Join me as I talk with Patrick Neas, Classical Music Writer for the Kansas City Star, freelance classical music writer and founder of KC Arts Beat. In this episode we talk about the astrology, spiritual wisdom and traditions of Winter Solstice and Yule, as well as religious traditions from St Lucia day through Epiphany and their significance to the bringing of light this time of year. Patrick also shares his favorite classical music for the season.
You can find Patrick on Facebook at KC Arts Beat.
Music Notes: A Medieval Christmas performed by the Boston Camerata conducted by Joel Cohen (Nonesuch)
Benjamin Britten: St. Nicholas Cantata performed by the Corydon Singers conducted by Matthew Best (Hyperion)
Benjamin Britten: A Ceremony of Carols performed by Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, Graham Ross (Harmonia Mundi)
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 1 “Winter Dreams” performed by the Oslo Philharmonic conducted by Mariss Jansons (Chandos)
Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker (Complete Ballet) performed by the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras (Telarc)
Sibelius: Symphony No. 1 performed by the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Leif Segerstam (Ondine)
Gustav Holst: The Planets performed by the Boston Symphony Orchestra conducted by William Steinberg (Deutsche Grammophon)
Gustav Holst: The Hymn of Jesus performed by the London Symphony Chorus and the London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Sir Charles Groves (EMI)