Classical Greenroom

Classical Greenroom

By CRD RecordsMusicMusic Interviews
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Classical Greenroom episodes

  • Unveiling Margaret of Austria: Music, Grief, and the Green Lover

    In this episode, CRD Director Emma Pauncefort sits down with the Linarol Consort and soprano Héloïse Bernard to discuss their CRD Records debut album, Epitaph for a Green Lover.

    The conversation explores the fascinating life of Margaret of Austria, a powerful 16th-century patron of the arts whose personal tragedies—including multiple lost marriages and the death of a beloved pet parrot—are captured in her exquisite musical collections.


    Key Discussion Points

    • The Linarol Sound: The consort explains their unique identity, playing on a matched set of instruments based on the earliest surviving viol made by Francesco Linarol in 1540. 
    • Margaret of Austria’s Life: David Hatcher provides a biographical look at Margaret, from her time as a French princess and Duchess of Savoy to her influential reign as Regent of the Netherlands.
      A "Democratic" Collaboration: Héloïse Bernard discusses the "democratic" nature of the music, where the solo voice blends seamlessly into the texture of the viol consort rather than simply being accompanied by it.
      The "Green Lover": The origins of the album title, referring to an epic poem and song written for Margaret’s pet parrot, which serves as a relatable, humanising moment of grief. 
    • Material Legacy: The group discusses the beauty of Margaret’s surviving chansonniers (songbooks), including a rare manuscript featuring gold and silver notation on black-stained vellum.


    Favourite album moments

    • The Primal Cry: The final track, Coeurs desolez, described by the performers as an "absolute wail of primal desolation" that demands high volume. 
    • A Ghostly Transition: The haunting moment between the instrumental De tout Plongiet and the vocal entry of Soubz ce tumbel, where the "dead parrot" calls from the tomb. 
    • Technical Brilliance: The complexity of La Spagna, where the Renaissance counterpoint rivals the difficulty of modern cello concertos


    Intro music: Anon. "La Danse de Cleves"

    Outro music: Josquin des Prez 'Cueurs desolez par toute nation"


    Listen ⁠now on your streaming service of choice in hi res and Dolby Atmos⁠


    Follow ⁠The Linarol Consort on Spotify

    46 min
  • The Silent Depths: Paul Crossley’s Tribute to Federico Mompou

    Renowned concert pianist Paul Crossley shares his lifelong, deep connection with Federico Mompou’s music. Paul shares how Mompou's unique style is characterized by its 'sadness' and 'silent music'. He explains how Mompou’s compositions, shaped by autobiographical elements and his grandfather's bell foundry, require a nuanced interpretation of the spaces between notes.

    Despite battling arthritis, which led to his retirement fromconcert performances, Paul passionately discusses the enduring significance and his evolving appreciation of these musical miniatures.

    We also explore Gerard Manley Hopkins' concept of art as 'the rehearsal of own' and its resonance with both the performer and the listener, highlighting the importance of personal interpretation and the challenges of recording such evocative works.


    15 min
  • The Architect's View – Discovering Dimitar Nenov with Veneta Neynska

    Dimitar Nenov (1901–1953) was a pianist-composer of extraordinary depth. Yet his music remains largely unknown beyond Bulgaria—where he is still rarely programmed—despite his towering influence on 20th-century Eastern European music. His works, blending architectural precision with boundless imagination, are at once intellectually rigorous and emotionally profound.

    In this episode, CRD Director Emma Pauncefort sits in conversation with Bulgarian pianist Veneta Neynska to open up the spaces and places traversed by Nenov’s unique musical language, here brought to life through the artistry of his present-day champion.


    Global Release of the album – March 2026

    www.crdrecords.com/product/the-architects-view

    www.neynska.com


    #classicalpiano #modernpiano #spaceinmusic #pianist #classicalmusic


    36 min
  • A Voyage Through an Extraordinary Lost Treasure – Heavenly Light

    Join CRD Director Emma Pauncefort, the conductor of the emerging British group Selene consort Daniel Gilchrist and musicologist Russell Blacker for a fascinating exploration of bringing works from the Eton Choirbook, a treasure trove of early English choral music, back to life.

    In this podcast episode, we discuss the history of the choirbook, its unique features, the challenges of reconstructing its missing parts and the joy (and challenges!) of performing such intricate music.


    Key Points:

    • The Eton Choirbook: Eton College, a royal institution founded by King Henry VI, was the birthplace of the choirbook, a highly valued resource that featured lavish illuminations.
    • Missing Parts: About a third of the choirbook is lost, and some pieces have incomplete sections.
    • Reconstruction: Russell Blacker has dedicated years to reconstructing these lost works, using his expertise in music history and composition.
    • Selene Choir: A young, vibrant choir, they were chosen by Dr. Blacker to record the reconstructed Eton Choirbook repertoire.
    • The Why Now: The project is a response to a renewed interest in early music and the desire to bring these hidden gems to a wider audience.
    • Challenges: The music is complex, with multiple voice parts and long, demanding melodic lines.
    • The Joy of Reconstruction: Dr. Blacker shares his experiences and the challenges he faced in reconstructing the missing parts of the choirbook.
    • Highlights:
      • The 'Magnificat', a six-part work by Wylkynson, is considered the jewel of the crown.
      • The 'O Virgo Prudentissima', another Wylkynson piece, is unique in that it uses two simultaneous plainchants.
      • The jubilant style of English singing is highlighted in the works of 'Wylkynson' and others.


    The full album is now available to stream in hi res and Dolby Atmos wherever you get your music: https://integral.lnk.to/HeavenlyLight


    Also available to purchase from CRD Records:

    https://www.crdrecords.com/product/heavenly_light/

    50 min
  • Exploring Musical Landscapes: A Journey with Pete Judge

    Emma Pauncefort sits in conversation with Pete Judge, trumpeter-composer-turned-pianist, about his latest project ‘Piano 3’ which ties together music and landscapes.

    Pete shares the inspiration behind his compositions, highlighting the influence of the likes of C20th composer Gerald Finzi and the impact of nature and seasonal changes. We discuss his connection to the environments of Southern Britain and his bid to advocate for broader environmental concerns in his music as he seeks to replicate the extraordinary minimalist repetitions we see around us.

    Our discussion explores the coexistence of stillness and movement in Pete’s work and his personal journey of transforming improvisations into fixed compositions.

    He also shares his experience of recording at St George's in Bristol, England versus ‘solo’ performances and how he always works in dialogue with the space.

     

    00:00 A Glorious Morning in Bath

    01:50 Musical Inspirations and Influences

    02:48 The Art of Notated Music

    09:57 Seasonal Inspirations and Creative Process

    12:56 The Piano as a Sketchbook

    17:18 Live Performances and Collaborations

    22:12 The Fluidity of Musical Performance

    23:04 Recording Process Insights

    24:20 The Role of Space and Acoustics

    26:25 Organic Recording Experience

    30:04 Personal and Emotional Journey

    32:06 Environmental and Artistic Reflections

    36:44 Musical Style and Influences

    40:49 Future Projects and Inspirations

    42:56 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

    Links

    ⁠Pre-save Piano 3 now on your favourite streaming service⁠: ⁠ https://orcd.co/piano3

    Stream singles already released:

    ⁠Pete Spotify Profile⁠

    https://open.spotify.com/artist/079OQUvzp6K2MIAoiVYEMX?si=EbaeunaARMynetkKTkhRkQ  ⁠

    Pete Apple Profile

    https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/pete-judge/1160252843

    Learn more about Pete

    Pete website

    https://www.petejudgemusic.com/

    Instagram Profile

    https://www.instagram.com/petejudgemusic/

    #PeteJudge #ClassicalMusic #NatureInspired #Piano3 #Improvisation


    44 min
  • Imagique Unveiled: Modern Sounds in Classical Music with Iwo & Karolina

    Emma Pauncefort, Director of CRD Records, checks in with classical accordionist Iwo Jedynecki and violinist Karolina Mikolajczyk about their innovative 'CRD debut' album 'Imagique'.

    Speaking virtually in the midst of Iwo and Karolina's busy autumn 2024 tour, we discuss their journey over the past decade playing together and transcribing works from various musical eras, blending violin and accordion whilst modernising some of their favourite classical pieces.

    Iwo and Karolina share insights on their artistic process, technical challenges, and emotional connections to composers ranging from Chopin, Ravel, Saint Saëns and not to forget Penderecki, for whom they had the privilege to play their version of his violin sonata.

    'Imagique' is just the start...

    We also explore upcoming performances, including a premiere at the National Gallery of Art in DC with their new programme 'Paris 1874'. For Iwo and Karolina this is part of their lifelong goal to bring classical music to life for both the listener turning to classical to chill out and for those whose passion is this pinnacle of musical art.


    00:00 Introduction – the weather(!) and how we all met

    01:21 Upcoming Performances and New Projects

    02:07 Discussing the Album 'Imagique'

    03:31 Transcribing Classical Pieces for Violin and Accordion

    05:40 Reflecting on a Decade of Musical Partnership

    07:57 Exploring the Unique Instruments

    09:58 Creating Musical Dialogue

    11:31 The Importance of Classical Music

    12:17 Recording and Repertoire

    12:58 Increasing Interest in Classical Music

    14:05 Breaking Down Barriers

    15:04 Upcoming Projects and Performances

    15:39 Paris 1874 Project

    16:56 Transcriptions and Arrangements

    19:02 Future Plans and Exciting Projects

    21:26 Final Thoughts and Hopes


    Links

    ⁠Pre-save Imagique now on your favourite streaming service⁠: https://orcd.co/imagiquealbumsave

    Stream singles already released:

    ⁠Iwo Spotify Profile⁠

    https://open.spotify.com/artist/5tgv69l3DQRSLj0NhD3lhr?si=QgoLkb1OQEqGzdAUn_KQ1w

    ⁠Karolina Spotify Profile⁠

    https://open.spotify.com/artist/5tgv69l3DQRSLj0NhD3lhr?si=QgoLkb1OQEqGzdAUn_KQ1w

    Iwo Apple Profile

    https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/iwo-jedynecki/1204445157?ls 

    Karolina Apple Profile

    https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/karolina-miko%C5%82ajczyk/1274579504?ls

    Learn more about Iwo and Karolina

    Iwo and Karolina Duo website

    https://www.mikolajczyk-jedynecki.pl/about

    Instagram Profile

    https://www.instagram.com/iwo_karolina.duo/?hl=pl

    ⁠Current Paris 1874 programme⁠

    https://georgetowner.com/event/duo-karolina-mikolajczyk-iwo-jedynecki-paris-1874/

    24 min
  • Violins, pianos and dancing (baroque)

    Emma Pauncefort of CRD Records sits down with British-born violinist Maya Magub in Santa Monica, California to explore the violin’s ability to interpret historical dance forms as featured on Maya’s forthcoming album ‘The Violin Dances – Baroque’.

    Recorded at the illustrious Menuhin Hall in Cobham, Surrey, England, this album is the

    result of an intricate process that saw Maya select, curate and arrange dance
    pieces, many of which lay hidden for decades in Maya's father's collections.

    We underline the significance of rhythm and tempo in ‘dance music’, as we see in the

    violin's bowing techniques, and we spotlight the expressive freedom in
    ornamentation and spontaneous interpretation that Maya and Matthew delighted in
    when recording.

    Finally, we add a note on the extraordinary acoustics of Menuhin Hall that enhance the

    performance and help shed light on the emotional and rhythmic intricacies of
    Baroque dances ranging from the Sarabande to the Sicilienne to the hornpipe.

    As we hope our conversation highlights, this is an album celebrating the joy of

    rediscovering historical dances that can so beautifully – and relevantly! – soundtrack
    C21st life.

    00:00 Introduction to the Violin Dances Project

    00:45 Exploring the Dance Repertoire

    03:20 The Relevance of Historical Dances Today

    06:34 Musical Structure and Dance Cues

    08:05 Emotional Expression in Dance Music

    10:22 Ornamentation and Performer Choices

    10:51 Experience and Interpretation in Early Music

    11:08 The Art of Ornamentation

    11:54 Spontaneity in Performance

    12:15 Modern Performance Practices

    13:20 Exploring the Dances

    14:26 Spotlight on the Piano

    17:07 Recording at Menuhin Hall

    18:19 The Impact of Recording Spaces

    20:50 Final Thoughts and Reflections

     

    Pre-save The Violin Dances now on your favourite streaming service⁠: ⁠ https://orcd.co/violindancesalbum

    Stream singles already released:

    https://orcd.co/handelsarabande

    https://orcd.co/purcellcanaries

    https://orcd.co/handelminuet

    https://orcd.co/lovepurcell

    https://orcd.co/allegrotelemann

    ⁠Maya Spotify Profile⁠

    https://open.spotify.com/artist/5tgv69l3DQRSLj0NhD3lhr?si=QgoLkb1OQEqGzdAUn_KQ1w

      

    ⁠Matthew Spotify Profile⁠

    https://open.spotify.com/artist/7IsuoO5SQiZu9GsGLv1QaP?si=cve1FZMwRQ65wNe1GcdOpA

    Maya Apple

    Profile

    https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/maya-magub/220261795

    Matthew

    Apple Profile

    https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/matthew-schellhorn/287534643

    Learn more about Maya

    https://www.mayamagub.com/

    Learn more about Matthew

    https://www.matthewschellhorn.com/

    Maya Instagram Profile

    https://www.instagram.com/mayamagub/

    Matthew Instagram Profile

    https://www.instagram.com/schellhornmusic/

    #violin #piano #classicalmusic #dancemusic

    #classicalmusic #baroque #dancing

    22 min
  • Musical Letters and Puzzles and the Musical Canon

    Pandemics and lockdowns now feel a distant memory for many. But out of adversity also came great creativity, not least in the hands of British-born, Los Angeles-based violinist Maya Magub.

    In our first episode, we offer you the chance to drop in on a conversation between Emma and violinist, Maya Magub.
    Together, Emma and Maya explore the album 'Canons', a sparkling set of tracks offering a huge range of colours – from the playful to the pastoral – and including world premiere recordings of Mozart works, coming together to offer 'socially but not musically distanced canon collaborations'. 

    Stream now: https://orcd.co/magubcanons

    To purchase a real CD(!) head to: https://www.crdrecords.com/product/magub-canons/

    #musicalcanons #mozart #classicalmusic #dolbyatmos

    33 min

About Classical Greenroom

From the publisher's feed

Join Emma Pauncefort, Director of independent classical label, CRD Records, as she sits in the 'greenroom' with trailblazing musicians who are reimagining classical music.