The Musical Archeologist

Craig Dabelstein
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  • Music History
  • Updated Weekly

The Musical Archeologist explores forgotten ideas from music's past — old books, neglected composers, vanished musical worlds, and surprising stories from the archive. Hosted by Craig Dabelstein, the podcast brings historical musical thought back to life for curious modern listeners.

  1. 3d ago

    The Interpreter is a Servant of the Dead

    A score is not music. It is grammar waiting to become speech. In this episode of The Musical Archeologist, Craig Dabelstein returns to Oscar Comettant's 1874 portrait of the French pianist Francis Planté to explore the role of the performer — and the conductor — as interpreter. Planté was criticised for being "only" a virtuoso and not a composer, but Comettant turns that criticism upside down, arguing that performers keep the works of the masters alive. Drawing also on Dr David Whitwell's idea that "Music is a Verb," this episode reflects on the score as a silent trace of musical thought, and on the interpreter as an advocate for composers who can no longer speak for themselves. Written and presented by Craig Dabelstein. Music composed by Jeffrey A. Young. Based on Oscar Comettant's Francis Planté: Portrait musical à la plume. Podcast webpage: https://craigdabelstein.com/podcast/ Buy the book: https://books.by/maximes-music Craig Dabelstein: https://craigdabelstein.com/ Maxime's Music: https://www.maximesmusic.com/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@maximes-music

    The Interpreter is a Servant of the Dead

  2. 3d ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    Introducing MILLIE BOBBY BROWN: "I Had A Panic Attack For 3 Months" from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty In this deeply personal conversation, Jay and Millie Bobby Brown talk about the process of discovering who she is outside of finding immense fame at a young age. She opens up about the isolation of growing up in the spotlight, the impact of shaving her head as a child, and the three-month long anxiety spiral that led her to Kyoto, Japan. She also reflects on what parenthood means to her, and we learn more about the moment she found out she was becoming a mother. Jay discovers the daily techniques Millie uses to manage her anxiety, and dives into how her and her husband Jake built a strong foundation for their marriage.  In this episode you'll learn:  How to Build Confidence Outside of External Opinions How to Manage Anxiety and Panic Attacks in High Pressure Moments How to Build a Strong Foundation in Relationships  How to Set Healthy Boundaries with Social Media  How to Build and Maintain Loyal, Honest Friendships   How to Approach Adoption and Building a Family   How to Raise Children Deeply Rooted in Confidence This episode is for everyone who needs a reminder that no matter how hard the world gets, you are the creator of your own story. Protecting your peace and your time with loved ones is never selfish, it’s restorative. Knowing yourself before anyone tells you who you are will keep you rooted in the calmness of the present moment.  With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty JAY’S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe ⁠⁠https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe⁠⁠   Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! ⁠⁠https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast⁠⁠  PURPOSE10 for 10% at altrarunning.com/onpurpose. Free Shipping and Free 30-Day Trial. A State Farm agent can help you choose the coverage you need. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 00:49:00 What 11-Year Millie Would Think Of Her Now 00:01:39 Why She Shaved Her Head at 10 00:03:55 The Role She Most Identifies With   00:05:43 The Unbreakable Bond with Her Mom 00:06:40 Why Millie Wanted to Be a Mom 00:07:40 Sneaking Out to Get Her 11 Tattoo  00:10:57 How Motherhood Changed Her Forever 00:12:32 This Perspective Shift Changed Her Life 00:13:37 Writing Wedding Vows for a Whole Year  00:16:16 Why Adoption Was Always Part of Her Plan 00:19:08 The Moment She Became a Mom… 00:21:15 Important Lesson From Her Parents 00:23:31 Being A Big Sister 00:24:56 Addressing the “Trad Wife” Assumptions  00:26:07 Being Young In The Spotlight  00:26:16 Her Epiphany After Public Criticism  00:29:16 How to Accept Your True Self 00:32:17 Millie’s Favourite “Rappers” 00:33:13 Why She Quit Social Media Cold Turkey 00:34:52 Healing Her Worst (3 Month) Panic Attack  00:35:38 Living With Health Anxiety and Triggers 00:35:59 Finding Peace In Kyoto, Japan with Monks  00:36:46 Her Go-To Techniques for Anxiety  00:38:52 How She Discovered Her Health Anxiety 00:41:11 A Crazy Encounter Turned Nightmare  00:42:50 Mediation With A Monk 00:44:24 Being Open To Divine Intervention  00:46:15 Her Go-To Techniques for Anxiety  00:49:44 Building a Strong Foundation with Jake 00:53:08 What Jake Understands And What Others Miss 00:55:42  What Millie Values Most In Friendships 00:56:53 Watching Jake Become a Dad 00:59:41 Ignoring The Public Noise, Together  01:03:19 Scrutinizing Women In The Public Eye  01:06:44 The Advice She Gives Young Stars  01:08:54 Millie’s Mentors Growing Up 01:10:05 #1 Belief She Stands For, No Matter What 01:12:03 The Jake Game! 01:16:27 Millie On Final Five Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

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  3. Jul 12

    When a pianist was called a poet

    Before recordings could preserve a performance, a great pianist might become famous across Europe—and then almost disappear from musical memory. In this episode, Craig Dabelstein explores Oscar Comettant's portrait of the French pianist Francis Planté, a musician whose playing was described not merely as brilliant, but as poetic. What did nineteenth-century listeners mean when they called a pianist a "poet," and what might that forgotten ideal still teach us about musical expression today? Written and presented by Craig Dabelstein Music composed by Jeffrey A. Young Music excerpt: Hector Berlioz, Sérénade de Méphistophélès from La Damnation de Faust, arranged for piano by Ernest Redon; performed by Francis Planté. Recorded for French Columbia at Planté's home in Mont-de-Marsan, France, 3–4 July 1928. Matrix WL 1220-1; issued as French Columbia D 13061. Based on: Oscar Comettant, Francis Planté: musical portrait with a pen Translated by Craig Dabelstein Published by Maxime's Music   Podcast: https://craigdabelstein.com/podcast/ Buy the book: https://books.by/maximes-music Craig Dabelstein: https://craigdabelstein.com/ Maxime's Music: https://www.maximesmusic.com/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@maximes-music Music by Jeffrey A. Young: https://jeffyoung.maximesmusic.com/the-musical-archeologist-suite-2026/

    When a pianist was called a poet

  4. Jul 7

    A dreadful hullaballoo

    Episode 9: A Dreadful Hullaballoo Why did one nineteenth-century French musician describe military bands as producing "a dreadful hullaballoo"? In this episode of The Musical Archeologist, Craig Dabelstein explores Frédéric Berr's criticism of the bewildering variety of instruments found in military bands of his day. With every regiment assembling its own combination of players, no two bands sounded alike, making consistent training, repertoire, and musical standards almost impossible. Source: Frédéric Berr, The need to reconstitute the School of Military Music Translated by Craig Dabelstein Published by Maxime's Music Learn more: Podcast: https://craigdabelstein.com/podcast/ Books: https://books.by/maximes-music Maxime's Music: https://www.maximesmusic.com/ Music composed by Jeffrey A. Young: https://jeffyoung.maximesmusic.com/

    A dreadful hullaballoo

  5. Jul 6

    The bandmaster who had no authority

    How can you be responsible for a band if you have no power to lead it? In this episode of The Musical Archeologist, Craig Dabelstein explores Frédéric Berr's surprising criticism of nineteenth-century French military bands: bandmasters were expected to produce excellent performances, yet often lacked the authority to choose their musicians, enforce discipline, or shape the musical standards of their own ensembles. Berr argued that great music requires more than talented performers. It also requires leadership, responsibility, and the authority to make decisions. His ideas reveal why effective musical organisations depend on clear roles and accountability—a lesson that remains just as relevant for bands and orchestras today. Source: Frédéric Berr, The need to reconstitute the School of Military Music Translated by Craig Dabelstein Published by Maxime's Music Learn more: Podcast: https://craigdabelstein.com/podcast/ Books: https://books.by/maximes-music Maxime's Music: https://www.maximesmusic.com/ Music composed by Jeffrey A. Young.

    The bandmaster who had no authority

  6. Jul 2

    The freelance musicians who drove the army mad

    What happens when an army's musicians are hired one day, gone the next, and loyal only to whoever pays them? In this episode of The Musical Archeologist, Craig Dabelstein explores Frédéric Berr's colourful account of the problems caused by freelance musicians in nineteenth-century French military bands. With players constantly moving between regiments, standards became inconsistent, rehearsals suffered, and bandmasters struggled to build disciplined ensembles. Berr believed the solution was not stricter discipline but a better system: properly trained musicians, clear career paths, and stable organisations that encouraged excellence. It is a fascinating glimpse into the hidden challenges of military music—and a reminder that many of the organisational problems musicians face today are far older than we imagine. Source: Frédéric Berr, Reconstitute the School of Military Music Translated by Craig Dabelstein Published by Maxime's Music Learn more: Podcast: https://craigdabelstein.com/podcast/ Books: https://books.by/maximes-music Maxime's Music: https://www.maximesmusic.com/ Music composed by Jeffrey A. Young.

    The freelance musicians who drove the army mad

  7. Jul 1

    Why Good Bands Need Good Systems

    Episode 6: Why Good Bands Need Good Systems What makes a great band? Talented musicians? Inspiring conductors? Good instruments? According to nineteenth-century French bandmaster Frédéric Berr, none of these is enough without good organisation. In this episode of The Musical Archeologist, Craig Dabelstein explores Berr's passionate argument that successful musical ensembles are built on clear systems, thoughtful leadership, and well-planned education—not simply on individual talent. Drawing on Berr's remarkable 1838 proposal to reform France's military music schools, this episode reveals why administration, training, and long-term planning matter just as much as musical ability. It is a reminder that behind every outstanding ensemble lies a system that allows musicians to thrive. Source: Frédéric Berr, The Need to Reconstitute the School of Military Music Translated by Craig Dabelstein Published by Maxime's Music Learn more: Podcast: https://craigdabelstein.com/podcast/ Books: https://books.by/maximes-music Maxime's Music: https://www.maximesmusic.com/ Music composed by Jeffrey A. Young.

    Why Good Bands Need Good Systems

  8. Jun 28

    Why do so many cultures invent the same instruments?

    Episode 5: Why Do So Many Cultures Invent the Same Instruments? Why do people separated by thousands of kilometres—and sometimes thousands of years—often invent remarkably similar musical instruments? In this episode of The Musical Archeologist, Craig Dabelstein explores one of the most thought-provoking ideas from Belgian musicologist Ernest Closson. Is it because musical ideas travelled with migrating peoples? Or do human beings, faced with the same materials and the same musical challenges, naturally arrive at similar solutions? From flutes and drums to stringed instruments and bagpipes, this episode examines why the history of musical instruments is filled with striking parallels across cultures. It is a fascinating exploration of human creativity, innovation, and the remarkable ways in which music reflects both our shared humanity and our cultural diversity. Source: Ernest Closson, The Musical Instrument as an Ethnographic Document Translated by Craig Dabelstein Published by Maxime's Music Learn more: Podcast: https://craigdabelstein.com/podcast/ Books: https://books.by/maximes-music Maxime's Music: https://www.maximesmusic.com/ Music composed by Jeffrey A. Young.

    Why do so many cultures invent the same instruments?
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The Musical Archeologist explores forgotten ideas from music's past — old books, neglected composers, vanished musical worlds, and surprising stories from the archive. Hosted by Craig Dabelstein, the podcast brings historical musical thought back to life for curious modern listeners.

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