Opus Robusto

An American in Paris

In this episode, Jaress and Patrick discuss Gershwin's "An American in Paris." Can you find when the string quartet plays alone? Patrick is having a Jaime Garcia and drinking Heaven Hill Kentucky Bourbon. Jaress is having a Man O' War Ruination 10th Anniversary and drinking Trader Joe's Añejo tequila. Got questions or suggestions? Let us know at questions@opusrobusto.com.

Holst's Planets

In this episode, Jaress and Patrick discuss Holst's Planets. Not all of them, but our favorites: Mars, Venus, Mercury, and Jupiter! Patrick is having La Madrina Shade from Dapper Cigar Co. and drinking Eagle Rare Rye aged in Carribean Rum Casks. Jaress is having a 5 Vegas Cask Strength and drinking 3 Amigos Añejo. Got questions or suggestions? Let us know at questions@opusrobusto.com.

Haydn Symphony 94

In this episode, Jaress and Patrick discuss Haydn's Symphony #94. Yes, that means the 94th symphony that he wrote! Patrick is having Romeo and Julieta Reserva Real and drinking Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye Whiskey. Jaress is having Rocky Patel No. 6 and drinking J&B Rare and finishing with the Trader Joe's Mezcal. Got questions or suggestions? Let us know at questions@opusrobusto.com.

Ron Kean's American Mass

This episode discusses Ron Kean's American Mass - a contemporary SATB choral work with full orchestration. Ron joins us in this episode for an interview to discuss his piece and it's a must hear! He's a composer whose compositions and arrangements are performed throughout the United States and abroad! He’s a choral conductor who’s adjudicated choral music festivals at the the College of the Sequoias, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Cal State University Long Beach, Fresno State University, Santa Rosa Community College, University of Southern California (USC) and the Bali International Choral Festival. He's also is a good friend of both Jaress as well as Patrick AND an avid cigar smoker and whiskey enthusiast! Jaress is smoking a 5 Vegas Apocalypse and sipping a Breckenridge bourbon finished in rum barrels. Patrick is having a United Cigar with Jefferson's Reserve bourbon. Ron would normally have joined us for a cigar, but had some dental work done, so that was out of the question! He is, however, drinking some WhistlePig bourbon. Got questions or suggestions? Let us know at questions@opusrobusto.com.

Sibelius Violin Concerto - Tina K. Ramnarine Interview

This is a bonus episode where Jaress and Patrick interview Tina K. Ramnarine about the Sibelius Violin Concerto. Tina is a musician, writer, and global cultural explorer. Her interdisciplinary research concerns music in global histories and arts responses to contemporary global challenges. In our discussion, you'll learn about the history of the violin concerto, what was going on politically during the time, and why that has an impact on the concerto. There are also a few fun facts like a brief discussion on synesthesia (the ability to see sounds) and also how the Sibelius Violin Concerto is connected to the Lord of the Rings! No cigars were burned during this episode - just good unadulterated discussion.