative year of Blue's life.Simon 'Blue' Robinson grew up sailing and playing rugby on the idyllic island of Jersey, between England and France.In his 20s, he went further a field, first to London and then Blue started working on yachts sailing around the Caribbean.One evening at a restaurant in St Barts, Blue spotted a man whose face he recognised, and invited him on board the yacht the next day.That man was Rudolf Nureyev, hugely famous for his talents as a ballet dancer, his volatile temper, and for defecting from the Soviet Union.Nureyev took an immediate liking to Blue and spontaneously offered him a job as his assistant.The two next met months later, when Blue found himself side stage in Cleveland, Ohio, helping the legendary dancer undress, and preparing him a thermos of hot tea.This began an extraordinary and transformative year for Blue as the assistant, dresser, masseur, driver, cook, and trusted confidante of history's most iconic and legendary male ballet dancer.Blue's book, A Year with Rudolf Nureyev, is currently being turned into an audio book.He is still working as a writer, helping people write their private memoirs.This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris. Executive Producer is Eliza Kirsch.It explores ballet, Russia, USA, famous people, the secret lives of celebrities, Tatar, Red Army, Margot Fonteyn, classical dancing, defection, Soviet Union, USSR, The Royal Ballet, HIV-AIDS, health, decline, homosexuality in the 20th century, caring for sick people, carers, memoir, writing books, biography, boats, super yachts, below deck, sexual health, queer icons, STI, first jobs, amazing jobs.To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.
Send us Fan MailWhy did Mozart compose so many operas during his short lifetime?In this episode of The Classical Music Minute, we explore why opera played such an important role in Mozart's career. In the late eighteenth century, opera was one of Europe's most popular forms of entertainment, and cities across the continent regularly commissioned new works for their theatres.Mozart was uniquely suited to the genre. Opera allowed him to combine expressive melodies, colourful orchestration, and theatrical storytelling into a single artistic experience.Collaborating with librettists such as Lorenzo Da Ponte, Mozart produced operatic masterpieces including The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, and The Magic Flute—works that remain central to the operatic repertoire today.In just sixty seconds, discover why opera became one of Mozart's most important creative outlets.Fun FactMozart's opera The Marriage of Figaro was considered controversial when it premiered in 1786 because its story involved servants outsmarting their aristocratic masters—a theme that challenged the social hierarchy of the time.About The Classical Music MinuteThe Classical Music Minute is a short podcast exploring fascinating stories, quirky history, and surprising facts from the world of classical music—all in about sixty seconds.Each episode offers a quick and entertaining glimpse into composers, masterpieces, musical traditions, and the curious moments that shaped music history.You can also read the written versions of these episodes on Substack, where they're published as short articles delivered directly to subscribers.About Steven, HostSteven Hobé is a Canadian composer and actor based in Toronto and a member of the Canadian League of Composers. He is the creator and host of The Classical Music Minute, a series devoted to making classical music history engaging, surprising, and accessible.Join me on Substack
Fluent Fiction - Italian: Conquering Stage Fright: A Spring Recital Tale Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2026-04-17-07-38-20-it Story Transcript:It: In una splendida mattina di primavera, il sole dorato brillava sulle colline verdi della campagna italiana.En: On a beautiful spring morning, the golden sun was shining upon the green hills of the Italian countryside.It: Fiori selvatici di ogni colore sbocciavano nei prati intorno al collegio, riempiendo l'aria di profumi dolci.En: Wildflowers of every color bloomed in the meadows surrounding the collegio, filling the air with sweet fragrances.It: Era una giornata perfetta per una passeggiata, ma per Marco e Alessia, era tempo di prepararsi per il recital musicale.En: It was a perfect day for a walk, but for Marco and Alessia, it was time to prepare for the music recital.It: Marco era un pianista eccezionale.En: Marco was an exceptional pianist.It: Le sue dita danzavano velocemente sui tasti del pianoforte, creando melodie che incantavano chiunque le ascoltasse.En: His fingers danced swiftly over the piano keys, creating melodies that enchanted anyone who heard them.It: Tuttavia, Marco aveva un problema: la paura del palcoscenico.En: However, Marco had a problem: stage fright.It: Ogni volta che pensava di esibirsi davanti a un pubblico, il suo cuore cominciava a battere velocemente e le mani diventavano fredde e sudate.En: Every time he thought about performing in front of an audience, his heart would start racing and his hands would become cold and sweaty.It: Alessia, la sua migliore amica, era l'opposto.En: Alessia, his best friend, was the opposite.It: Era una violinista sicura di sé e affrontava il palco con grazia ed eleganza.En: She was a confident violinist and faced the stage with grace and elegance.It: Il suo sorriso era contagioso, e sapeva sempre come motivare Marco.En: Her smile was contagious, and she always knew how to motivate Marco.It: "Marco, devi crederci.En: "Marco, you have to believe in yourself.It: Sei bravissimo," diceva Alessia, mentre praticavano nella sala con le finestre ad arco del collegio.En: You're amazing," Alessia would say as they practiced in the hall with arched windows of the collegio.It: Attraverso i vetri, potevano vedere il paesaggio primaverile che li circondava, una vista che normalmente avrebbe calmato Marco ma che, in quel momento, non riusciva a distrarlo dalle sue paure.En: Through the glass, they could see the spring landscape surrounding them, a view that would normally calm Marco but, at that moment, could not distract him from his fears.It: Il recital di primavera era speciale perché coincideva con Pasqua, una festa amata da tutti al collegio.En: The spring recital was special because it coincided with Easter, a holiday loved by everyone at the collegio.It: Le famiglie venivano a vedere gli studenti esibirsi, portando con sé ceste di uova di cioccolato e colombe pasquali.En: Families came to see the students perform, bringing with them baskets of chocolate eggs and Easter colombe.It: Marco voleva disperatamente suonare bene e rendere orgogliosa la sua famiglia.En: Marco desperately wanted to play well and make his family proud.It: Decise di affrontare la paura.En: He decided to face his fear.It: Ogni giorno, si esercitava al pianoforte.En: Every day, he practiced at the piano.It: Alessia passava ore ad ascoltarlo, correggendo errori minimi e incoraggiandolo.En: Alessia spent hours listening to him, correcting minor mistakes and encouraging him.It: "Pensa solo alla musica, Marco.En: "Just think about the music, Marco.It: Immagina che ci sei solo tu e il pianoforte."En: Imagine it's just you and the piano."It: Finalmente, il giorno del recital arrivò.En: Finally, the day of the recital arrived.It: Nella grande sala gremita di persone, la tensione era palpabile.En: In the large hall packed with people, the tension was palpable.It: Quando fu il turno di Marco, il suo cuore batteva all'impazzata.En: When it was Marco's turn, his heart was pounding wildly.It: Entrò in scena e si sedette al pianoforte, ma improvvisamente si bloccò.En: He walked on stage and sat at the piano, but suddenly he froze.It: Sentì gli occhi del pubblico su di lui e la paura lo paralizzò.En: He felt the eyes of the audience on him, and fear paralyzed him.It: Poi, voltandosi leggermente, vide Alessia in prima fila.En: Then, slightly turning, he saw Alessia in the front row.It: Sorrideva, sicura e fiduciosa.En: She was smiling, sure and confident.It: Quel semplice gesto gli diede coraggio.En: That simple gesture gave him courage.It: Respirò profondamente e cominciò a suonare.En: He took a deep breath and began to play.It: Le note fluivano dolcemente, e presto l'ansia svanì.En: The notes flowed smoothly, and soon the anxiety vanished.It: La musica riempì la sala, e quando finì, scoppiò un applauso fragoroso.En: The music filled the hall, and when he finished, a thunderous applause broke out.It: Marco aveva superato la sua paura.En: Marco had overcome his fear.It: In piedi accanto al pianoforte, accolto dagli applausi, sentì un'ondata di sollievo e orgoglio.En: Standing next to the piano, embraced by applause, he felt a wave of relief and pride.It: Salutò il pubblico e, mentre si avvicinava ad Alessia, lei gli disse: "Sapevo che ce l'avresti fatta."En: He greeted the audience and, as he approached Alessia, she said to him, "I knew you could do it."It: Grazie al supporto di un'amica fidata e alla sua determinazione, Marco aveva finalmente imparato che con il giusto aiuto, era possibile affrontare e vincere le proprie paure.En: Thanks to the support of a trusted friend and his determination, Marco had finally learned that with the right help, it is possible to face and conquer one's fears.It: Il sole continuava a splendere sulle colline mentre lui e Alessia si avviavano per festeggiare la loro vittoria personale e l'arrivo della Pasqua.En: The sun continued to shine on the hills as he and Alessia headed off to celebrate their personal victory and the arrival of Easter. Vocabulary Words:the fragrance: il profumothe pianist: il pianistathe fear: la paurathe audience: il pubblicothe stage fright: la paura del palcoscenicothe landscape: il paesaggiothe meadow: il pratothe student: lo studentethe families: le famigliethe baskets: le cestethe eggs: le uovathe tension: la tensionethe wave: l'ondatathe spring: la primaverathe meadow: il pratoto bloom: sbocciareto motivate: motivareto perform: esibirsito distract: distrarreto melt: sciogliereto embrace: abbracciaresweet: dolceswiftly: velocementecontagious: contagiosoconfident: fiduciosothe thunderous applause: l'applauso fragorosothe grace: la graziathe courage: il coraggioto vanish: svanireto approach: avvicinarsi
This week we continue our conversation with Jacob Beranek and Christa Dalmazio from Higher Word Orchestra. In this episode we continue our conversation about the role of music in our society and introducing classical music to our families! Join us in rediscovering the divine potential of music to transform hearts and connect with our families!Connect with Higher Word Orchestra! https://higherword.org/
Hello Beautiful, I'm so grateful you're here with me.
Episode: 1551 In which Gary Larson tells us the piano was invented earlier than we thought. oday, a lesson in invention from the Far Side.
Click here to find Tyler's new generative book, The Marginal Revolution: Rise and Decline, and the Pending AI Revolution! Arthur Brooks reckons he's on the fourth leg of a spiral-shaped career: French horn player, economist, president of the American Enterprise Institute, and now Harvard professor and evangelist for the science of happiness. His new book, The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness, argues that happiness isn't a feeling but a combination of enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning — the macronutrients of happiness, he calls them — and that most of us are gorging on the wrong ones. Tyler, naturally, wants to know: what's the marginal value of a book on happiness, and what does spiral number five look like? Along the way, Tyler and Arthur cover how scarcity makes savoring possible and why knowing you'll die young sharpens the mind, what twin studies tell us about the genetics of well-being and why that's not actually depressing, the four habits of the genuinely happy, the placebo theory of happiness books, curiosity as an evolved positive emotion, the optimal degree of self-deception, why Arthur chose Catholicism rather than Orthodoxy, what the research says about accepting death, how he became an economist via correspondence school, AI's effect on think tanks, the future of classical music, whether Trumpism or Reaganism is the equilibrium state of American conservatism, whether his views on immigration have changed, what he and Oprah actually agree on, which president from his lifetime he most admires, Barcelona versus Madrid, what 60-year-olds are especially good at, why he's reading Josef Pieper, how he'll face death, and much more. Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links, or watch the full video on the new dedicated Conversations with Tyler channel. Recorded March 19th, 2026. This episode was made possible through the support of the John Templeton Foundation. Other ways to connect Follow us on X and Instagram Follow Tyler on X Follow Arthur on X Sign up for our newsletter Join our Discord Email us: cowenconvos@mercatus.gmu.edu Learn more about Conversations with Tyler and other Mercatus Center podcasts here. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:10 - The Macronutrients of Happiness 00:07:54 - What Happiness Books are Worth 00:12:28 - The Habits of the Happiest People 00:14:27 - Why the Young Reject Happiness Advice 00:17:35 - Curiosity's Role in Happiness 00:20:22 - Self-Deception 00:22:04 - Facing Death 00:25:44 - Choosing a Religion 00:28:41 - Immigration 00:30:27 - The American Right Wing 00:33:55 - AI's Role in Happiness 00:37:12 - What Drives Generosity 00:38:37 - Oprah's Political Views 00:40:16 - Which Political Leaders Arthur Admires 00:41:59 - The Best French Horn Players 00:43:40 - Arthur's Spiral of Careers 00:48:20 - The Future of Think Tanks 00:49:50 - The Future of Classical Music 00:51:27 - Living in Spain 00:55:34 - Age and Peak Performance 00:56:12 - What Arthur Will Do Next 00:59:14 - Outro Image Credit: Jenny Sherman
Have you ever wondered how a child prodigy from Shenyang, China, transformed into a global icon of classical music? Join host Buzz Knight on this captivating episode of takin' a walk as he sits down with the legendary pianist Lang Lang, who shares his remarkable journey that intertwines passion, perseverance, and the power of music. From starting piano lessons at the tender age of three to making history as the first Chinese pianist to perform with esteemed orchestras like the Berlin and Vienna Philharmonics, Lang Lang's story is a testament to the incredible heights one can reach through dedication and artistry. Lang Lang reflects on his breakthrough performance at just 17 with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the significance of his collaborations with diverse artists, including the likes of Metallica and Alicia Keys. These partnerships not only broaden the appeal of classical music but also create a bridge between genres, showcasing how music can transcend boundaries and connect us all. As Buzz and Lang Lang delve into the essence of his recent album, Piano Book 2, they discuss its mission to make classical music accessible to everyone, emphasizing the importance of education and outreach through Lang Lang's foundation, which provides piano lessons to disadvantaged schools. The conversation also explores the therapeutic power of music and the striking parallels between musicians and athletes, particularly regarding performance pressure and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Lang Lang shares his insights on connecting with audiences and the responsibility of inspiring the next generation of musicians, encouraging listeners to embrace the joy of classical music. Whether you’re a fan of buzz knight music, indie artists, or the rich tapestry of music history, this episode promises to be an enlightening journey through the world of classical and contemporary music. As part of the iHeart Podcast Network, takin’ a walk is committed to bringing you inspiring stories and insights from legendary musicians and songwriters. Tune in for an unforgettable conversation that not only highlights Lang Lang’s incredible career but also celebrates the cultural impact of music on our lives. Don’t miss this chance to walk alongside one of the most influential figures in music today, and discover how the magic of melody can inspire resilience and creativity in us all. Join us for this enriching episode filled with music history insights, personal stories, and the transformative power of music that resonates across generations. #legendary musician interview #lang lang #classical musicSupport the show: https://takinawalk.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hello Aria Code fans, pianist Emanuel Ax is dropping into the feed to introduce Classical Music Happy Hour, a new podcast he hosts that you might enjoy. The show is all about the joy in chatting about music with all sorts of people, including some of Manny's dearest friends like pianist Yuja Wang, composer John Adams, actor David Hyde Pierce, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. So grab a drink and join Manny Ax for music, merriment and conversation. Listen and Subscribe to Classical Music Happy Hour wherever you get your podcasts. Classical Music Happy Hour is produced by WQXR in partnership with Carnegie Hall.
Patrick opens with thoughts on how smartphones at the table subtly alter relationships, then fields calls about forgotten saints like Hildegard of Bingen, the oddities of canonization, and whether attending a bridal shower at a cohabiting couple’s place sends the wrong message. Questions zigzag across everything from the possibility of George Harrison’s late return to faith, the connection between classic movie scores and traditional masterpieces, to the enigma of why people say "River Jordan" instead of "Jordan River." Humor, moral wrestling, and unpredictable detours abound as Patrick guides listeners through faith, music, and modern life’s small provocations. Audio: Simon Sinek explains phone addiction and how it impacts our relationships - https://x.com/DudespostingWs/status/2034239162065281520?s=20 (00:19) Brady - Why is St. Hildegard swept under the rug or forgotten? (04:12) Richard - Is there a correlation between Classical Music and the Doctors of the Church? Could you say that the Beatles would be considered as Beethoven or Bach was? (08:24) Audio: George Harrison and John Lennon talk about having money - https://youtube.com/shorts/5rM41yhWkgw (17:00) George - I think you are hanging up a bit on the term Classical music. It is the staying power that makes it classical. (20:50) Elva - Could it be possible that Elizabeth told John about Jesus in the womb? (23:35) Stuart - Was St. John spared a violent death because he took Mary in? What could the reason be? Why was he spared? (26:26) Colleen - How do I handle a family situation involving cohabitation? My cousin and fiancée are living together. Can I attend the wedding? (33:28) Trish - I am a big Beatles fan and heard George converted back to Christianity when he had cancer. (35:20) Geri - St. Hildegard has some wonderful liturgical music. Jim - I think scores from movies are the closest we can get to modern classical music. Is the Iran War a moral or just war? (39:52)