Rod's Ramblings

Jan 30 2025 23 ep. 19 mins 1
Rod's Ramblings Podcast artwork

A podcast reminiscing about cultural events and how they affected this sixty something. Join me as we travel on a nostalgic journey through the cultural events that have shaped our lives. From classical composers, iconic music moments, rock stars and unforgettable TV shows.  Let’s reminisce about how these events have influenced us all. Whether you’re a fellow baby boomer or just love a good story, Rod’s Ramblings offers a heartfelt, informative and entertaining look at the stories behind these great events.  Cheers, Rod.

  Arts
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Harmonious Histories - Richard Wagner and His Ring Cycle Part 1 - Das Rheingold

Jan 30 2025 26 mins  
Discover the enduring allure of epic storytelling as we explore both contemporary cinema and classic opera. Ever wondered how a film like "The Brutalist" can captivate audiences for 215 minutes? Or why Richard Wagner's 16-hour "Ring Cycle" remains a pinnacle of musical drama? Join me on Rod's Ramblings for insights into the artistry behind these expansive narratives. You'll hear ab

Authors Under The Spotlight - Mark Edwards

Jan 13 2025 19 mins  
Imagine a world where a psychological thriller is inspired by real-life experiences. That’s exactly what happened with Mark Edwards’ hit novel "The Magpies," which marked my first exploration into the realm of e-books. In this episode of Rod's Ramblings, I share my passion for the tactile joy of paperbacks and the seamless convenience of e-readers and audiobooks, all while cele

The Rewind Series - Shane MacGowan and The New York Fairy Tale

Dec 10 2024 19 mins  
What makes a song last and linger in our hearts every holiday season? Remember Shane McGowan, his incredible musical legacy, and the timeless charm of "Fairy Tale of New York" as we explore its cultural impact and the heartfelt tributes from musical icons like Nick Cave, Bruce Springsteen, and Paul Simon. This journey takes us through the Pogues' evolution, from their gritty early

Harmonious Histories - Opera's Origins, Caruso's Legacy, and Titanic Triumphs

Nov 17 2024 31 mins  
Ever wondered how an overheard debate in a restaurant could ignite a burning passion? That's exactly how my opera journey began. From the electrifying performance of "Sancta" that left Stuttgart buzzing to Beethoven's relentless struggle with "Fidelio," this episode navigates the captivating and sometimes tumultuous world of opera. We peel back the centuries, tracing opera's roots

Harmonious Histories - Beethoven's Enigmatic Letters and the Immortal Beloved Mystery

Oct 22 2024 32 mins  
Discover the tantalizing mystery behind Beethoven's enigmatic "immortal beloved" letter and explore how the lost art of letter writing wove through the lives of classical composers like Mozart and Bach. As we reflect on the dramatic decline of traditional correspondence in the UK, you'll be transported to early 19th-century Vienna, where a web of intrigue and romance surrounds Beet

Harmonious Histories - Mussorgsky's Masterpiece and the Muse Behind It

Oct 07 2024 28 mins  
Unlock the secrets behind Modest Mussorgsky's transformative masterpiece, "Pictures at an Exhibition," and traverse a compelling narrative that intertwines music, art, and Russian cultural heritage. We'll guide you through the imaginative soundscapes of each movement, offering vivid stories and hidden meanings, while also revealing how Maurice Ravel and others have colorfully reima

Harmonious Histories - Sonatas, Concertos, Symphonies. What's the Difference?

Sep 07 2024 16 mins  
In this latest episode in the Harmonious Histories series we answer the question, 'What is the difference between a Sonata, a Concerto and a Symphony?' We also include a bit of history along the way. We discuss Beethoven's 'Moonlight Sonata', Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons' and The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. Music tracks are Brahms' Violin Sonata in D minor Op 108 and Concerto

Harmonious Histories - Its Only Baroque 'n' Roll

Aug 26 2024 32 mins  
In this episode of my Harmonious Histories series I talk about The Baroque Period, specifically the 2 composers, Handel and Bach. There are sections about each composer along with a story of their disastrous meeting with John Taylor. The final section outlines how Bach affected Walt Disney, Jazz and Techno. The musical pieces are: Messiah Encore and Baroque Passion by Cercles Nouve

Harmonious Histories - A Hero, a Swan and a Broken Toe

Aug 08 2024 15 mins  
In this episode of Rod's Ramblings I continue to share my discovery of classical music in the Harmonious Histories series. I share the stories behind Beethoven's relationship with Napoleon, Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake and how Horrible Histories changed my attitude towards history.The theme music is 'Late Night Ramble' by River Run Dry and the music was provided by Epidemic Sound.Please

Harmonious Histories - A Love Song, a Violinist, Travels with my Father and a Little Night Parody

Jul 17 2024 23 mins  
The first episode in My Classical Music Discovery Series - Harmonious Histories. It covers the stories behind Beethoven's Fur Elise, the English Violinist George Bridgetower, one of Mozart's travels with his father, and a parody of Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.The theme tune is 'Late Night Ramble' by River Run Dry. The music is Fur Elise and Eine Kleine Nacht Musik all provided by Epidem