Podcasts about Harry Christophers

Title: The Duke of Chandos Track: Handel ; Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act I: Happy We! Artist: The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Grace Davidson & Jeremy Budd Publisher: ℗ 2019 The Sixteen Productions Ltd

For all who have heard it, the sound of the choral ensemble The Sixteen, conducted by Harry Christophers is unforgettable and beautiful.  This podcast features an interview with Harry Christophers, and music by William Byrd, Thomas Tallis and Arvo Pärt, from their album The Deer's Cry.  On the eve of their US tour, this podcast celebrates their 45th anniversary.

Conductor and founder of The Sixteen Harry Christophers speaks to Gramophone Editor Martin Cullingford about his new album, ‘70: A Life in Music', which features 39 carefully selected recordings from the conductor's career so far, spanning periods from the renaissance to contemporary music. Reflecting on his 45-year career, Christophers' talks about his introduction to music, the formation of The Sixteen and the future of young composers today.  ‘70: A Life in Music' is out now on CORO.  

And the Bells are back! As are the Alleluias of course. Here's the music listened to with Nick and Tim on this week's episode of the Liturgical Looking Glass 1. Alleluia from Mozart's Exsultate Jubilate sung by Anna Moffo (1958 recording) 2. The Introit for this Sunday Sung by Stefan Ansinger O.P. & Alexandre Frezzato O.P. 3. Hans Leo Hassler: "Christ Ist Erstanden" • mixed choir, a cappella 4. J.S. Bach: Christ ist erstanden, BWV 627 · Simon Preston 5. Traditionnel: Dimanche de Quasimodo - Communion: Mitte manum tuam · Choeur des moines de l'Abbaye de Solesmes · Dom Joseph Gajard 6. James MacMillan's Strathclyde Motet sung by The Sixteen with Harry Christophers from the album Bright Orb of Harmony 7. William Byrd's setting of the Ave Maria, with an appended Alleluia from Stile Antico 8. Vivaldi's Credo, the movement Et Incarnatus est, from the album Gloria, performed by Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir · Tallinn Chamber Orchestra 9. Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah 10. Regina Caeli from the Nuns of St Cecilia's Abbey

Dominic is joined by the inimitable Harry Christophers CBE , founder and conductor of The Sixteen, one of the worlds most revered choral ensembles. With thanks to CORO for these stunning Christmas excerpts:Carol of the Bells  Apple / Spotify Pilgrim Jesus  Apple / SpotifyOf a Rose  Apple / Spotify  This Have I Done ... Apple / Spotify Lo, How a Rose e'er Blooming  Apple / SpotifyO Radix Jesse Apple / Spotify  Past Three a Clock Apple / Spotify For unto us ... Apple / Spotify Amen ... Apple / Spotify God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen  Apple / Spotify Wassail Song   Apple / Spotify Good King Wenceslas Apple This Little Babe  Apple / Support the showIf you like to make a donation to support the costs of producing this series you can buy 'coffees' right here https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dominicgerrardHost: Dominic GerrardSeries Artwork: Léna GibertOriginal Music: Dominic GerrardThank you for listening!

Nick and Tim look back at the solemnity of All Saints and commemoration of All Souls, discuss their origins and play some interesting music (most markedly a Dies Ire by Libra). Here's the playlist. 1. 'Justorum animae' from the album ‘Treasures of English Church Music', composed by C. V. Stanford, conducted by, John Rutter and sung by the Choir The Cambridge Singers. 2. Introit. Requiem eternam dona eis Domine, composted by Johannes Ockeghem and performed by Ensemble Organum and directed by Marcel Pérès from the album Requiem. 3. Dies irae (Gregorian Chant), composer anonymous, performed by Alfred Deller & Deller Consort from the album Sacred Music. 4. Missa pro defunctis a 6 (1605) : Communion, performed by The Sixteen and Harry Christophers from the album Victoria Requiem 1605 The Litrugical Looking Glass is a programme that look at the Church's liturgy for the week ahead explores music written for the liturgy or related to it. It is written by Nick Swarbrick and co-presented by the same with Tim Hutchinson. It airs Fridays at 9am and is rebroadcast at 8:30pm. If you enjoy listening to Radio Maria either live or through podcasts like these, please consider making a once off or monthly donation. To do so visit www.RadioMariaEnland.uk or calling 0300 302 1251 during office hours.

Kammerkoor The Sixteen ja dirigent Harry Christophers esitavad muusikat 19. sajandi teoloogi St John Henry Newmani tekstidel. Albumit saadab Newmani tekst, pealkirjaga "A Meditation on Trust in God" / "Mõtisklus usust Jumalasse".

What is it about the human voice and the special sound of a choir that holds such power for people (and makes JJ 'leaky')? Using examples from all genres, Haz and JJ explore issues of the perfect blend, keeping a drone in tune and what it means to have a 'true tone'. With an interview with members from The Sixteen, including their founder-director, Harry Christophers.Support the Show.www.artsactive.org.ukEmail a2@artsactive.org.ukTwitter @artsactiveInstagram artsactivecardiff Facebook artsactive#classicalmusic #stdavidshall #neuadddewisant #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff

Today on Boston Public Radio: Dr. Katherine Gergen-Barnett discusses the end of the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, and current COVID positivity rate in Mass. She also answers listeners' questions during this month's edition of “Ask the Doctor.” Gergen Barnett is the vice chair of Primary Care Innovation and Transformation and residency director in the Department of Family Medicine at Boston Medical Center and Boston University Medical School. We then open up the phone lines, talking with listeners about the potential for sports betting in Mass. Robert Baart and Peter Scott talks about the return of Fenway Studios' two-day open studios event. They also share their thoughts on whether there's enough support for emerging artists in Boston. Baart and Scott are artists with Fenways Studios. Their co-op is hosting their annual Open Studio event this weekend, indoors tomorrow, and both indoors and outdoors on Sunday, on Ipswich Street in Fenway. Paul Reville discusses the investigation into Jamaica Plain's Mission Hill K-8 School, and shares his thoughts on the textbooks recently rejected by the Florida Department of Education. Reville is the former Secretary of Education and a professor at Harvard University's Graduate School of Education, where he also runs the Education Redesign Lab. His latest book, co-authored with Lynne Sacks, is  “Collaborative Action for Equity and Opportunity: A Practical Guide for School and Community Leaders.” Sue O'Connell talks about the Oklahoma legislature's ban on abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. She also weighs in on M.I.T.'s Banana Lounge. O'Connell is the co-publisher of Bay Windows and South End News, and contributor to Current, on NBC L-X and NECN. Harry Christophers discusses his upcoming departure from the Handel and Haydn Society after 13 years of leadership, and shares how the Handel and Haydn Society adapted during the pandemic. Christophers is the artistic director of the Handel and Haydn Society. We end the show by asking listeners about the future of romance in the metaverse.

Harry Christophers is Guy Fishman's charismatic guest in this week's Tuning In podcast. Harry is conducting Haydn's The Creation in the coming days, and his love for this work bubbles through this conversation. Harry divulges why he chose this electrifying piece for his final performance as H+H's Artistic Director. Have you wondered what Harry considers to be the highpoint of his 13 seasons with H+H? Harry also shares his first encounters with The Creation, including Christopher Hogwood's role during the pioneering days with historically informed performances. Harry traces the role Handel played in informing Haydn's oratorios, uncovers “trade secrets” for rehearsing this complex choral movement to produce “light and shade,” and explains why the dynamic range of this work requires the unusual physicality for which H+H musicians are known. Harry can't wait to welcome back audiences to The Creation, promising the freshness of the very first performances of this staggering orchestration. Written and produced by Guy Fishman

Sometimes you meet someone who seems to be a kindred spirit and Harry Christophers and I just got on instantly - maybe a love of football and a good pint of English bitter helped? We discussed the art of programming and how much we enjoyed it, I found out which famous conductor was his first inspiration after seeing him conduct on TV, and I discover what rather surprising profession he would like to do! If you would like to join the supporters club for this podcast and find out more about the world of conducting and conductors, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself. If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners. If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium). This interview was recorded on 1st November 2021 via Zoom.

Originally published as episode 59 on December 21, 2019, this popular episode is being rerun in a slightly improved version. This is a love letter to the great English Christmas carols, from “There Is No Rose” to “The Boar's Head”. Did you know that not just any Christmas song is a carol? The true carol, in all its earthy splendor, is a distinctive product of the Catholic middle ages. Yet our forefathers didn't limit caroling to Christmas: they wrote carols for every season of the year covering the entire story of our Redemption, not to mention secular topics at times. This episode explores the origin of carols in England, their cultural meaning, and how they were suppressed by the Puritans and were revived in modern times. And of course, you'll hear a lot of great music throughout, ranging from historically informed performance to modern arrangements! Links Erik Routley, The English Carol https://www.amazon.com/English-Carol-Erik-Routley/dp/0837169895 Andrew Gant, The Carols of Christmas https://www.amazon.com/Carols-Christmas-Celebration-Surprising-Favorite/dp/0718031520 All music in this episode used with permission from the recording artist and/or label. Agincourt Carol, Alamire https://www.amazon.com/Deo-Gracias-Anglia-Alamire/dp/B008L1GZUO Nowell sing we both all and some, Quire Cleveland https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/quirecleveland2 Gabriel From Heaven's King, Quire Cleveland https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/quirecleveland2 A Virgin Most Pure, Stairwell Carolers https://www.stairwellcarollers.com/en/o-magnum-mysterium/ Coventry Carol, Harry Christophers and the Sixteen, available on the CORO record label at https://thesixteenshop.com/ Bedfordshire May Carol, Shirley Collins https://mainlynorfolk.info/shirley.collins/records/withinsound.html Remember O Thou Man, The King's Singers https://www.amazon.com/Remember-O-Thou-Man/dp/B073JZN754 Wassail (Gloucestershire Wassail, arr. Vaughan Williams), Quire Cleveland https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/quirecleveland4 Green Growth the Holly, Early Music New York—Frederick Renz, Director https://www.earlymusicny.org/a-renaissance-christmas My Dancing Day, Robert Shaw Chorale https://www.amazon.com/Songs-Angels-Christmas-Hymns-Carols/dp/B000003D0G Drive the Cold Winter Away, Owain Phyfe and the New World Renaissance Band https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/nwrb In the Bleak Midwinter, Quire Cleveland https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/quirecleveland2 Lullay My Liking (Holst), HSVPA Madrigal Singers (Houston, TX) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mw81DCQ3HhI A Hymn to the Virgin (Britten), VOCES8 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077GC4QVT/ref=dm_ws_sp_ps_dp There is no rose, Quire Cleveland https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/quirecleveland2 Thanks to all, but especially to Ross W. Duffin for his generosity with Quire Cleveland's back catalogue! Also recommended: A Waverly Consort Christmas: From East Anglia to Appalachia https://www.amazon.com/Waverly-Consort-Christmas-Anglia-Appalachia/dp/B000002SRK Other non-famous carols mentioned: Seven Virgins (The Leaves of Life); This Endris Night; Tempus adest floridum (Good King Wenceslas); Kingsfold (I heard the voice of Jesus say); The Cherry Tree Carol; Masters In This Hall; The Golden Carol; Snow in the Street; New Prince, New Pomp This podcast is a production of CatholicCulture.org. If you like the show, please consider supporting us! http://catholicculture.org/donate/audio

In this cosy November edition of Upbeats, JJ and Haz discuss why choral music goes well with hot chocolate, the effect of conductor Harry Christophers' flowing locks, the music of Gjeilo (not J Lo), and the difference between female sopranos and boy trebles. The piece explored this time is Herbert Howells' 'A Spotless Rose', in time for the concert at St David's Hall by The Sixteen.Support the Show.www.artsactive.org.ukEmail a2@artsactive.org.ukTwitter @artsactiveInstagram artsactivecardiff Facebook artsactive#classicalmusic #stdavidshall #neuadddewisant #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff

Un 21 de noviembre de 1695 falleció el famoso compositor inglés Henry Purcell. Una de sus obras más famosas, la ópera Dido y Eneas alcanzó un nivel de expresión vocal entonces sin precedentes en las obras vocales inglesas. La ópera se basa en un episodio de la Eneida de Virgilio, una antigua historia que relata las aventuras del héroe Eneas tras la caída de Troya. Como el público barroco conocía muy bien este clásico de Virgilio, el libretista Nahum Tate pudo comprimir el argumento y sugerir más que ahondar en los detalles. De esta obra, el aria que más se conoce es el Lamento de Dido, pieza emocionalmente desgarradora, cuya particularidad musical radica en que fue escrita sobre un bajo ostinato llamado passus duriusculus (serie de 5 notas descendentes en escala cromática; que se repite 9 veces a lo largo de la pieza): que en la música barroca siempre simboliza el dolor. Hoy escucharemos el Lamento de Dido en la voz de Elin Manahan Thomas acompañada por la Orquesta de la Época de las Luces dirigida por Harry Christophers

Listen now to this lively discussion of the music and the emotions connected to the upcoming performance of Handel Messiah. With these insights and insider perspectives, you'll be ready to get the most enjoyment out of attending Messiah! Guy Fishman, H+H principal cellist and host of the podcast Tuning In, draws out all the magic that Harry Christophers, Artistic Director, brings to his conducting, gathered through years of performing Messiah. You'll hear about Harry's vision for telling the story of Messiah, and how he directs musicians like Guy to bring life to the notes. Also not to be missed – Harry shares his favorite holiday chutney cooking tips! Most of all, hear how much Harry, Guy, and all the musicians at H+H look forward to welcoming you to the concert hall for H+H's 168th consecutive year of performing Messiah! Written and produced by Guy Fishman

H+H's Artistic Director Harry Christophers and President and CEO David Snead join host Guy Fishman to share the vision that inspires the 2021-22 season. Hear why Harry chose his special selections for his 13th and final season, and the inspirations he brings to shape each musical journey. Written and produced by Guy Fishman

5 September 2021 | Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost | Grass Valley, Calif. Speaking to you this holiday weekend from a friend's parish deep in rural California, we take a look at several of Tolkien's later letters and his own life as a hobbit called out of his hole on many adventures! Also, what does it mean that we belong to the Roman rite? If you've ever wanted to know the meaning of inculturation, look no farther. Opening music: “Let thy hand be strengthened, composed by G. W. F. Handel, sung by The Sixteen, dir. Harry Christophers, 2009. All rights reserved. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/in-your-embrace/message

H+H's Artistic Director Harry Christophers and President and CEO David Snead join host Guy Fishman to share the vision that inspires the 2021-22 season. Hear why Harry chose his special selections for his 13th and final season, and the inspirations he brings to shape each musical journey. Written and produced by Guy Fishman

A cura di Fabio Barbieri. Houston Person and Ron Carter, Charlie Haden and Brad Mehldau, Stephan Micus, Sixteen and Harry Christophers, Fly, Bonnie Prince Billy, Bryce Dessner and Eighth Blackbird, Lee Ranaldo and Raul Refree, Sequentia, Alexandre Tharaud, Billy Hart Quartet, Lo' Jo, Sufjan Stevens.

A cura di Fabio Barbieri. Houston Person and Ron Carter, Charlie Haden and Brad Mehldau, Stephan Micus, Sixteen and Harry Christophers, Fly, Bonnie Prince Billy, Bryce Dessner and Eighth Blackbird, Lee Ranaldo and Raul Refree, Sequentia, Alexandre Tharaud, Billy Hart Quartet, Lo' Jo, Sufjan Stevens.

durée : 00:26:48 - Les ensembles baroques européens (3/5) : The Sixteen Choir and Orchestra - A l'occasion de la Journée Européenne de Musique Ancienne qui aura lieu le 21 mars, En Pistes consacre sa semaine aux ensembles baroques européens. Chaque jour un ensemble et un pays : aujourd'hui direction le Royaume-Uni avec The Sixteen, choeur et orchestre dirigés par Harry Christophers.

TITLE: Purcell and The Queen TRACK: “May her Bright Example Chase” from Purcell's ode “Love's Goddess is blind” . ARTIST: The Sixteen under Harry Christophers. PUBLISHER: 2004 The Sixteen Productions Ltd

TITLE: Purcell and The Queen TRACK: “May her Bright Example Chase” from Purcell’s ode “Love’s Goddess is blind” . ARTIST: The Sixteen under Harry Christophers. PUBLISHER: 2004 The Sixteen Productions Ltd

Ahead of next year's 10th anniversary for Genesis Sixteen, our young artists scheme for 18-23 year olds in collaboration with The Sixteen, The Sixteen's conductor Harry Christophers speaks to former participants about their evolution from young artist to professional, the digital renovation of the classical music industry, and using digital technology to pioneer new forms of performance and collaboration, like Wright's renowned Stay at Home Choir.

This week I spoke with Harry Christophers, who wears many different hats in his jobs as Artistic Director of the Handel and Haydn Society, and as the Founder and Director of The Sixteen, one of the world's most renowned choirs. I spoke with Harry about A Choral Odyssey, a new program debuting TONIGHT on thesixteen.com. The show explores great choral repertoire while exploring the venues in which it was first created. We also talked about choral conducting vs. orchestral conducting, and much much more.

In this episode, Davina is joined by the internationally renowned choral director, Harry Christophers. They discuss his flourishing career as a choral and orchestral conductor, his award-winning ensemble, The Sixteen, and also his love of all music from Purcell to The Who. Davina and Harry cover a range of repertoire including Tallis' 'O Nata Lux', Haydn's Symphony 99 and also Poulenc's 'Sept Reponds des Tenebres'.   This episode contains The Sixteen's recordings from their label, Coro.   All recordings from Episode 9 can be found in the Spotify Playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0UP03gsHxba3jXnMTdSAhU?si=1HO5l0ASR-2UnGtTnVm9XA   Harry's Podcast, Choral Chihuahua can be listened to here: spoti.fi/3h4P8gH   Follow The Sixteen on their Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/thesixteenchoir/    

durée : 00:24:54 - Pablo Heras Casado, chef d'orchestre (3/5) - par : Judith Chaine - Adolescent, Pablo Heras Casado fonde et dirige l'ensemble vocal Capella Exaudi spécialisé dans la musique ancienne. Il étudie ensuite l'histoire de l'art à l'université de Grenade, et prend des cours de direction avec le chef britannique Harry Christophers lors d'une série de Masterclasses... - réalisé par : Christine Amado

Now just one year after taking the reins of the Pacific Chorale, Rob Istad returns to MUSIC FROM THE TOWER to tell us of the adventures of his first year as Artistic Director and Conductor, especially the excitement of performing with our Pacific Symphony at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Dr. Istad fills us in on the exciting season about to begin. This year, preparing 6 concerts with the Pacific Chorale, Rob has an amazing season planned. It is one of the biggest ever, and that does not even count the 5 concerts they also perform with the Pacific Symphony. They are even combining with the LA Master Chorale for an unbelievable performance of the Mahler Symphony No. 8. They open with the epic Oratorio, “The Creation” by Franz Joseph Haydn. Hear several excerpts on today’s program as Rob takes us inside the wonderful work. Marvel at this superb musician as you hear just how hard he works to ensure that Orange County and all of Southern California enjoy great music in live performance. It is not too late to get season tickets. Check out all of the details at https://www.pacificchorale.orgAll of the Music today is from THE CREATION by Franz Joseph Haydn Handel and Haydn Society, Harry Christophers, Conductor. It is available on I-Tuneshttps://itunes.apple.com/us/album/haydn-the-creation/1033661433MUSIC: Part 1 No. 2. In the BeginningMUSIC: Part 1 No. 14. The Heavens are Telling of the Glory of GodMUSIC: Part 2 No. 2. Strait Opening her Fertile WombMUSIC: Part 1 No. 9 With Verdure Clad the FieldsMUSIC: Part 3 No. 13 Praise the Lord, Ye Voices All!Original air date Saturday, October 27, 2018

Tim and Sam are back with special guests Harry Christophers and Katy Hill of The Sixteen to talk about their latest video and podcast, Choral Chihuahua – PLUS Sam reveals the only piece of music impossible to perform during lockdown.The Guardian's Chief Culture Writer Charlotte Higgins on the future of the arts:https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/may/18/war-arts-stronger-covid-19-devastated-theatres-museums-imagination Scottish Opera's Fever: https://www.scottishopera.org.uk/fever Chichester Youth Festival's Beauty and the Beast:https://www.cft.org.uk/beauty-and-the-beast-broadcast Music Credits: ‘Tim and Sam's Podcast' written and performed by Harry Sever Theme Tune from ‘The Wheel of Fortune' performed by TV Theme BandRichard Sheppard's Libera Nos, performed by The SixteenFinal movement from Sibelius's Fifth Symphony, performed by Timmy FisherFollow us here: instagram.com/classicalpod/ twitter.com/ClassicalPod facebook.com/ClassicalPod/

Host (and H+H Principal Cellist) Guy Fishman continues his conversation with H+H Artistic Director Harry Christophers about J.S. Bach's St. Matthew Passion. Written and produced by Guy Fishman

Host (and H+H Principal Cellist) Guy Fishman chats with H+H Artistic Director Harry Christophers about J.S. Bach's St. Matthew Passion. Written and produced by Guy Fishman

One of the musicians who has been supported by the Genesis Foundation is the conductor Harry Christophers, whose choir The Sixteen he founded in 1977 and which he has built into one of the UK’s finest choirs performing and recording music commissioned by the Genesis Foundation. In this Genesis Foundation podcast, Harry was joined by the actor, broadcaster and singer Alexander Armstrong, and they discovered they were both choristers in their youth. They go on to discuss the benefits and joys of singing choral music, especially from a young age, and the necessity to nurture the next generation of choral singers and composers. The Genesis Podcast Series is being produced in the run-up to the Genesis Foundation’s 20th anniversary, and consists of conversations between artists and thought leaders presented by broadcaster James Jolly.

This is a love letter to the great English Christmas carols, from “There Is No Rose” to “The Boar's Head”. Did you know that not just any Christmas song is a carol? The true carol, in all its earthy splendor, is a distinctive product of the Catholic middle ages. Yet our forefathers didn't limit caroling to Christmas: they wrote carols for every season of the year covering the entire story of our Redemption, not to mention secular topics at times. This episode explores the origin of carols in England, their cultural meaning, and how they were suppressed by the Puritans and were revived in modern times. And of course, you'll hear a lot of great music throughout, ranging from historically informed performance to modern arrangements! Links Erik Routley, The English Carol https://www.amazon.com/English-Carol-Erik-Routley/dp/0837169895 Andrew Gant, The Carols of Christmas https://www.amazon.com/Carols-Christmas-Celebration-Surprising-Favorite/dp/0718031520 All music in this episode used with permission from the recording artist and/or label. Agincourt Carol, Alamire https://www.amazon.com/Deo-Gracias-Anglia-Alamire/dp/B008L1GZUO Nowell sing we both all and some, Quire Cleveland https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/quirecleveland2 Gabriel From Heaven's King, Quire Cleveland https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/quirecleveland2 A Virgin Most Pure, Stairwell Carolers https://www.stairwellcarollers.com/en/o-magnum-mysterium/ Coventry Carol, Harry Christophers and the Sixteen, available on the CORO record label at https://thesixteenshop.com/ Bedfordshire May Carol, Shirley Collins https://mainlynorfolk.info/shirley.collins/records/withinsound.html Remember O Thou Man, The King's Singers https://www.amazon.com/Remember-O-Thou-Man/dp/B073JZN754 Wassail (Gloucestershire Wassail, arr. Vaughan Williams), Quire Cleveland https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/quirecleveland4 Green Growth the Holly, Early Music New York—Frederick Renz, Director https://www.earlymusicny.org/a-renaissance-christmas My Dancing Day, Robert Shaw Chorale https://www.amazon.com/Songs-Angels-Christmas-Hymns-Carols/dp/B000003D0G Drive the Cold Winter Away, Owain Phyfe and the New World Renaissance Band https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/nwrb In the Bleak Midwinter, Quire Cleveland https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/quirecleveland2 Lullay My Liking (Holst), HSVPA Madrigal Singers (Houston, TX) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mw81DCQ3HhI A Hymn to the Virgin (Britten), VOCES8 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077GC4QVT/ref=dm_ws_sp_ps_dp There is no rose, Quire Cleveland https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/quirecleveland2 Thanks to all, but especially to Ross W. Duffin for his generosity with Quire Cleveland's back catalogue! Also recommended: A Waverly Consort Christmas: From East Anglia to Appalachia https://www.amazon.com/Waverly-Consort-Christmas-Anglia-Appalachia/dp/B000002SRK Other non-famous carols mentioned: Seven Virgins (The Leaves of Life); This Endris Night; Tempus adest floridum (Good King Wenceslas); Kingsfold (I heard the voice of Jesus say); The Cherry Tree Carol; Masters In This Hall; The Golden Carol; Snow in the Street; New Prince, New Pomp This podcast is a production of CatholicCulture.org. If you like the show, please consider supporting us! http://catholicculture.org/donate/audio

durée : 00:24:54 - Les Grands entretiens - par : Judith Chaine - Adolescent, Pablo Heras Casado fonde et dirige l'ensemble vocal Capella Exaudi spécialisé dans la musique ancienne. Il étudie ensuite l'histoire de l'art à l'université de Grenade, et prend des cours de direction avec le chef britannique Harry Christophers lors d'une série de Masterclasses...

durée : 00:24:54 - Les Grands entretiens - par : Judith Chaine - Adolescent, Pablo Heras Casado fonde et dirige l'ensemble vocal Capella Exaudi spécialisé dans la musique ancienne. Il étudie ensuite l'histoire de l'art à l'université de Grenade, et prend des cours de direction avec le chef britannique Harry Christophers lors d'une série de Masterclasses...

Panelen drabbas av smärtan i Sir James MacMillans nyskrivna kyrkomusik och utnämner den till en modern klassiker. Dessutom - en färgrik Bruckner-tolkning och George Antheil, musikens badboy.   Veckans skivor: GEORGE ANTHEIL - STORGÅRDS Symfoni nr 3 och 6 och andra verk BBC:s filharmoniska orkester John Storgårds, dirigent Chandos Betyg: 4   TASMIN LITTLE Musik av Amy Beach, Clara Schumann och Dame Ethel Smythe Tasmin Little, violin John Lenehan, piano Chandos Betyg: 4 JAMES MACMILLAN - STABAT MATER Musik av James MacMillan Britten Sinfonia, orkester The Sixteen, kör Harry Christophers, dirigent Betyg: 4 BRUCKNER SYMFONI NR 8 Bayerska radions symfoniorkester i München Mariss Jansons, dirigent Betyg: 5 - totalfemma!   Musikrevyn möter: Francesco Piemontesi Den schweiziske pianisten Francesco Piemontesi är en ofta sedd gäst i Berwaldhallen men i våras gjorde han även sin debut med Kungliga Filharmonikerna i Stockholm. Och dessutom är Piemontesi allt flitigare på skiva. Sofia Nyblom har träffat honom. Johans bästa: Ivan Fischers Mahler-sjua Sällan är Gustav Mahler mer medvetet splittrad än i sin sjunde symfoni komponerad 1904 till 05. Det är musik som bär sina neuroser utanpå. Vi hör den i Ivan Fischers nya inspelning med Budapests festivalorkester

The conductor Harry Christophers, who founded his choir The Sixteen in 1979, tells James Jolly about his new release - Handel's pastoral Acis and Galatea, issued on the Coro label.

Sam and Tim discuss a week of #MeToo controversy, delve into a 16th century correspondence, and marvel at Naxos's new release of Nepomuceno's Symphony in G minor. PLUS Tim meets musical Brexit protestors Simon Wallfisch and Simon Hewitt Jones outside Westminster.Music Credits: ‘Ms. Jackson', Outkast and Earthtone III, arranged by Timmy FisherTchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin, ‘Tatiana's Letter Scene' Act I Scene II, Elena Kruglikova and the Orchestra of the Bolshoi Opera under Alexander Melik-Pashayev in 1937Phillipe De Monte ‘Super flumina babylonis' and William Byrd ‘Quomodo cantabimus' from The Flowering of Genius, recorded by The Sixteen under Harry Christophers on CORO, Cat: COR16001Alberto Nepomuceno's Symphony in G minor Mov. 1, Minas Gerais Philharmonic Orchestra under Fabio Menchetti, on NAXOS, Cat: 8574067Sibelius's 5th Symphony Mov. 1, arranged by Timmy FisherFollow us here: instagram.com/classicalpod/ twitter.com/ClassicalPod facebook.com/ClassicalPod/Federer's Uniqlo Piano session: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IW42u8kNkrMSimon Wallfisch's website: http://www.simonwallfisch.com/Simon Hewitt Jones' website: https://www.simonhewittjones.com/Buy The Flowering of Genius by Harry Christophers and The Sixteen: https://thesixteenshop.com/products/cor16001

Harry Christophers, Founder & Conductor of the Sixteen, celebrates 40 years of the ensemble in conversation with Lucie Skeaping, and chooses some of his favourite recordings from the choir's extensive discography. With music by Mundy, Victoria, Monteverdi, Purcell and Handel.

It's estimated that almost three million people in the UK now belong to a choir. Kirsty Lang explores why this might be, and looks at the evidence that singing is really good for us.The Sixteen is a professional choir which celebrates its 40th anniversary next year. It's founder, Harry Christophers, and one of the sopranos, Charlotte Mobbs, talk to Kirsty about starting the choir, changing attitudes towards choral singing, their 2019 plans and their outreach programme, working in communities where arts provision is low.Ten years ago, musician Martin Trotman was approached by the Birmingham NHS Trust to set up a community choir for those with mental health issues. One choir has grown into four choirs, which welcome all members of the community with the aim of promoting mental and physical wellbeing through music and song. Martin discusses why choral singing is so beneficial, and two members of the Birmingham Wellbeing Choir talk to Kirsty about how it's helped them.M J Paranzino is a musician and vocal coach with a passion for community singing. She currently runs four choirs, one in Brighton, one in Hastings and two in London. Kirsty joined M J and members of the choirs when they sang at the V&A in London in the run up to Christmas and discovered that all of human life is in a community choir! Dr Jacques Launay is a lecturer at Brunel University and has done, and continues to do, research into music and social bonding. He explains why our bodies and minds respond so well to singing in a choir.Presenter: Kirsty Lang Producer: Rebecca Armstrong

Fine Music Radio — St Cecilia. TRACK: “With Ravished Ears” from Handel’s Alexander’s Feast. ARTIST: Nancy Argenta, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention under Harry Christophers. PUBLISHER: Coro 2005.

Following last night's broadcast of The Queen's Green Planet on ITV, which features the Queen in intimate conversation with Sir David Attenborough, we talk to the documentary's director Jane Treays about working with the Queen and look back over the history of royal TV projects with critic Chris Dunkley.Luke Evans has featured in many Hollywood films including The Girl on the Train, Fast & Furious, the Hobbit franchise and last year as Gaston in Disney's live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast. The Welsh actor discusses his new Netflix series The Alienist, in which he plays a newspaper illustrator who teams up with a criminal psychologist to catch a serial killer in 1890s New York. Composer Sir James MacMillan's choral work Stabat Mater will make history on 22 April, when it becomes the first work to be video-streamed live from the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican. It will be performed by The Sixteen and Britten Sinfonia under conductor Harry Christophers. MacMillan and Christophers discuss the challenges of performing in this revered venue.Presenter Kirsty Lang Producer Jerome Weatherald.

Fine Music Radio — Helping decayed musicians. TRACK: “The Many rend the sky” from Handel’s Alexander’s Feast. ARTIST: The Sixteen and Harry Christophers . PUBLISHER: 2005 The Sixteen Productions Ltd.

Fine Music Radio — Helping decayed musicians. TRACK: “The Many rend the sky” from Handel’s Alexander’s Feast. ARTIST: The Sixteen and Harry Christophers . PUBLISHER: 2005 The Sixteen Productions Ltd.

Harry Christophers, the Artistic Director of Boston's Handel and Haydn Society, talks about H+H's season opening program that includes Bach's Magnificat, and Nashville Symphony Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero describes the experience of leading the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood.

Samira Ahmed talks to director Penny Woolcock and conductor Harry Christophers about a new version of Bach's St Matthew Passion, performed by homeless people in Manchester.Viv Groskop reviews Disney's animation, Zootropolis.Director Max Stafford-Clark on his new production of Samuel Becket's play All That Fall, in which the audience are blindfolded.And Bridget Kendall reviews Blue Eyes, the Swedish TV drama series about far-right extremists.

Lucie Skeaping marks the 450th anniversary of the Portuguese Renaissance composer, Duarte Lobo. She is joined by scholar and performer Professor Owen Rees of Queen's College, Oxford, who has edited, performed and recorded music by Duarte Lobo. Duarte Lobo was among the foremost Portuguese composers of the early 17th century. He spent most of his life in Lisbon where he became a renowned teacher. He became maestro de capilla at the Hospital Real, Lisbon, and from about 1591 until at least 1639 and was maestro de capilla at Lisbon Cathedral. He was also director of the Seminário de S Bartolomeu, Lisbon. Most Lisbon repertory was destroyed during the great earthquake of 1755, but Duarte Lobo's work survived because four collections of his works were issued by Plantin, one of the prestigious music publishing houses in Antwerp. One of the collections, Liber missarum, made its way to the Bodleian Library in Oxford in 1659, and so works by Duarte Lobo were performed by English enthusiasts of "ancient" music during the 18th and 19th centuries in London. Today's programme will feature recordings by the Choir of Queen's College Oxford directed by Owen Rees, The Sixteen directed by Harry Christophers, and The Tallis Scholars directed by Peter Philips.

Suzy talks to The Sixteen's Harry Christophers.

Genesis Sixteen is a choral training and development opportunity for 18-23 year olds directed by Harry Christophers and supported by the Genesis Foundation.

On today's Early Music Show Catherine Bott talks to David Wulstan, a pioneering figure in the understanding and interpretation of early music in general, and of music of the Tudor period in particular. In the 1960s and 1970s David Wulstan created The Clerkes of Oxenford. With this group of singers he worked tirelessly to produce revelatory recordings of the music of Tallis, Sheppard, Gibbons, Tye, White, and others, which revolutionized the way it was interpreted, and the way we now hear it today. The debt owed to David Wulstan by many of today's performers and practitioners of early music is immense, and many important figures, such as Harry Christophers, began their careers studying or performing with him. One of those people joins in today's conversation: Sally Dunkley, the singer and scholar who first encountered David Wulstan at a University of Oxford entrance interview, studied with him, and has continued to work with him and share his friendship until today. David Wulstan is a fascinating, erudite and colourful contributor to the appreciation of early music. When the word musicologist is mentioned, he threatens to make use of his martial arts skills. How will Catherine Bott fare...? (photography of David Wulstan by Lyndon Jones)

Harry Christophers, Khatia Buniatishvili, and Wells Cathedral School: The August 2012 Gramophone Podcast

This month we have a very exciting feature. We will be celebrating the 10th year of the recording label CORO which was established in 2001. Bringing together live concerts and recording plans has allowed The Sixteen to develop a glittering catalogue which now boasts over ninety releases, spanning six hundred years of sacred choral music from the earliest plainsong through to contemporary composers such as James MacMillan.The back-catalogue contains some of the most magnificent choral works ever written including Handel’s Messiah, Allegri’s Miserere, Fauré’s Requiem and Tallis’s Spem in Alium - all of which are best sellers. Added to this list are the entire Eton Choirbook, Bach’s Mass in B minor and Victoria’s Requeim of 1605 all of which have received critical acclaim worldwide. Many of the CDs on CORO are award-winners and many more have been nominated for awards. The accolades include a MIDEM Award, two Gramophone Awards, three Diapason d’Or and four Schallplattenkritiks as well as two Grammy® nominations.We will be celebrating with pieces from 5 of CORO's albums today. The Sixteen/Harry Christophers"Stabat Mater Dolorosa" from "Allegri - Miserere/Palestrina - Missa Papae Marcelli" (Coro) Buy at Napster Buy at iTunes Music Store Buy at eMusic Buy at Rhapsody Stream from Rhapsody Buy at Amazon MP3 Buy at mTraksThe Sixteen / Harry Christophers"Libera Nos" from "Philip & Mary: A Marriage of England & Spain" (Coro) Buy at Napster Buy at iTunes Music Store Buy at eMusic Buy at Rhapsody Stream from Rhapsody Buy at Puretracks Buy at Amazon MP3 Buy at mTraksThe Sixteen/ Harry Christophers "Magnificat in D major (BWV 243)" from "Vivald: Gloria in D major / Bach: Magnificat in D major" (Coro) Buy at Napster Buy at iTunes Music Store Buy at eMusic Buy at Rhapsody Stream from Rhapsody Buy at Puretracks Buy at Amazon MP3 Buy at mTraksThe Sixteen, Harry Christophers"Messiah" from "Handel: Messiah" (Coro) Buy at Napster Buy at iTunes Music Store Buy at Rhapsody Stream from Rhapsody Buy at Puretracks Buy at Amazon MP3 Buy at mTraksHandel & Haydn Society, Harry Christophers, Elizabeth Watts, Phyllis Pancella, Andrew Kennedy, Eric Owens"Requiem, K. 626" (mp3) from "Mozart: Requiem" (The Sixteen Productions Ltd.) Buy at Amazon MP3

We’re honoring the work of Harry Christophers – conductor, singer, and founder of The Sixteen. Plus, highlights from EMA’s Young Performer’s Festival and more.

Lucie Skeaping presents a programme exploring Purcell's semi-opera, The Fairy Queen, based on Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Purcell did not set any of Shakespeare's original text, and instead added self-contained masques in each of the acts, which include some of Purcell's finest music. Lucie plays musical extracts from each of the masques from various recordings, directed by Ton Koopman, Roger Norrington, Harry Christophers and Nikolaus Harnoncourt.

The Sixteen, Harry Christophers from "Monteverdi: Selva morale e spirituale, Vol. 1" (Coro) Buy at iTunes Music Store More On This Album Without doubt, Monteverdi was the greatest of the early baroque European composers. He revolutionized the music of the theater and the church by his dramatic and imaginative use of voices and instruments and by his daring harmonies and rhythms. Next to his Vespers of 1610, the Selva morale e spiritual of 1641 is his most significant and virtuosic collection of sacred music. Over the next few years we intend to record the complete publication with a variety of forces. His much performed Beatus vir is a mere appetizer for this delightful yet thrilling music.BYU Men's Chorus "Goin' Home" (mp3) from "The Pilgrim's Journey Home" (Tantara Records) Buy at iTunes Music Store More On This AlbumLift your spirits with a brand-new collection of inspirational folk hymns and songs. Although life may be difficult, the youthful and energetic voices of the BYU Combined Choirs and Orchestra will inspire and strengthen you on your own journey home.Florilegium & Arakaendar Bolivia Choir, Ashley Solomon "Fuera, Fuera! Haganles Lugar!" (mp3) from "Bolivian Baroque Vol. 3" (Channel Classics Records) Buy at Napster Buy at iTunes Music Store Buy at Amazon MP3 More On This Album Welcome to our third volume of Bolivian Baroque music which was, unusually, recorded in three different venues, in two different countries almost 6250 miles apart. This time the majority of the CD was recorded in Holland (in both the Waalse Kerk in Amsterdam and the Doopsgezinde Kerk in Deventer) during Arakaendar Bolivia Choirís first tour of Europe with Florilegium in 2008. In addition we have included a number of solo organ pieces from the Bolivian archives which James Johnstone recorded on the restored anonymous 18th century Blockwerk organ in the Mission Church of Santa Ana de Velasco. This is the first European recording on this remarkable instrument, its raw sound recorded here for posterity. The music on this volume differs considerably from the other two Channel Classics recordings (CCS 22105 & CCS 24806) as it mainly showcases Arakaendar Bolivia, the choir I set up in 2005. They continue to thrive and have shown tremendous commitment and determination in preparing this challenging and varied programme. We were delighted to be nominated by BBC Music Magazine for the best choir recording of 2008 for our last CD recording, as well as receiving our 5th Editorís Choice from Gramophone magazine. I hope this new volume is received as warmly.The Choir of St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh, Duncan Ferguson "Leroy Kyrie" (mp3) from "John Taverner: Sacred Choral Music" (Delphian Records) Buy at Napster Buy at iTunes Music Store Buy at Amazon MP3 More On This Album John Taverner brought the English florid style to its culmination and final flowering; his music is quite unlike anything written by his continental contemporaries and, viewed retrospectively, represents not only the culmination of one period but also the beginning of something new. In his debut recording with the critically acclaimed Edinburgh choir, Duncan Ferguson presents this music with forces akin to those of the sixteenth century ñ a small group of children and a larger number of men. The singers respond with their characteristic freshness, and an emotional authenticity born of the daily round of liturgical performance.Johann Sabastian Bach: MotetsVocalconsort Berlin, Marcus Creed from "Johann Sebastian Bach: Motets" (Harmonia Mundi) More On This Album Album will be availble online around March 22, 2011 The Vocalconsort Berlin was founded in 2003 and made its debut the same year in Monteverdi's LíOrfeo under the direction of RenÈ Jacobs at the Innsbruck Festival. The ensemble specialises in early and high Baroque repertoire, but also interprets Romantic and contemporary music. The Vocalconsort¥s composition can range from quartet to polychoral formations, including also solo performances. It sings both in concert and in operatic and theatrical productions. Under the direction of Marcus Creed, RenÈ Jacobs, Jos van Immerseel and Ottavio Dantone, the ensemble has worked with the Akademie f¸r Alte Musik Berlin and the Accademia Bizantina. With the Akademie f¸r Alte Musik Berlin, it has participated since 2006 in the projects of Sasha Waltz & Guests at Radialsystem V, the new venue for interaction of the arts on the Spree. Marcus Creed, artistic director of the SWR Vokalensemble (South West German Radio Choir) since 2003, studied at Kingís College Cambridge, Christ Church Oxford, and at the Guildhall School of Music in London. From 1977 to 1998 he lived in Berlin, where he was chorusmaster at the Deutsche Oper, taught lied interpretation at the Hochschule der K¸nste, and worked as pianist and conductor with the Gruppe Neue Musik and the Scharoun Ensemble. From 1987 he was artistic director of the RIAS Kammerchor, being awarded many international prizes for his recordings. He has formed close working relationships with the Akademie f¸r Alte Musik Berlin, the Freiburger Barockorchester and Concerto Kˆln, and has appeared at festivals in Berlin, Vienna, Salzburg, Montreux, Edinburgh, Lucerne, Innsbruck, Donaueschingen, Strasbourg, and Gˆttingen. He was appointed Professor of Choral Conducting at the Hochschule f¸r Musik in Cologne in 1998. His recordings of works by Bruckner, Ives, Nono, and Kurt·g with the SWR Vokalensemble have received a number of awards from the critics.

In this episode we wanted to celebrate the upcoming holidays with a few of our favorite pieces. We have also included a special sneak peak to Agustin Hadelich's new album, "Echoes of Paris"! We hope you enjoy the music. Everyone have a wonderful holiday and a fantastic New Year! Harry Christophers, The Sixteen "In Dulci Jubilo" from "A Traditional Christmas Carol Collection, Vol. II" (The Sixteen Productions Ltd.)    There is such an abundance of festive music available to us that sometimes one wishes Christmas did not come but once a year! The Sixteen’s first volume of traditional Christmas carols contains some of our most favorite pieces but there is so much more wonderful festive music that deserves to be better known. So we decided to make a second volume. On this disc you will discover familiar seasonal favorites such as ‘Unto us a boy is born’ and ‘It came upon the midnight clear’ but we have also included some less well-known gems like ‘Cherry Tree Carol’ and ‘Gloucestershire Wassail’.Woody Phillips "Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy" (mp3) from "A Toolbox Christmas" (Gourd Music) Buy at Amazon MP3 Buy at eMusic More On This AlbumA Toolbox Christmas - Liner Notes: A Toolbox Christmas marks Woody Phillips' breathtaking debut into a world of repertoire and instrumentation only dreamed of by composers who have gone before him. True, Beethoven gave us the 'Hammer (klavier) Sonata' -- but Phillips has dared to explore the full range of the workbench's symphonic palette. Never before have your ears experienced the the exquisite marimba-like 2x4's in Jingle Bells ; the majestic table saw duet in Joy to the World ; the sensitive counterpoint provided by the power planer in I Saw Three Ships ; the filigreed ornamentation of the clanking pipes in We Wish You a Merry Christmas ; the uniquely persuasive percussion of the pneumatic nailer in Patapan ; the panoply of hand and power tools in The Twelve Days of Christmas -- listen and you'll know you're in a new and extraordinary realm of holiday music. Tchaikowsky's beloved Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy may never sound the same to you again once you've experienced Phillips' ensemble of antique hand drill, mandolin, anvil, t-square, level and pipes. Will an eye remain dry as Auld Lang Syne, ethereal and poignant on the musical saw, shimmers over the drone of the shop vac? Phillips' ear is impeccable, perfectly attuned to nuances of tone and subtle differences of timbre among the various power tools, always employing the right tool for each job. Never, however, does Phillips disdain the traditional instruments of the concert hall. Though purists may balk at the sound of actual musical instruments on A Toolbox Christmas , when Phillips senses the need for a cello, mandolin, oboe or flute, in it goes, without regard for mere commercial considerations. His generous, all-encompassing love of beautiful sounds permits no petty divisions in his artistic kingdom. Above all, Phillips' true genius in A Toolbox Christmas has been to include the entire ambiance of the workshop on this recording. He has drawn not only on the incomparable sonorities of the tools themselves, but adds sounds every home-improver will recognize with delight: a tape measure retracting; duct tape tearing; the little ball bearing rolling as the spray paint can is shaken. He has created choirs of bottles and chiming sacks of 10d nails. Perhaps most inspired of all is his brilliant use of the perfectly-timed pop-top. The resulting magic awaits you in A Toolbox Christmas .Sir Colin Davis, London Symphony Orchestra "Messiah" from "Handel: Messiah" (LSO Live) Buy at iTunes Music Store Buy at Amazon MP3 Buy at eMusic More On This Album Handel's masterpiece uses short texts from the Bible to tell the story of Christ's birth, death and resurrection. Imbued with a deep humanity and written with the imagination of a composer at the peak of powers, Messiah is intimate yet dramatic and includes some of Handel's best-loved music.Hallé, Carl Davis"The Nutcracker" from "Hallé Christmas Classics" (Halle Concerts Society) Buy at iTunes Music Store Buy at Amazon MP3 More On This AlbumA wealth of Christmas favourites, under the direction of BAFTA award-winning conductor and composer, Carl Davis.'Claire Rutter... thrilling confidence and elan... a true prima donna... [with] spine tingling top notes...' Sunday Times Augustin Hadelich, Robert Kulek"Poulenc: Sonata for Violin and Piano, Op. 119" from "Echoes of Paris" (AVIE Records) More On This Album Augustin Hadelich, Robert Kulek"Stravinsky: Suite After Themes, Fragments and Pieces by Giambattista Pergolesi" from "Echoes of Paris" (AVIE Records) More On This AlbumI chose the four works on this recording because I think they fit together really well. After having played many combinations of them in recitals, I started wondering about the connection between these pieces - why are they so compatible? Almost immediately, Paris came to mind. All of these composers lived in Paris during the early part of the 20th century, when that city was a magnet for creative artists: painters like Matisse, Dali, Chagall, and Picasso, the writers Proust, Joyce, and Hemingway, and composers such as Debussy, Ravel, Satie, Poulenc, Copland, and many others. Stravinsky and Prokofiev were also among the many expatriate musicians who flocked to Paris at that time. They drew inspiration from the city’s electric atmosphere and cultural ferment, and then went off in their own amazing, revolutionary directions. I think that these French and Russian pieces form such a good program because there are echoes of Paris in these four works that help tie them together: puppet-like dances in both Debussy and Stravinsky; percussive, as well as militaristic and march-like sections in Stravinsky's Suite and the sonatas of Poulenc and Prokofiev; jazz references in Debussy and Prokofiev; and hints of Spanish flavor in both Debussy and Poulenc, so popular among French composers at that time. The key signatures also help to unify the program - g minor, G Major, D Major, and d minor. Claude Debussy sought to develop a style that was free of German compositional influences. Drawing inspiration from Spanish, jazz, and gypsy music, the violin sonata of 1917 (his last work) certainly bears the imprint of that philosophy. Avoiding the conventional sonata form, the structure of the piece is quite fractured and rhapsodic - the result is unique and fascinating. I love the sonata for all of its sudden twists and delicate turns. The second movement makes me think of puppets engaged in a dance. In 1920, two years after Debussy's death, Igor Stravinsky wrote his ballet Pulcinella, a humorous neo-classical work, that premiered in Paris the same year with sets and costumes designed by Pablo Picasso. In this work, he used music from an obscure 18th-century commedia dell'arte opera, assumed to have been written by Pergolesi, but probably written by other, lesser-known composers. By altering this material in various ways, Stravinsky created something completely new. He called the composition of Pulcinella an "epiphany through which my late work became possible" - for the first time, borrowed style became a compositional element. Most often, violinists play Samuel Dushkin’s 1932 transcription of Pulcinella, modeled after the transcription for cello and piano. Because many of the quirky dissonances are removed, it turns out to be a rather toned-down version of the work. On this recording, I am playing the earlier 1925 transcription that was made in collaboration with the violinist Paul Kochanski; it is much closer to Stravinsky’s original orchestral work. It is more difficult for both the violinist and the pianist, but well worth the effort! Sometimes I think the awkwardness of the writing is intentional, to make the piece seem slightly askew, making both the player and the listener a little bit uncomfortable. I am again reminded of puppets, but larger and clumsier than Debussy's. I also love how Stravinsky composes apparent mistakes into the piece. Having fled Russia after the revolution in 1917, Sergei Prokofiev spent many years living in Paris before returning to his homeland in 1935. Very much admired by Stravinsky and other composers who lived in Paris at the time, his first symphony (1917) is considered to be one of the first neo-classical works, even pre-dating Stravinsky's Pulcinella. His second violin sonata is, however, a late work. Originally written in 1942 for flute and piano, it was transcribed for violin at the request of David Oistrakh. It is a large, powerful work that is, in turn, sweet, happy, sad, passionate, even violent and militaristic. The march in the last movement, however, makes me think more of tin soldiers than real ones! In the sonata by Francis Poulenc, the soldiers are very real. Composed in 1942-1943, it is Poulenc’s homage to the great Spanish poet, Federico Garcia Lorca, who was executed in 1936 by the fascist government in Spain. The percussive opening of the sonata owes something to Stravinsky and Prokofiev, who were among his formative influences. Throughout the first movement, militaristic passages are juxtaposed with more lyrical, salon-like themes; perhaps these represent the socialist and fascist forces at war in Spain when Lorca was killed. Showing the impressionist influence of Debussy, the beautiful second movement was inspired by one of Lorca's poems: It has been speculated that the two triple-forte notes in the piano towards the end of the last movement ("Presto tragico") are the gunshots of the firing squad. Following exclamations of pain, a few sweet memories briefly return in the sorrowful coda. Poulenc himself was actually quite unhappy with the sonata, which was written for the French violinist Ginette Neveu, and after many revisions concluded that it was an "utter failure". I think he was being a little too hard on himself, and history has not agreed with him. It is one of my favorite sonatas, and I perform it often. Likewise, audiences are extremely enthusiastic and deeply moved by it. Coincidentally, I played a recital in Paris in April 2010 at the Louvre, also with Robert Kulek. We couldn't resist taking some photos while we were there. I hope you enjoy this recording! Augustin Hadelich