01
December
2017
Ep. 45: La Wally
Today we bring you another unknown opera by Alfredo Catalani, a contemporary of Puccini (he would be so pissed if he heard us say that). If you don’t love this opera for its odd fusion of German and Italian themes, i.e. “Giuseppe Hagenbach”, there is always the favorite soprano aria that has been performed by... Read More
17
November
2017
Ep. 44: Orchestral works that check all the boxes
In this episode, we deliberately diverge from the world of opera and vocal music to talk about some of the greatest instrumental music ever composed. You know, those symphonies that check all our boxes. Our orchestral jams. Along the way, you will learn so many things about us… like the music that Elspeth always requests... Read More
10
November
2017
Ep. 43: The Merlin Opera
This week we bring you another random and obscure opera, this time about King Arthur and his homie Merlin. Created by little-known composer Isaac Albeniz and the lesser-known Baron/librettist Francis Money-Coutts, it took over 100 years for this opera to actually be performed.
03
November
2017
Ep. 42: Alexander Scriabin
In this episode we talk about a composer that tried to usher in the apocalypse, but then died in the most random and unintimidating way. Listen in as we try to keep it together long enough to get through the life of this forgotten composer.
31
October
2017
Ep. 41: Happy Halloween!
Happy Halloween to all of our listeners! To celebrate this most cherished holiday, the OAD team recorded a special episode to discuss our favorite scary and “Halloweeny” moments in opera. So grab a Bloody Mary and enjoy these wonderfully creepy operatic moments!
28
October
2017
Ep. 40: Criminal Minds
When it comes to classical music composers, a surprising number have had run ins with the law. Although occasionally for random and whimsical reasons, find out which of your favorite composers spent some time in the clink!
25
October
2017
Ep. 39: Dame Ethel Smyth
The third and final installment of OAD’s current run of opera’s badass women features Dame Ethel Smyth, who for over 100 years was the only female composer to have a work performed at the Met! Her badass-ness goes far beyond her compositions, and lead her into some interesting places like prison and the bedroom of... Read More
13
October
2017
Ep. 38: Francesca Caccini
Our next installment of OAD’s Bad Ass Women series features none other than the first woman to ever compose an opera: Francesca Caccini. It’s time to get your baroque on as you learn about this composer that was, in a way, the “Beyonce of her time.”
06
October
2017
Ep. 37: Barbara Strozzi
Today we introduce you to another badass lady of the classical canon: Barbara Strozzi! Incredibly prolific composer (much more prolific than most of her male contemporaries), famous singer of her time, wrote stunning and interesting music, published her music LONG before it was socially acceptable for women to do so…. basically kicking ass and taking... Read More
29
September
2017
Ep. 36: The Poisoned Kiss
This week we take on another ridiculous and unknown opera plot in Ralph Vaughan William’s The Poisoned Kiss. The fairytale libretto features an epic revenge plot and many other stock elements we love, including a trio ridiculously named Hob, Gob, and Lob. Sound familiar?
