Braving the Stave

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@arts...

This month Jon and Haz take a step back from the orchestral stage and look at the more intimate world of chamber music, picking out their favourites and sharing how working in a chamber group can be so fulfilling. And those times when it doesn't work out so well... Support the show www.artsactive.org.uk Email a2@artsactive.org.uk X @artsactive Instagram artsactivecardiff Facebook artsactive #...

With Haz away due to a Christmas cold, Jon sees the year out with a festive mix of favourite moments from recent gigs, including a Turkish love song, a contemporary carol, the compulsory Sleigh Ride and a Welsh classic. Support the show www.artsactive.org.uk Email a2@artsactive.org.uk X @artsactive Instagram artsactivecardiff Facebook artsactive #classicalmusic #artsactive #drjonathanjames #bravin...

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 X @artsactive Instagram artsactivecardiff Facebook artsactive #classicalmusic #artsactive #drjonathanjames...

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...

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 fav...

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 X @artsactive Instagram artsac...

In this deep-dive into orchestral life, JJ and Haz discover why so many orchestral musicians own a pilot's licence, why a percussionist can feel like a lemon, why basketball-players could make excellent violists and the most important question of them all: which section always arrives late to every rehearsal? Support the show www.artsactive.org.uk Email a2@artsactive.org.uk X @artsactive Inst...

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 X @artsactive Instagram artsactivecardiff Facebook artsactive #classicalmusic #artsactive #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversation...

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.artsact...

Haz takes the lead in this podcast about female composers and women in music. Is there still a 'gender agenda' in the classical music industry, and is there enough female representation at the top table? Expect bold, beautiful music, frank exchanges and a contentious review of the film 'Tár'. Featuring pieces by Rebecca Clarke, Dani Howard, Rebecca Dale, Debbie Wiseman, Hildur...

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...

In this first podcast of the year, JJ and Haz share what they love about Johannes Brahms and his music. It's more raving than 'braving' as they reveal some lesser known stories about when he grew his famous big beard, how he was a prankster, and why his first conducting of the concerto turned out to be the stuff of JJ's nightmares. Support the show www.artsactive.org.uk Email a...

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 X @artsactive Instagram artsactivecardiff Facebook artsactive #classicalmusic #artsactive #drjonathanj...

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 t...

Mention improvisation and many classical musicians break into a cold sweat. JJ and Haz debunk some common myths and delve into the roots and cures of 'improvophobia' and why every musician should give improv a go. And why it's good to be a 'musical magpie'. With inspiring examples from Messiaen to Mehldau, Fantasias to Flamenco. Support the show www.artsactive.org.uk Email...

Can classical music still shock? Braving the Stave asks the question to BBC NOW's principal conductor Ryan Bancroft as he launches the autumn season with Stravinsky's infamous 'Rite of Spring'. JJ and Haz explore its continuing hold on audiences and share contemporary music that manages to provoke and tease. Support the show www.artsactive.org.uk Email a2@artsactive.org.uk X @a...

JJ and Haz reach for their T-shirts and ponder how music expresses all things summery, whether the heat of Latin America or the poignancy of lost memories by a lake. Haz reveals a surprising summer piece that brings her out in hives. Which family of instruments sounds the warmest? And which version of Gershwin's Summertime would you pick? Support the show www.artsactive.org.uk Email a2@artsac...

Jon and Haz take on Shostakovich's mighty Tenth symphony, but not before appreciating his lighter side. Expect quick quizzes, a lesser heard gem for the viola and a rather ambiguous Welsh sign-off. Support the show www.artsactive.org.uk Email a2@artsactive.org.uk X @artsactive Instagram artsactivecardiff Facebook artsactive #classicalmusic #artsactive #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicc...

With Haz away, Jon takes a look at the signature sounds of Vaughan Williams, in particular in his 'London Symphony', which takes in all the sights and sounds of the city: from Big Ben to Bloomsbury Square, from drunken jigs to solemn marches. It's a work full of surprises. Support the show www.artsactive.org.uk Email a2@artsactive.org.uk X @artsactive Instagram artsactivecardiff Fac...

At a time of so much conflict,  Jon and Haz discuss their favourite cross-cultural musical projects and celebrate the power of music to connect.  With music from the Silk Road Ensemble, reflections on the past by both Russian and Ukrainian composers (cue stares into the middle distance) and a brief turn from Sir Tom Jones.  Support the show www.artsactive.org.uk Email a2@artsactive.org.uk X @artsa...

Do you prefer your apple crumble in a bowl with custard or deconstructed and reinvented like on Masterchef? Jon and Haz put a range of  neo-classical and neo-baroque works to the 'crumble' test. Along the way, they consider why Schnittke is a slippery fish, what the collective noun for saxophones might be and consider the art of 'thinking in the box'. Support the show www.artsa...

Musical allergies and the Jazzical genre What are your musical allergies and pet peeves? Jon and Haz share theirs before quibbling over Gilbert and Sullivan. A brief introduction to the light classical genre follows, with examples of jazzical fusion. Will it be your cup of tea? Or, as the Germans say, your 'collar size'? Support the show www.artsactive.org.uk Email a2@artsactive.org.uk X...

In this Christmas Cracker, Jon and Haz ask some essential seasonal questions, including what are today's 'posh pantos', which music sounds Christmassy without even trying, and what their favourite new Christmas carols are. Support the show www.artsactive.org.uk Email a2@artsactive.org.uk X @artsactive Instagram artsactivecardiff Facebook artsactive #classicalmusic #artsactive #drjon...

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 Th...