JJ speaks with cellist James Morley about his life as an artist and the thought-provoking repertoire for solo cello he's bringing to Eglws Dewi Sant. There are pieces that require improvisation, electronics, even places where the artist is being 'played by the cello', creating unique, fascinating colours and timbres. This will be a recital like no other.

Artists featured in the musical excerpts (in order):

Sept Papillons by Kaija Saariaho - James Morley

Solitiude by Recbecca Saunders - James Morley

Ricercare no. 2 by Domenico Gabrielli - Guillermo Turina

The motion between three worlds by initi figgis-vizueta - Benjamin Coyte

Sept papillons by Kaija Saariaho - James Morley, then Oliver Herbert

Sonata for Solo Cello by Zoltan Kodaly - Movt 1, Jean-Guihen Queyras

Sonata for Solo Cello by Zoltan Kodaly - Movt 3, Sabastic Bäverstam

Support the show

www.artsactive.org.uk

Email a2@artsactive.org.uk
X @artsactive
Instagram artsactivecardiff
Facebook artsactive

classicalmusic #artsactive #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff #cardiffclassical

View Details

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 show

www.artsactive.org.uk

Email a2@artsactive.org.uk
X @artsactive
Instagram artsactivecardiff
Facebook artsactive

classicalmusic #artsactive #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff #cardiffclassical

View Details

JJ and Haz recognise the often unsung heroes that are the arrangers, orchestrators and transcribers of the musical world, drawing on their favourite re-imaginations of solo and orchestral pieces. We'd love you to send your own favourite examples on a2@artsactive.org.uk.

Mae JJ a Haz yn cydnabod yr arwyr sy'n aml yn ddi-glod sef trefnwyr a thrawsgrifwyr y byd cerddorol, gan ddefnyddio eu hoff ddarnau unigol a cherddorfaol wedi’u hailddychmygu. Byddem wrth ein bodd pe baech yn anfon eich hoff enghreifftiau chi at a2@artsactive.org.uk

Support the show

www.artsactive.org.uk

Email a2@artsactive.org.uk
X @artsactive
Instagram artsactivecardiff
Facebook artsactive

classicalmusic #artsactive #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff #cardiffclassical

View Details

Braving the Solo Guitar

JJ and Haz end up speaking Spanish with a Welsh accent as they take in the history and fascinating facts of the classical guitar, from the strings used through to the stereotype hairstyles.

Herio’r Gitar Unawd

Mae JJ a Haz yn gorffen siarad Sbaeneg gydag acen Gymreig wrth iddynt ddod i ddeall hanes a ffeithiau hynod ddiddorol y gitar glasurol, o’r tannau a ddefnyddir i’r steiliau gwallt stereoteipiedig.

Support the show

www.artsactive.org.uk

Email a2@artsactive.org.uk
X @artsactive
Instagram artsactivecardiff
Facebook artsactive

classicalmusic #artsactive #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff #cardiffclassical

View Details

After busting the February blues with some jolly tunes, JJ tries to convince Haz that Bach's Goldberg Variations are, indeed, brilliant. Also: Haz's Mari Lywd experience, what 'Rachpag' means, and top tips for chamber musicians that involve good cake.

Ar ôl ymladd y tristwch Chwefror gyda rhai caneuon llawen, mae JJ yn ceisio perswadio Haz bod Amrywiadau Goldberg gan Bach, mewn gwirionedd, yn wych. Hefyd: profiad Mari Lywd gan Haz, yr hyn mae 'Rachpag' yn ei olygu, a chynghorion gorau i gerddorion siambr sydd yn cynnwys cacen dda.

Listen to the Braving the Stave playlist here

Grandewch ar y rhestr chwarae Braving the Stave yma

Support the show

www.artsactive.org.uk

Email a2@artsactive.org.uk
X @artsactive
Instagram artsactivecardiff
Facebook artsactive

classicalmusic #artsactive #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff #cardiffclassical

View Details

JJ and Haz set out their musical resolutions for the new year before enjoying the world of solo Bach violin ahead of Irène Duval's concert. And Haz falls in love, temporarily.

Mae JJ a Haz yn creu eu haddunedau cerddorol ar gyfer y flwyddyn newydd, cyn mwynhau byd ffidil unigol Bach cyn cyngerdd Irène Duval. Ac mae Haz yn syrthio mewn cariad, dros dro.

Listen to the Braving the Stave playlist here

Grandewch ar y rhestr chwarae Braving the Stave yma

Support the show

www.artsactive.org.uk

Email a2@artsactive.org.uk
X @artsactive
Instagram artsactivecardiff
Facebook artsactive

classicalmusic #artsactive #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff #cardiffclassical

View Details

JJ and special guest, composer Richard Barnard, explore the character and impressive range of the trumpet, from blood-curdling battle calls to breathy jazz ballads. Then Richard reveals the inner workings of his piece for Matilda Lloyd, trumpeter extraordinaire.

Listen to the Braving the Stave playlist here

Grandewch ar y rhestr chwarae Braving the Stave yma

Support the show

www.artsactive.org.uk

Email a2@artsactive.org.uk
X @artsactive
Instagram artsactivecardiff
Facebook artsactive

classicalmusic #artsactive #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff #cardiffclassical

View Details

Haz’s healthy obsession with Horror prompts discussions on Welsh Halloween traditions, from apple-bobbing to tail-less black pigs, a swap of scary musical scores and diverse examples of ‘night music’. For some good cheer, there are also favourite moments from ‘West Side Story’ - all inspired by the Lumas Winds’ programme.

Mae obsesiwn iach Haz ag arswyd yn ysgogi trafodaethau ar draddodiadau Calan Gaeaf Cymru, o siglo afalau i foch duon di-gynffon, cyfnewid sgoriau cerddorol brawychus ac enghreifftiau amrywiol o 'gerddoriaeth nos'. I gael rhywfaint o hwyl, mae yna hefyd hoff eiliadau o 'West Side Story' - pob un wedi'i ysbrydoli gan raglen Lumas Winds.

Listen to the Braving the Stave playlist here

Grandewch ar y rhestr chwarae Braving the Stave yma

Support the show

www.artsactive.org.uk

Email a2@artsactive.org.uk
X @artsactive
Instagram artsactivecardiff
Facebook artsactive

classicalmusic #artsactive #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff #cardiffclassical

View Details

To see in this new series, JJ and Haz say farewell to summer with the music of half-light, slumber and nocturnes. Along the way you'll find out why we should feel sorry for Janacek's postman, who the mysterious Silke Schäfer is, and why Swiss tea bags have a superior design.

Support the show

www.artsactive.org.uk

Email a2@artsactive.org.uk
X @artsactive
Instagram artsactivecardiff
Facebook artsactive

classicalmusic #artsactive #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff #cardiffclassical

View Details

After getting some stereotypes out of the way - viola jokes, composers who played viola, best viola shreds - Haz and JJ explore the wonders of the instrument, from how it got its name, via lesser known orchestral moments, through to solo works that put it on the map. Along the way: Lionel Tertis' big-hipped viola, and the connection between violists and basketball players. The perfect end to the season!

Support the show

www.artsactive.org.uk

Email a2@artsactive.org.uk
X @artsactive
Instagram artsactivecardiff
Facebook artsactive

classicalmusic #artsactive #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff #cardiffclassical

View Details

JJ interviews Christiana Mavron ahead of the Mavron Quartet's performance in the Arts Active Lunchtime Concert Series, on 3rd June 2025.

Cardiff Classical Lunchtime Recitals: The Mavron Quartet - Arts Active

Tickets

Support the show

www.artsactive.org.uk

Email a2@artsactive.org.uk
X @artsactive
Instagram artsactivecardiff
Facebook artsactive

classicalmusic #artsactive #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff #cardiffclassical

View Details

Jon and Haz find out why it's best not to say 'neoclassicism' in a hurry before plunging into beautiful reinventions of the past. Along the way, Haz makes the connection between Stravinsky and sweating and Jon discovers Couperin's 'Tic-Toc Choc'.

Support the show

www.artsactive.org.uk

Email a2@artsactive.org.uk
X @artsactive
Instagram artsactivecardiff
Facebook artsactive

classicalmusic #artsactive #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff #cardiffclassical

View Details

JJ and Haz extol the virtues and versatility of the clarinet, from its humble folk beginnings through to its many shapes and sizes of today. Includes the instrument's nicknames, its use in classical and jazz and its resemblance to milk chocolate.

Support the show

www.artsactive.org.uk

Email a2@artsactive.org.uk
X @artsactive
Instagram artsactivecardiff
Facebook artsactive

classicalmusic #artsactive #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff #cardiffclassical

View Details

The duo performing in an upcoming Cardiff Lunchtime series at Eglwys Dewi Sant talk with Jon about how they met, the background to their instruments and the thinking behind their innovative and beautifully considered programme.

Support the show

www.artsactive.org.uk

Email a2@artsactive.org.uk
X @artsactive
Instagram artsactivecardiff
Facebook artsactive

classicalmusic #artsactive #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff #cardiffclassical

View Details

With the unusual pairing of a recorder and accordion coming up in a concert, Jon and Haz do a quick survey of other rarer concert instruments. In this 'musical zoo' are instruments that are both haunting and hooting, folk and electronic, and one that reminds Haz of a 'depressed Cor Anglais.'

Support the show

www.artsactive.org.uk

Email a2@artsactive.org.uk
X @artsactive
Instagram artsactivecardiff
Facebook artsactive

classicalmusic #artsactive #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff #cardiffclassical

View Details

Jon and Haz dip their toes into the ocean that is Roots Music, discussing its stereotypes and stigmas, its multiple instruments and crazy time signatures, and why pan pipes make for great massage music. Along the way, Jon talks about his own journey with the Dovetail Orchestra for asylum-seeking musicians, which has bases in both Bristol and Cardiff (at Eglwys Dewi Sant).

Support the show

www.artsactive.org.uk

Email a2@artsactive.org.uk
X @artsactive
Instagram artsactivecardiff
Facebook artsactive

classicalmusic #artsactive #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff #cardiffclassical

View Details

JJ and Haz see in the new year with a celebration of the string quartet, testing the claim that it is a 'four-way marriage without the sex'. Haz divulges her pet peeves as a chamber musician, as well as what a 'shig' is and why, amazingly, 'Bridgerton' is keeping the quartet genre alive and kicking.

Contact email: A2@artsactive.org.uk

Support the show

www.artsactive.org.uk

Email a2@artsactive.org.uk
X @artsactive
Instagram artsactivecardiff
Facebook artsactive

classicalmusic #artsactive #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff #cardiffclassical

View Details

Christmas Cracker 2024

JJ and Haz bring on the 'hygge' with a homage to the wind quintet, bagatelles and boyfriends (Haz's), carols to cherish and avoid, 'disruptive' descants and a whole new genre of 'earnest kitsch'. Nadolig llawen, pawb!

Got any comments for JJ and Haz? Email them to A2@artsactive.org.uk

Oes gennych chi unrhyw sylwadau i JJ a Haz? Anfonwch ebost i A2@artsactive.org.uk

Support the show

www.artsactive.org.uk

Email a2@artsactive.org.uk
X @artsactive
Instagram artsactivecardiff
Facebook artsactive

classicalmusic #artsactive #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff #cardiffclassical

View Details

When Jon likens harp music to twinkly bedtime stories, Haz champions the instrument, taking it beyond the usual clichés. Together they consider its Celtic history, how much patience you need to tune it, the most-loved harp effects, and why harpists are the best people to ask to unscrew a jar.

Support the show

www.artsactive.org.uk

Email a2@artsactive.org.uk
X @artsactive
Instagram artsactivecardiff
Facebook artsactive

classicalmusic #artsactive #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff #cardiffclassical

View Details

JJ and Haz try to convert each other to the sound of the sax, celebrating its parps, growls and bends. Along the way: why Debussy called the sound 'aquatic', why it reminds JJ of custard, and what it means to be 'Careless Whispered' while at music college.

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

View Details

In the new season of Braving the Stave, JJ and Haz give their light-hearted but sharp-eared take on the lunchtime recitals happening every month in Eglwys Dewi Sant. This opening episode ponders whether Patrick Rimes, local folk legend, could play a blancmange, what it would be like to work for an insomniac Count, and the deeper meaning of 'Say a little prayer.'

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

View Details

JJ and Haz suggest three categories of summer music to enjoy, 'bubble, deckchair and fiesta', before selecting 6 summer bangers to see the sun in. Includes hip jiggling, graffiti and casting issues in Carmen.

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

View Details

In this final part to their survey of different musical elements, Jon and Haz imagine cartwheels in Bach, the weight of silence, whether John Dowland had any party hits, how Mariah Carey would sing Twinkle Twinkle and, rather disturbingly, what Jon would look like in a bikini

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

View Details

Braving Harmony

What has harmony got to do with colouring-in books, killing kittens and how to yearn for something unattainable? How can Rachmaninoff change the weather with a chord? JJ and Haz discuss their favourite harmonists, from early rule-breakers to Radiohead and folk artists.

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

View Details

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

View Details

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 #guestspeakers #cardiff

View Details

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
Twitter @artsactive
Instagram artsactivecardiff
Facebook artsactive

classicalmusic #stdavidshall #neuadddewisant #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff

View Details

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
Twitter @artsactive
Instagram artsactivecardiff
Facebook artsactive

classicalmusic #stdavidshall #neuadddewisant #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff

View Details

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

View Details

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 #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff

View Details

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, yn eu podlediad cyntaf yn ôl mae JJ a Haz yn ystyried cerddoriaeth y cyfnod: themâu tymhorol am adnewyddu, tirweddau lliwgar, ac ychydig o musique concrète hefyd (y rhannau diddorol). Yr her yw osgoi stereoteipiau hydrefol. Ac mae Haz yn holi a oes gan gerddorion hoff fersiwn o ‘Autumn Leaves’, y clasur jazz bythol.

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

View Details

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 showwww.artsactive.org.uk

Email a2@artsactive.org.uk
Twitter @artsactive
Instagram artsactivecardiff
Facebook artsactive

classicalmusic #stdavidshall #neuadddewisant #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff

View Details

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 showwww.artsactive.org.uk

Email a2@artsactive.org.uk
Twitter @artsactive
Instagram artsactivecardiff
Facebook artsactive

classicalmusic #stdavidshall #neuadddewisant #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff

View Details

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 showwww.artsactive.org.uk

Email a2@artsactive.org.uk
Twitter @artsactive
Instagram artsactivecardiff
Facebook artsactive

classicalmusic #stdavidshall #neuadddewisant #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff

View Details

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 showwww.artsactive.org.uk

Email a2@artsactive.org.uk
Twitter @artsactive
Instagram artsactivecardiff
Facebook artsactive

classicalmusic #stdavidshall #neuadddewisant #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff

View Details

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 Guðnadóttir, Rachel Portman and Florence Price.

Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0IujonLl2lB7bfPzz71U0Z?si=de2ff953d16940af

Support the showwww.artsactive.org.uk

Email a2@artsactive.org.uk
Twitter @artsactive
Instagram artsactivecardiff
Facebook artsactive

classicalmusic #stdavidshall #neuadddewisant #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff

View Details

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 showwww.artsactive.org.uk

Email a2@artsactive.org.uk
Twitter @artsactive
Instagram artsactivecardiff
Facebook artsactive

classicalmusic #stdavidshall #neuadddewisant #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff

View Details

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 showwww.artsactive.org.uk

Email a2@artsactive.org.uk
Twitter @artsactive
Instagram artsactivecardiff
Facebook artsactive

classicalmusic #stdavidshall #neuadddewisant #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff

View Details

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 showwww.artsactive.org.uk

Email a2@artsactive.org.uk
Twitter @artsactive
Instagram artsactivecardiff
Facebook artsactive

classicalmusic #stdavidshall #neuadddewisant #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff

View Details

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 showwww.artsactive.org.uk

Email a2@artsactive.org.uk
Twitter @artsactive
Instagram artsactivecardiff
Facebook artsactive

classicalmusic #stdavidshall #neuadddewisant #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff

View Details

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 showwww.artsactive.org.uk

Email a2@artsactive.org.uk
Twitter @artsactive
Instagram artsactivecardiff
Facebook artsactive

classicalmusic #stdavidshall #neuadddewisant #drjonathanjames #bravingthestave #musicconversations #funfacts #guestspeakers #cardiff

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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.