Symphonic Legends: The Stories of a Forgotten Musical History

Symphonic Legends: The Stories of a Forgotten Musical History

Step into a vital conversation uncovering the hidden histories of Black British classical musicians from the 18th and 19th centuries. Despite achieving considerable success in their lifetimes, figures like Joseph Emidy, George Bridgetower, Amanda Aldridge, and Samuel Coleridge-Taylor have been largely excluded from the dominant narrative of British music history. This project, "Symphonic Legends: The Stories of a Forgotten Musical History," delves into how music criticism and archival practices contributed to their marginalization. Discover how the press of the time often represented these musicians by racializing, exoticizing, or omitting them entirely. Explore the structural silences embedded in archival research and musicology that have led to their exclusion. Drawing on critical analysis of historical sources like newspapers and magazines, and informed by archival theories such as Michel-Rolph Trouillot's formulation of historical silencing and Saidiya Hartman's critical fabulation, this project interrogates the lack and existence of these musicians in British musical media."Symphonic Legends" utilizes public musicology and curatorial activism as effective mechanisms of redress and inclusive remembering. By combining archival research with public engagement, such as a curated exhibition and panel event, the project aims to challenge canonical narratives and promote broader participation in recovery work. Hear insights from the panel discussion held at Deptford Town Hall, which brought together academics, musicians, and educators to discuss the challenges of representation in historical and contemporary contexts. This deep dive argues for more inclusive, ethically sound practices of music historiography that acknowledge how systems of power shape what is remembered and how it is remembered. It's a step towards broadening our understanding of history and ensuring these important voices are heard and not forgotten.

Sexuality in 21st Century Music

This podcast explores the fascinating intersection of music and sexuality, drawing on the work of prominent musicologists and musicians. We delve into how musical works, performances, and personas express and embody sexual desires, identities, and behaviours. We'll examine the theories of key figures:   * Michel Foucault, who argues that sexuality is not a natural attribute but a social construct shaped by power and knowledge. We will explore how music can reflect and challenge dominant sexual norms. * Susan McClary, known for her feminist analysis of classical music, who argues that musical structures can reinforce masculine dominance and female submission. Her book "Feminine Endings" and its exploration of sonata form will also be discussed. * Richard Dyer, whose work focuses on the representation of homosexuality in pop culture and film. Dyer argues that pop music can be a site of "camp," showcasing an excess of gender and sexuality. * Phillip Brett, who studied the connection between musical structures and cultural discourse, with a focus on how queer identities are represented in music. We'll discuss Brett's work on Benjamin Britten, including how Britten's music reflected his queer identity. We'll also touch on Brett's analysis of Purcell and Wagner. * Freya Jarman, who studies popular music and its relationship to gender and sexuality. Jarman's work on "queer voices" will be explored as well as her discussion of how popular music reflects and constructs cultural discourses around gender and sexuality. ·       We'll also look at how musicians have explored these themes in their work: * Madonna, who uses sexual imagery and themes to challenge norms, especially female sexuality. Her work, including "Like a Virgin," will be examined. * Prince, who explored taboo subjects and pushed boundaries of mainstream cultural norms surrounding sexuality through his music and persona. We'll discuss his album "Purple Rain" and the song "Darling Nikki". * Janelle Monáe, whose Afrofuturistic vision incorporates themes of sexual freedom and identity. We'll discuss her album "Dirty Computer" and songs like "Pynk," "Make Me Feel," and "Django Jane". * FKA Twigs, who explores themes of sexuality and gender through her unique blend of electronic, R&B, and experimental music. The podcast will examine her music video for "Pendulum" and her performance "Magdalene". * Lil Nas X, who uses sexual imagery and themes to challenge traditional ideas around masculinity and sexuality. His performance of "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" at the 2021 BET Awards and the song's music video will be discussed.   The podcast will conclude by considering the relevance of these ideas in the 21st century. It will also address how music promotes sexual freedom and acceptance while acknowledging controversy and backlash

Hildegard von Bingen: Music, Visions, and Legacy

Delve into the extraordinary life and works of Hildegard von Bingen, a 12th-century German visionary who defied the norms of her time. This episode explores Hildegard's multifaceted contributions as a scientist, religious leader, writer, preacher, exorcist, playwright, naturalist, poet, and composer. Born in 1098, Hildegard experienced divine visions from a young age, which profoundly influenced her music and writings.   Discover how Hildegard's spiritual experiences led to the creation of her musical cycle, Symphonia harmoniae caelestium revelationem (Symphony of the Harmony of Heavenly Revelations), a collection of liturgical songs that includes 43 antiphons, 8 responsories, and 14 longer pieces.   Learn about the distinctive qualities of Hildegard's music, such as her wide vocal ranges and the way her music relates to her visions.   We’ll also discuss the social restrictions that caused Hildegard to receive less attention in musicological writings, noting her challenge to patriarchal norms through her views of the Virgin Mary.   Explore how Hildegard's perspective on the Virgin Mary as a powerful agent of salvation, as seen in her piece "Alleluia O Virga Mediatrix," contributed to her revolutionary views on femininity.   Finally, we examine how Hildegard’s music has been rediscovered and sampled in modern EDM tracks, like Orbital’s “Belfast,” The Beloved’s “The Sun Rising,” and Richard Souther’s “Vision”. This highlights her enduring influence and the exciting ways her medieval liturgical music is reaching new audiences.   This episode aims to shed light on Hildegard von Bingen's significance as a composer and her legacy in both medieval and modern music

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor a 19th Century Black British Composer

This podcast tells the story of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, a pioneering Black composer, conductor, and performer who defied racial barriers to make an indelible mark on British musical history. Born in 1875 to a Sierra Leonean father and English mother, Coleridge-Taylor’s musical talents were evident from a young age. This podcast explores: * Coleridge-Taylor's rise to success despite the pervasive racial prejudices and social barriers of 19th century England.● * His early life and influences, including his time at the Royal College of Music, where he was one of the first Black students. * The creation of his masterpiece, "The Song of Hiawatha" trilogy, and its immense popularity. * His challenges and triumphs as a Black musician navigating a predominantly white society. Join us as we delve into Coleridge-Taylor’s life and legacy, examining the interplay of opportunity, artistic expression, and racial inequality in his remarkable journey.

African Music Censorship and Resistance

This podcast delves into the complex world of music censorship in Africa, tracing its origins in colonialism and examining its impact on contemporary societies. From the suppression of indigenous music during colonial rule to the silencing of political dissent in post-independence Africa, the podcast uncovers the strategies used by authorities to control musical expression. Through historical analysis and captivating case studies, listeners will learn how African musicians have consistently used their art as a tool of resistance. The podcast will feature: * The inspiring stories of iconic figures like Miriam Makeba, Fela Kuti, Hugh Masekela, and Thomas Mapfumo, who challenged oppressive regimes through their powerful music, enduring bans, exile, and persecution in their pursuit of freedom and justice. * An examination of the diverse musical genres that have been targeted by censorship, including traditional Kikuyu music in Kenya during the Mau Mau uprising and Afrobeat in Nigeria under military rule. * A deep dive into the creative strategies employed by musicians to circumvent censorship, from using symbolism and metaphor to collaborating with international artists to amplify their voices. * Discussions on the ongoing challenges faced by musicians in Africa, including restrictive government policies, social stigma, and economic pressures that threaten artistic freedom. "Silenced Voices, Resisting Rhythms" aims to illuminate the power of music as a catalyst for social change and cultural expression in Africa. It's a story of resilience, creativity, and the enduring fight for artistic freedom in the face of adversity.