‘Wide-ranging and insightful’ - Guardian (pick of the week, January 2024)
A show for anyone who has ever listened to, played, improvised, written, or just enjoyed music and wanted to know more about these mysterious sounds. Are they 'auditory cheesecake' as cognitive scientist Steven Pinker claims, or actually a fundamental part of what has made us into modern humans?
With an enormous variety of guests ranging from well-known musicians, producers and industry figures through to those for whom music is central but who rarely have a voice, this show is unapologetically broad in scope.
In 'entertaining noises', Steve has musicians explain and demonstrate their instrument, giving fresh perspective on everything from the piano to modular synthesizers, via lesser-known folk instruments from around the world.
And in the flagship 'genre tombola' section, Steve is assigned a randomly-chosen genre from the list of 1334 music genres on Wikipedia, which he then goes away and researches, often talking to an expert in that music, before frequently attempting to make some music in that style... Whether he succeeds or not, there's lots of fascinating stuff to learn along the way!
As fun as it is thoughtful, this show aims to help you hear and appreciate music in new ways.
http://www.originofthepieces.com/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
‘Wide-ranging and insightful’ - Guardian (pick of the week, January 2024)
A show for anyone who has ever listened to, played, improvised, written, or just enjoyed music and wanted to know more about these mysterious sounds. Are they 'auditory cheesecake' as cognitive scientist Steven Pinker claims, or actually a fundamental part of what has made us into modern humans?
With an enormous variety of guests ranging from well-known musicians, producers and industry figures through to those for whom music is central but who rarely have a voice, this show is unapologetically broad in scope.
In 'entertaining noises', Steve has musicians explain and demonstrate their instrument, giving fresh perspective on everything from the piano to modular synthesizers, via lesser-known folk instruments from around the world.
And in the flagship 'genre tombola' section, Steve is assigned a randomly-chosen genre from the list of 1334 music genres on Wikipedia, which he then goes away and researches, often talking to an expert in that music, before frequently attempting to make some music in that style... Whether he succeeds or not, there's lots of fascinating stuff to learn along the way!
As fun as it is thoughtful, this show aims to help you hear and appreciate music in new ways.
http://www.originofthepieces.com/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this Eurovision-week bonus episode, Steve Pretty is joined by actor, singer, and former UK Eurovision contestant Frances Ruffelle, recorded live at Wilton’s Music Hall.
📺 Watch Frances’s Eurovision performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXtXpj2FGF8
🌐 Visit Frances Ruffelle’s website: http://www.francesruffelle.com
❤️ Support the show on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces
📬 Join the mailing list + explore the archive: https://www.originofthepieces.com
00:00 – Intro from Steve
Steve explains this emergency Eurovision-themed sub episode and gives updates on the podcast relaunch, including work with the Natural History Museum and upcoming Wilton’s shows.
02:30 – Why Eurovision?
Steve admits he was a bit of a Eurovision skeptic — until diving into the history while preparing for this chat with Frances.
03:45 – Meet Frances Ruffelle
Tony Award-winning actor, West End and Broadway star, and the UK’s 1994 Eurovision entry. Frances joins Steve for a live conversation and performance at Wilton’s Music Hall.
05:55 – Opening music: Mood Indigo
Live duet of Duke Ellington’s Mood Indigo.
07:00 – Am I a ‘proper’ musician?
Frances reflects on musical self-doubt, and Steve challenges the idea that you need classical training to be ‘real.’
08:40 – Storytelling through song
Frances talks about music as a storytelling tool — especially in theatre.
10:30 – Growing up with music hall
Frances shares her roots in music hall, her mum Sylvia Young’s legacy, and her first performance at age five.
14:00 – The history of Wilton’s
A deep dive into the family connection to Wilton’s Music Hall and its restoration.
17:00 – Musicals vs ‘play with music’
Frances discusses a new show she’s writing with Alan Cumming and how it blends genres.
19:00 – Eurovision 1994: Behind the Scenes
How the BBC approached her, why she initially said no, and how it all unfolded — including singing eight songs for the selection show.
21:30 – Live orchestra, no nerves
Frances recounts the Eurovision performance experience in Dublin — nerves, glam, and all.
23:00 – On music’s purpose
Steve asks: “What’s the point of music?” Frances’s answer: “Togetherness and freedom.”
24:00 – Live Eurovision performance
Frances sings her 1994 song Lonely Symphony (We Will Be Free) live — her first public performance of it in 30 years.
26:00 – Outro
Steve teases upcoming content, invites contributions for Clip n Mix, and encourages sign-ups to the newsletter and Patreon.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.