Higher Angels

Higher Angels

Author: Australian Brandenburg Orchestra August 27, 2021 Duration: 51:01

In this episode, Hugh Ronzani and Dr Alan Maddox discuss the 'higher angels' that fleetingly floated above the music of Handel and Carl Heinrich Graun on the Baroque stage, and the real importance of these superstars of the past.


Step into the ornate and intricate world of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries with Tales of Baroque. Presented by the acclaimed Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, this series features engaging dialogues between musicologist Dr. Alan Maddox and the orchestra's own Hugh Ronzani. Their conversations move beyond simple biography, delving into the fascinating stories behind the era's most celebrated composers and their masterworks. You'll gain a deeper appreciation for the music's historical context, the innovative techniques that defined the period, and the vibrant personalities who brought these sounds to life. Each episode feels like an insightful backstage pass, offering a rich, accessible exploration of the baroque repertoire that the orchestra so expertly performs. This podcast is for anyone curious about the foundations of Western classical music, whether you're a seasoned aficionado or just beginning your discovery. The discussions are both scholarly and warmly conversational, making complex ideas feel immediate and relatable. Tune in to hear how the dramatic flourishes, intricate counterpoint, and emotional depth of baroque music continue to resonate so powerfully today.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 26

Tales of Baroque
Podcast Episodes
Bach's Universe (Live) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:50
Following two cancellations, Jonas Zschenderlein is finally going to be able to make his live concert debut in Australia and Paul Dyer’s personal tribute to Bach will come to fruition! Ahead of opening night at the Melbo…
The Soprano [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:11
The term ‘soprano’ is familiar to most, but have you heard of a male soprano before? And how is this rare masculine voice type different to the voices of castrati, counter-tenors, and trebles? Join host Hugh Ronzani and…
The Bachs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:04
Nowadays, the name 'Bach' is synonymous with one person - Johann Sebastian Bach. However, this Baroque genius was but one member of a family musical dynasty spanning seven generations of creative brilliance. This episode…
Mozart's Clarinet [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:18
What makes Mozart's concerto for basset clarinet so captivating? Is it the melody? The tone of the instrument? Or perhaps our contemporary familiarity with this work? Despite Craig Hill's unfortunate late cancellation, j…
Paradisum [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:59
Have you ever wondered what life was like at the French court? Do you know where ballet came from? Join host Hugh Ronzani and esteemed guest Dr Alan Maddox for a deep dive into over 200 years of music history, and extrao…
Italian Baroque with Circa [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:32
Naples, Florence, Rome, Venice - join host Hugh Ronzani and Sydney's own Caldara expert, guest Dr Alan Maddox, as they delve into the history and music of these four cities at the heart of a Baroque pasticcio imagined by…
21 Years of Noël! Noël! in 2021 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:27
With the imminent return to the concert hall just over the horizon, Hugh Ronzani is joined for a wonderful tale of Baroque music-making and carol singing with sublime soprano Belinda Montgomery, the Brandenburg Choir's l…
Baroque in Bloom [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:11
The tale behind Baroque in Bloom starts at Cremona, continues through Lucca, then Bologna, Rome and finally Venice via Dresden. Join Hugh Ronzani and esteemed guest Dr Alan Maddox for this very special extended episode o…
Bach's Universe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:59
Who was Johann Sebastian Bach, and who is he for us now? The Brandenburg's Hugh Ronzani is joined by Dr Alan Maddox to discuss the far-reaching influence of arguably the greatest composer of all time, in this special ext…
Handel's Rome [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:07
The Brandenburg's Hugh Ronzani talks to Dr Alan Maddox about Baroque Italy, Corelli, the Concerto Grosso form and more.