H+H "Tuning In" Podcast Handel and Haydn Society

Have you ever wondered about how the horn feels as it vibrates when being played? Or what is this thing called “embouchure” or use of the mouth and lips? Or why does a player put a hand inside the bell of the horn? What does a horn player do to effortlessly produce sounds that stir the soul?

Todd Williams, H+H principal horn, explains all as Guy Fishman’s special guest in this week’s Tuning In podcast. Learn about the evolution of the horn, including its origins in hunting traditions, the similarities between singing and horn playing, and the differences between a period natural horn and a modern horn.

Written and produced by Guy Fishman

Harry Christophers is Guy Fishman’s charismatic guest in this week’s Tuning In podcast. Harry is conducting Haydn’s The Creation in the coming days, and his love for this work bubbles through this conversation. Harry divulges why he chose this electrifying piece for his final performance as H+H’s Artistic Director.

Have you wondered what Harry considers to be the highpoint of his 13 seasons with H+H? Harry also shares his first encounters with The Creation, including Christopher Hogwood’s role during the pioneering days with historically informed performances. Harry traces the role Handel played in informing Haydn’s oratorios, uncovers “trade secrets” for rehearsing this complex choral movement to produce “light and shade,” and explains why the dynamic range of this work requires the unusual physicality for which H+H musicians are known.

Harry can’t wait to welcome back audiences to The Creation, promising the freshness of the very first performances of this staggering orchestration.

Written and produced by Guy Fishman

In this episode, frequent H+H soloist Joélle Harvey joins the podcast. Joélle has been a soloist with H+H for nine years, and the easy rapport and natural fit that she shares with H+H musicians on stage is reflected in this enjoyable conversation!

Joélle shares about her early training, and her formative experiences with summer camps and music teachers. She currently performs both concert productions and opera – listen to find out which she prefers. Joélle stars with both early music and standard ensembles and she explains the different demands on a soloist. Joelle also shares about balancing her music career and family, and the daily life of an in-demand, globetrotting music star.

Written and produced by Guy Fishman

In this episode, H+H guest conductor Jonathan Cohen discusses his transition from a performer (on cello and harpsichord) to a conductor and what it takes to deftly lead Baroque jewels like the ones he will conduct on H+H's Bach and Vivaldi Gloria concerts.

Host Guy Fishman, H+H principal cellist, draws out of Jonathan why he programmed these three joyous pieces together in Bach + Vivaldi Gloria, contrasting the father J.S. with the son C.P.E, and the power of choral music from C.P.E. and Vivaldi.

Written and produced by Guy Fishman

In this episode, H+H principal flutist Emi Fergsuon reveals the mysteries of the Baroque flute – how its sound world is different from modern flutes due to its construction and materials, and how Bach and other Baroque composers created magic from these differences.

Host Guy Fishman, H+H principal cellist, draws out Emi's secrets to a stellar performance, such as how “circular breathing” creates virtuosity in performing Bach, and more!

Written and produced by Guy Fishman

Listen now to this lively discussion of the music and the emotions connected to the upcoming performance of Handel Messiah. With these insights and insider perspectives, you'll be ready to get the most enjoyment out of attending Messiah!

Guy Fishman, H+H principal cellist and host of the podcast Tuning In, draws out all the magic that Harry Christophers, Artistic Director, brings to his conducting, gathered through years of performing Messiah. You’ll hear about Harry’s vision for telling the story of Messiah, and how he directs musicians like Guy to bring life to the notes.

Also not to be missed – Harry shares his favorite holiday chutney cooking tips!

Most of all, hear how much Harry, Guy, and all the musicians at H+H look forward to welcoming you to the concert hall for H+H’s 168th consecutive year of performing Messiah!

Written and produced by Guy Fishman