Episode details

Available for 15 days
Tom Service with guests, stories and the perfect classical soundtrack to start the weekend. Tom talks to German violinist Isabelle Faust about her unremitting tour schedule, how she finds new delights in pieces she's been performing around the world for decades, and her newfound love of the Baroque composer Georg Philipp Telemann whose music she has just recorded for a new album with the Akademie für Alte Musik, Berlin. We catch up with Irish mezzo-soprano Niamh O'Sullivan, star of Bizet’s Carmen at English National Opera right now and a Radio 3 New Generation Artist. Tom joins her backstage at London’s Coliseum to talk about what it’s like singing one of opera’s most famous heroines, as well as some of the challenges that come with life as an opera singer. Tom explores “The Madman’s Orchestra” – a new book by the author and former ѿý QI Elf Edward Brooke-Hitching which uncovers some of the most weird and wonderful curiosities from the history of music. From instruments like the cat piano, the hog harmonium, the shame flute and the badger theremin, to prehistoric flutes, underground organs and the creations of 17th century German scholar Athanasius Kircher. Tom and Edward talk about some of their own favourites from the book. Plus violinist Amandine Beyer introduces her new recording “Bach from Italy”, and pianist Rebeca Omordia tells us about one of John Ireland’s bewitching pieces from her new recording of his piano music. To listen on most smart speakers just say "Ask ѿý Sounds to play Saturday Morning”.
Programme WebsiteTracklist
- TrackArtist
- 1.Serenade no.2 in A major Op.16 (4th mvt)Serenade no.2 in A major Op.16 (4th mvt)Johannes Brahms
- 2.Variations on a theme from Bizet's CarmenVariations on a theme from Bizet's CarmenVladimir Horowitz
- 3.Behind the wall stand the little roses (3 Rosengardsviser)Behind the wall stand the little roses (3 Rosengardsviser)Rued Langgaard