Opus Robusto

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.

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.

This episode discusses the Sibelius Violin Concerto - another wonderful concerto from the Romantic era. The second movement is just...amazing! AND we've taken our first ever interview - with Tina K. Ramnarine who is an expert in music and music history - she's a former concert violinist, and she wrote a book entirely about the Sibelius Violin Concerto! Jaress is smoking an Ave Maria Reconquista and having a Manhattan cocktail made with Bulleit bourbon. Patrick is also having an Ave Maria - Toro with Pikesville Straight Rye. Got questions or suggestions? Let us know at questions@opusrobusto.com.

This episode discusses the Glazunov Violin Concerto - a wonderful concerto from the Romantic era. Wait till you hear the cadenza! Jaress is smoking a Diamond Crown Maximus and having a single malt scotch aged in rum barrels from Trader Joe's. Patrick is having an Oliva V Melanio with Sagemore Rye. Got questions or suggestions? Let us know at questions@opusrobusto.com.

In this episode, Jaress and Patrick will discuss Brahms’ work “Nänie” as well as “Gesang der Parzen.” You’ll see some artwork that influenced both pieces as well as an extended discussion of these two magnificent works.  Jaress is having a Diesel Wicked with a Mezcal Old Fashioned. Patrick is having a Cavalier Geneve with Rittenhouse bourbon. Got questions or suggestions? Let us know at questions@opusrobusto.com.