This episode is focused on the business of holiday music specifically, the logistics and work that goes on behind the scenes by a music director to make Christmas and holiday performances what they are. It was recorded in Philip’s office on December 8, 2016. During the episode, Philip talks about selecting and programming music at Plymouth Church and VocalEssence for the holidays, including his sources of programming inspiration. He talks about how to keep programing fresh, and how to learn from your mistakes. He talks about the importance of organizing music selections in the most effective order, focusing on the audience’s point of view, first and foremost. He winds up discussing 16 years worth of conducting the Minnesota Dance Theater’s production of The Nutcracker. We hope you enjoy it!
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Music excerpts in Episode 08 include (in order of appearance):
"Quartet Of Swedes - Swedish Born And Swedish Bred" by Benjamin Britten, performed by The Plymouth Music Series (now Vocal Essence) from Britten’s opera Paul Bunyan conducted by Philip Brunelle for Virgin Classics (1987)
"Deo Dicamus Gratias" sung by the Plymouth Congregational Church choir off the album Praise And Thanksgiving: Music And Spoken Word, conducted by Philip Brunelle (2006)
"Tocotta In F Major" for organ by Charles-Marie Widor, performed by Philip Brunelle off the album Make A Joyful Noise (1998)
“Ding Dong Merrily on High” arranged by Chester Alwes off the recording Welcome Christmas: Carols & Lullabies from Around the World, performed by the Vocalessence Ensemble Singers, conducted by Philip Brunelle (2010).
“Jul, Jul, Strålanda Jul” performed by VocalEssence, conducted by Philip Brunelle, off the album Nordic Nativity (2015).
“Carols and Lullabies - III. Alegria” by Conrad Susa off the album Welcome Christmas: Carols & Lullabies from Around the World performed by VocalEssence conducted by Philip Brunelle (2010).
“The Holly and the Ivy” performed by VocalEssence, conducted by Philip Brunelle, off the album Nordic Nativity (2015).
“El Hambo” performed by VocalEssence, conducted by Philip Brunelle, off the album Nordic Nativity (2015).
“Patapan” (arr. R. Batastini) off the album Welcome Christmas: Carols & Lullabies from Around the World performed by VocalEssence conducted by Philip Brunelle (2010).