Actress and singer Charlotte Ritchie joins Linton Stephens to explore a classical playlist. They discuss the emotional movement of music, Amanda Lee Falkenberg's cinematic Symphony, the profound pieces by Shostakovich and Pamela Z, a unique and unsettling composition, a reworked 17th-century piece, and the mesmerizing 'Ending' by Brendan Edder.
Charlotte Ritchie highlights the importance of being moved by a piece of music and how it can switch off the brain.
The Moon Symphony by Amanda Lee Falkenberg is described as unsettling, exciting, and epic, reminiscent of film scores, with a celestial inspiration.
The second movement of Shostakovich's Piano Concerto No. 2 carries a sense of innocence and melancholy, representing fatherly love and the desire to protect one's child from the realities of the world.
Deep dives
Exploring the Perfect Piece of Music
Charlotte Richie discusses what makes a perfect piece of music, mentioning the importance of being moved by it and how it can switch off the brain. She also shares her experience with choral and vocal music and how it opened a new world for her.
Moon Symphony by Amanda Lee Falkenberg
Charlotte listens to 'I.O.' from the Moon Symphony by Amanda Lee Falkenberg. She finds it unsettling with its frequent endings and voices, but also exciting and epic, reminiscent of film scores. The composer's background and the celestial inspiration behind the symphony are also discussed.
Emotional Impact of Shostakovich's Piano Concerto
Charlotte is deeply moved by the second movement of Shostakovich's Piano Concerto No. 2. She describes the piano's innocence and the melancholy carried by the strings, feeling it represents fatherly love and the desire to protect one's child from the realities of the world. The historical context of Shostakovich's composition and its personal significance are highlighted.
Exploring Identity and Baggage with 'Unknown Person'
Charlotte reflects on 'Unknown Person' by Pamela Z, finding it thought-provoking and emotionally moving. The piece raises questions about personal identity, the subconscious influences we carry from others, and the importance of embracing individuality. The composer's inspiration and thematic focus on physical and metaphorical baggage are mentioned.
Reworking Baroque Music with 'Arpeggiata Adio'
Charlotte explores 'Arpeggiata Adio' by Rolf Lislevand, a reworking of a Baroque piece by Giovanni Capesberger. While initially interested in the opening guitar sound, she feels an ongoing sense of disconnection as the melody deviates, but appreciates the composer's intention behind the modernized interpretation and the significance of improvisation in the original Baroque era.
The Hypnotic Beauty of 'Ending' by Brendan Edder
Charlotte is captivated by 'Ending' by Brendan Edder, finding it soothing and hypnotic. The combination of woodwind instruments, repetition, and the subtle rhythmic shifts creates a meditative and expansive experience. The composer's exploration of spirituality and the piece's ability to evoke contemplation and connection with nature are highlighted.
Linton Stephens tries out a classical playlist on actress and singer Charlotte Ritchie, currently starring in the final series of hit sitcom Ghosts on BBC One.
Charlotte's playlist:
Amanda Lee Falkenberg - The Moons Symphony: Io Celestial Tug of War
Dmitri Shostakovich - Piano Concerto no.2 (2nd movement)
Pamela Z - Unknown Person (from Baggage Allowance)
Giovanni Girolamo Kapsberger (reworked by Rolf Lislevand) - Arpeggiata addio
Brendan Eder - Ending
Classical Fix is a podcast aimed at opening up the world of classical music to anyone who fancies giving it a go. Each week, Linton mixes a bespoke playlist for his guest, who then joins him to share their impressions of their new classical discoveries.
Linton Stephens is a bassoonist with the Chineke! Orchestra and has also performed with the BBC Philharmonic, Halle Orchestra and Opera North, amongst many others.
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