The Magic of Melody What gives a memorable melody its magic? JJ and Haz discuss the remedy, first, for 'earworms' and brave the world's ugliest melody before plundering the troves of music theatre, bebop and classical music for the most emotionally satisfying tunes. Support the show www.artsactive.org.uk Email a2@artsactive.org.uk Twitter @artsactive Instagram artsactivecardiff Facebook artsactive #classicalmusic #stdavidshall #neuadddewisant #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff ..read more

Braving Rhythm In the first of a series exploring different parameters of music, Jon and Haz delve into fascinating rhythms, mining the works of Gershwin, Stravinsky, Bartók, Reich and more. Along the way they discover mind-boggling Bulgarian folk patterns, why rhythm is so hard to teach, and why a road trip with Haz would always be educational. Support the show www.artsactive.org.uk Email a2@artsactive.org.uk Twitter @artsactive Instagram artsactivecardiff Facebook artsactive #classicalmusic #stdavidshall #neuadddewisant #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guest ..read more

Haz and JJ bring some pep to your November with the music of protest and revolt, whether it's Obama breaking into song, Chopin feeling heroic or Billy Holiday lamenting a dark past. And what is the opposite of goosebumps? Support the show www.artsactive.org.uk Email a2@artsactive.org.uk Twitter @artsactive Instagram artsactivecardiff Facebook artsactive #classicalmusic #stdavidshall #neuadddewisant #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff ..read more

Given the weather recently, JJ and Haz ponder the different ways rain has been treated in music, including Chopin's disturbing dream, Britten's cheerful storm, Debussy's summer tempest, and John Luther Adams' electronic showers. Bambi gets a look-in too, as do two heart-rending versions of 'Over The Rainbow'. And if you've ever wondered how the Welsh say 'it's raining cats and dogs', look no further! Support the show www.artsactive.org.uk Email a2@artsactive.org.uk Twitter @artsactive Instagram artsactivecardiff Facebook artsactive #classicalmusic #stdavidshall #neuadddewisant #drjonathanjam ..read more

All things autumn. (And some concrete).  As autumn beckons and St David's Hall lingers to have its concrete checked,  JJ and Haz spend their first podcast back considering music of the moment: seasonal themes of renewal, colourful landscapes and some musique concrète too (the fun bits). The challenge is to avoid autumnal stereotypes along the way.  And Haz surveys whether musicians have a favourite version of 'Autumn Leaves', the perennial jazz classic. Hyfrydwch hydrefol. (Ac ychydig o goncrit). Wrth i’r hydref agosáu ac wrth i Neuadd Dewi Sant aros i’w goncrit gael ei wirio ..read more

To culminate this season of Braving the Stave, Haz and Jon contemplate what it might be like to kiss a fanfaring trumpeter and uncover a disturbing past to the fanfare genre. They then pick their favourite rousing (or crushing) finales from the music of Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, Bartok and John Williams. Support the show www.artsactive.org.uk Email a2@artsactive.org.uk Twitter @artsactive Instagram artsactivecardiff Facebook artsactive #classicalmusic #stdavidshall #neuadddewisant #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff ..read more

Continuing the theme of our May episode, JJ interviews Sali-Wyn Ryan, a proudly Welsh member of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and asks her about the perks and pitfalls of orchestral life. Support the show www.artsactive.org.uk Email a2@artsactive.org.uk Twitter @artsactive Instagram artsactivecardiff Facebook artsactive #classicalmusic #stdavidshall #neuadddewisant #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff ..read more

Haz sets out to enlighten JJ, a self-confessed harmony junkie, in the joys of Minimalism. Starting with the hippy experiments of La Monte Young, they trace the style's evolution via Glass and Reich to the complex scores of post-minimalist, John Adams. Along the way they discover why Haz salivates at the sound of a gamelan and how every minimalist needs a marimba.  Support the show www.artsactive.org.uk Email a2@artsactive.org.uk Twitter @artsactive Instagram artsactivecardiff Facebook artsactive #classicalmusic #stdavidshall #neuadddewisant #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconver ..read more

What was the story behind Sibelius' French first name and what makes his music so distinct and compelling? Expect brooding mountain spirits, magical string textures, Welsh-sounding hymns and abrupt 'Fininish' endings. Including an interview with a champion and foremost interpreter of Sibelius' music, conductor Jukka-Pekka Saraste. Support the show www.artsactive.org.uk Email a2@artsactive.org.uk Twitter @artsactive Instagram artsactivecardiff Facebook artsactive #classicalmusic #stdavidshall #neuadddewisant #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardi ..read more

JJ and Haz discuss classical music's Christmas clichés and compete to find the piece with the most sparkle. With new carols from young Welsh composers and a nostalgic glance back to wintry treasure swaps from earlier podcasts. Support the show www.artsactive.org.uk Email a2@artsactive.org.uk Twitter @artsactive Instagram artsactivecardiff Facebook artsactive #classicalmusic #stdavidshall #neuadddewisant #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff ..read more