Stories for the Long Winter Nights

A survey of likely candidates for Best Original Score in this year’s Oscar nominations.

Love is dropping off, hate is gaining ground in the pop charts. Misery too on the rise. Let Adagio be your antidote! 

Music for all ages, not least of which, infants, toddlers and those still in the oven. 

Music written for and about these deepest darkest days of winter in poetry, song and prayer.

Music and commentary meant to bring about vibrant health and high happiness with year-end wishes from Leonard Cohen.

A look at the Solstice through the eons and a selection of songs to bring the sun back to life.

Richness of sound that defies a tally, with a chilling standout, the oldest Irish poem to come down to us through the ages, Song of Amergin or The Mystery.

An 18th Century Middle Eastern musician visits Leipzig; Emily Jane Brontë in the 19th, finishing with music of the present.

Music various and sundry for the waning light of November fading into December.

Songs of Gratitude, and those expressing the exquisite beauty of this world of ours.

A brief sketch of the life and music of America’s great lyricist Johnny Mercer.

Music of the Master, the Maestro, the Mystic from Montreal.

Seasonal compositions showcased in their instrumental forms, and in their vocal renditions.

Joni Mitchell, Simone Kermes, Barbra Streisand, Patsy Cline… Music to soothe and settle, and fire your curiosity.

Music of a range of performers, songs of autumn that mimic the stillness of these autumn days.

La di da di la di dum, ’tis autumn

Music of a wide range of sources, The Baltic, Eastern Europe, the US, and Argentina featuring Mercedes Sosa (above).

Music of Brazil and Mexico with brief sketches of Salli Terri, Laurindo Almeida and Chavela Vargas (above).

A brief selection of Nuria Rial, as a teaser of more to come in following weeks, and further works of late summer song.