In this rich and illuminating conversation, Deacon Rubik Mailian offers a rare glimpse into the profound musical and spiritual heritage of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church. He explains the unique categories of Armenian chant—from the simple Gospel intonations and Psalm tones to the deeply melismatic Sharakaner (hymns) and treasured solo works like Sirde Sasani. Deacon Rubik shares how these chants are structured, performed antiphonally, and grounded in a sacred tradition that has resisted both translation and modern dilution. He also discusses the fascinating development of Khaz notation—an indigenous system used for centuries to preserve the musical line—and how 20th-century scholars attempted to recover its meaning after it was lost.The conversation also explores the deep connection between Armenia’s turbulent history and the somber, haunting quality of its sacred music. From the invention of the Armenian alphabet for liturgical translation to the cultural preservation efforts of Komitas Vardapet, Deacon Rubik paints a compelling picture of a church whose liturgical music has remained an essential form of worship and resilience. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in ancient Christian chant, Eastern Orthodox liturgy, or how music carries the soul of a persecuted people.my sites: https://matthewwilkinson.net/https://www.patreon.com/c/MatthewWilkinsonMusic

In this insightful interview, German organ improviser and cathedral cantor Julian Beutmiller discusses his extensive training in church music, organ improvisation techniques, and the unique German approach to educating church musicians. Julian explains the rigorous curriculum involved in earning a church music degree in Germany, highlighting the necessity of proficiency in multiple instruments, conducting, music theory, Gregorian chant, and liturgy. He shares valuable insights on mastering organ improvisation, including how aspiring musicians can develop skills through structured practice, imitation of historical styles, and dedicated ear training.

Additionally, Julian explores the cultural differences between church music traditions in Germany, England, France, and the United States, emphasizing Germany’s strength in historical replication, particularly in improvising Baroque forms such as fugues and chorales. He also touches on the unique sound and pedagogical methods of European boys' choirs, sharing his experience directing a large boys’ choir and discussing the importance of maintaining this cultural heritage. This conversation offers practical tips and an inspiring look at Julian Beutmiller’s journey as a leading figure in church music and organ improvisation.

Seraphim is one of the most important iconographers in the Western World today. Greatly Inspired by Ouspensky and Gregory Kroug, he eschews formalism, and seeks to provide an encounter with God through the use of color and line. We discuss a wide variety of topics, including his experience living in a monstery, getting married, living in Georgia, falling off a cliff, painting landscapes, getting started in iconography, and working full-time as an iconographer, currently in Greenville, SC at St. John of the Ladder.