One Symphony with Devin Patrick Hughes

著者: Devin Patrick Hughes
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  • A podcast that explores classical music’s relevance in our modern lives. Conductor Devin Patrick Hughes will share with you stories and conversations with musicians, composers, and artistic entrepreneurs that aim to unite us into one symphonic world. New episodes every other Monday.
    Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
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あらすじ・解説

A podcast that explores classical music’s relevance in our modern lives. Conductor Devin Patrick Hughes will share with you stories and conversations with musicians, composers, and artistic entrepreneurs that aim to unite us into one symphonic world. New episodes every other Monday.
Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
エピソード
  • Peter Drew, Composer of Life
    2025/03/24
    On this episode of One Symphony, Devin Patrick Hughes sat down with Peter Drew, a symphonist and jazz composer, to discuss his diverse life journey and his debut symphony, Reminiscence. Drew, born in Europe and later a refugee in the United States, recounted his early musical awakenings. He was first intrigued by the sound of the harmonica his stepbrother gave him. However, his musical trajectory truly shifted when, around the age of eleven, he heard Toscanini conducting Beethoven's Ninth Symphony on the radio. This experience deeply resonated with him, particularly the Ode to Joy, which became the first tune he learned on the harmonica, despite not being able to read music. Although initially captivated by classical music and Beethoven, Drew's path to becoming a composer was far from traditional. He pursued various careers, including working in film distribution, catering, teaching film studies, and being a social studies teacher. Throughout these experiences, music remained a constant presence in his life; he would often "noodle around" on the clarinet. It wasn't until later in life that he began to seriously study music, taking lessons from clarinet players and exploring jazz. He eventually started arranging music and studying composers like Sibelius. When the conversation turned to his symphony, "Reminiscence," Drew emphasized the amalgamation of his varied musical tastes and life experiences. He described his influences as a "mélange" or "stew" ranging from the American Songbook to Carl Orff, Villa-Lobos, Beethoven, Brahms, Artie Shaw, and even global music like Songs of the Auvergne, Tuvan throat singing, and Raga. He explained that his compositional process often begins with a melody he likes, perhaps played on his clarinet. He then develops this initial phrase, ensuring a natural flow between musical ideas without dissonance, remaining within the realm of Romantic Classical music. Hughes inquired about the technical aspects of translating these diverse elements into a cohesive symphony, including orchestration. Drew admitted that while he can conceive melodies, he needed assistance with the intricate instrumentation for a large symphony orchestra. He collaborated with an orchestrator to achieve the desired sonic textures, ensuring that all the instrumental parts complemented each other. Regarding the upcoming performance and recording of Reminiscence by the Boulder Symphony, Drew expressed his hope that listeners would simply "enjoy yourself" and "have fun". He doesn't expect the audience to be intimately familiar with all his diverse musical influences, but rather to connect with the music on an emotional level in the same way he was first drawn to Beethoven. Drew believes that if the music sounds and feels good, it will be enjoyable to listen to. When asked about his late entry into composing a symphony, Drew, who is approaching 90, reflected that all his life experiences, both musical and non-musical, have informed his writing. He feels that composing, rather than performing, is his true strength and passion, representing an accomplishment after a lifetime of diverse pursuits. He finds satisfaction in creating music that others enjoy listening to and playing. When pressed for a favorite movement, Drew chose the third movement for its energy and the way all the musical elements come together. While acknowledging the profound impact of Beethoven on his early musical life, he noted that Reminiscence incorporates a wider range of influences, creating a unique sonic landscape. Thank you for joining us on One Symphony. Special thanks to Peter Drew for sharing his music and story. Musical selections from today’s episode: “Hard Driver” from the album And What’s More composed and arranged by Peter Drew. “Midnight Sun” from the album And What’s More. Composed by Lionel Hampton, Sonny Burke, and Johnny Mercer. Arranged by Peter Drew, featuring Sachal Vasandani. Symphony No. 1 “Reminiscence” II. Pictures at an Album. Composed by Peter Drew and arranged by Douglas Gibson. Performed by the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Ivan Josip Skender. Symphony No. 1 “Reminiscence” I. Journey. Composed by Peter Drew and arranged by Douglas Gibson. Performed by the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Ivan Josip Skender. “Slow Burn Blues” from the album And What’s More composed by Peter Drew and featuring Wendy Gilles. Symphony No. 1 “Reminiscence” IV. The Return. Composed by Peter Drew and arranged by Douglas Gibson. Performed by the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Ivan Josip Skender. Symphony No. 1 “Reminiscence” II. Bach to Back. Composed by Peter Drew and arranged by Douglas Gibson. Performed by the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Ivan Josip Skender. For more information on Peter, see https://www.peterdrewmusic.com You can always find more info at OneSymphony.podbean.com or ...
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    30 分
  • Lucas Richman, Composing Music, Humanity, & Social Change
    2025/02/10

    In this episode of One Symphony, Devin Patrick Hughes interviews Lucas Richman, a Grammy winning composer and conductor, exploring his career and insightful perspectives on music and its role in society.

    Richman recounts his early exposure to music through composer biographies, sharing an anecdote about writing to Aaron Copland and receiving an encouraging postcard in return, which served as an early inspiration.

    The discussion moves to Richman's experiences with Leonard Bernstein, highlighting a masterclass on the Academic Festival Overture and the profound impact Bernstein had on his understanding of music and life. Richman emphasizes Bernstein's ability to infuse everything with love and teaching, noting his preference for discussing music with doctors rather than musicians due to their focus on the art rather than business.

    Richman discusses his approach to composition, emphasizing his commitment to bringing social issues and awareness into the concert hall. He describes his symphony inspired by Bernstein's words, "This will be our reply to violence is to make music more intensely, more beautifully, more devotedly than ever before," with movements embodying intensity, beauty, and devotion. He also discusses "The Warming Sea," a piece addressing climate change, and Paths to Dignity, a violin concerto inspired by the issue of homelessness. In Paths to Dignity, Richman musically portrays the word "dignity" using specific notes, aiming to create a conversation and raise awareness. He collaborated with Mitchell Newman, a violinist and advocate for the unsheltered community, to bring attention to the human stories behind homelessness.

    Richman reflects on his time as an assistant conductor, which instilled in him the importance of clarity and efficiency. He describes his experience conducting film scores for movies such as Seven and The Village, noting the collaborative nature of the work. Richman also shares his perspective on conducting his own music, expressing that others often bring fresh interpretations that he appreciates.

    Transitioning to the evolution of the conducting field, Richman acknowledges the influence of mentors like Daniel Lewis and Herbert Blomstedt, emphasizing the significance of respect, intent, and honesty. He expresses concern that some contemporary conductors prioritize showmanship over serving the music and fostering leadership skills.

    Turning to the role of a music director, Richman underscores the importance of community engagement, fundraising, and collaboration with the board and staff. He highlights initiatives such as streaming concerts, expanding educational programs, and forging relationships with local organizations. He also touches on his involvement in music education, including his piece Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant, which introduces children to classical music through imaginative characters.

    Thank you for joining us on One Symphony. Special thanks to Lucas Richman for sharing his music and story.

    Musical selections from today’s episode:

    • Brahms: Academic Festival Overture, Op. 80 (Live). Lucas Richman conducting.
    • The Warming Sea composed by Lucas Richman. Performed by the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, Divisi Women’s Choir, and the Bangor Area Youth Choir. Conducted by Jayce Ogren. Commissioned by the Maine Science Festival.
    • Excerpts from Concerto for Violin: Paths to Dignity composed and conducted by Lucas Richman. Featuring Mitchell Newman on violin and the Bangor Symphony Orchestra.
    • “The Gravel Road” from the film The Village. Composed by James Newton-Howard and conducted by Lucas Richman featuring Hillary Hahn on violin.
    • “Tikkun Olam (Heal the World)” from Symphony: This Will Be Our Reply. Text and music by Lucas Richman. Performed by the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Richman. Featuring the Oratorio Society and University of Maine Singers under the direction of Francis John Voight.

    For more information on Lucas, see www.lucasrichman.com. You can always find more info at OneSymphony.podbean.com or DevinPatrickHughes.com, including a virtual tip jar if you’d like to support the show. Please feel free to rate, review, or share the podcast! Until next time, thank you for being part of the music.

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    48 分
  • Thomas W. Morris, Symphonic connector from Seiji Ozawa to John Williams
    2025/01/23
    In this interview with Tom Morris, a veteran of orchestra management whose career included leadership roles with the Boston Symphony and the Cleveland Orchestra, conductor Devin Patrick Hughes provides a comprehensive look at the inner workings of orchestral institutions, the evolution of their management, and the crucial role of music in their success. Morris's journey from a percussionist to a top-level administrator offers a unique perspective, and his reflections provide valuable lessons for anyone interested in the performing arts. One of the most compelling aspects of the interview is Morris's discussion of how his musical background shaped his management philosophy. He emphasizes his deep understanding of musicians' lives, having experienced firsthand the challenges and demands of performing in an orchestra. This empathy enabled him to build trust with musicians and approach labor negotiations with a unique perspective. Morris’s belief that "ultimately these institutions are about the music" underscores the importance of passion and artistic integrity in organizational leadership. The episode also explores the historical evolution of orchestra management, particularly the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Morris recounts how, before the 1970s, the orchestra relied on simple postcards for subscription renewals. He explains that over the seventies and eighties, the percentage of the budget earned from ticket sales gradually fell. This shift necessitated the development of marketing and fundraising departments, leading to a significant increase in administrative staff. Morris shares fascinating insights about the Boston Pops, emphasizing that it was founded in 1885, before Arthur Fiedler became its 17th conductor in 1929. The Boston Symphony created the Pops to provide more employment for musicians and to perform lighter music for a broader audience. He discusses how the Boston Symphony transformed Symphony Hall into a "beer hall" to accommodate a more informal setting for the Pops concerts. He explains that in the early days the Pops sold blocks of tickets to community groups and did not have to focus on individual ticket sales. He also recounts how the popularity of Arthur Fiedler was enhanced even further by the "Evening at Pops" television series. Morris details the process of selecting John Williams as Fiedler's successor, explaining that Williams was chosen for his musical integrity and knowledge of the symphony orchestra. Furthermore, the interview addresses the crucial dynamic between management, the music director, and the board of directors, which Morris refers to as the "Bermuda Triangle.” Morris suggests that this structure can function perfectly if the right people are in those roles and are bound by a common vision. He also emphasizes that having a collaborative culture is essential, but that collaborative decision-making should be avoided. Morris stresses the importance of clear lines of authority and not settling for "good enough" when hiring. He also shares that when hiring he uses Jim Collins' three C's: competence, character, and chemistry. These points underscore the need for strong leadership and a shared vision in any successful organization. Morris also touches on the importance of thoughtful programming. He humorously mentions his collection of "dumb programs" and emphasizes the importance of carefully considering the combination of pieces in a concert. He contrasts examples of bad programming with one of his favorites, a concert he organized with Christoph von Dohnányi, which combined pieces by Ligeti, Wagner, and Bruckner. This conversation highlights that thoughtful artistic direction is an essential element in the success of an orchestra. Thank you for joining us on One Symphony. Special thanks to Thomas Morris for sharing his life and leadership. You can pick up a copy of Always the Music: How a Lifelong Passion Framed a Future for Orchestras wherever you get your books. For a list of recordings played on today’s episode, please check out our show notes. You can always find more info at OneSymphony.podbean.com or DevinPatrickHughes.com, including a virtual tip jar if you’d like to support the show. Please feel free to rate, review, or share the podcast! Until next time, thank you for being part of the music. https://www.alwaysthemusic.com Featured Music All music selections for this episode feature the Boston Pops. Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings in C Major, Op. 48: Waltz. Conducted by Arthur Fiedler, from the album Fiedler: Greatest Hits. L'Arlésienne Suite No. 2: Farandole. Composed by Georges Bizet. Conducted by Arthur Fielder, from the album Fiedler: Greatest Hits. “Manhattan Skyline.” From the album Disco Inferno / Manhattan Skyline. Conducted by Arthur Fiedler. “I Got Rhythm, Embraceable You.” From the album Boston Pops Salutes Astaire, Kelly, Garland. Composed by George and Ira Gershwin. Conducted by John Williams. “Flying Theme” ...
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    54 分

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