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.

We discuss the beauty of this ancient chant from the Malankaran Church in India, which follows West Syriac rites and is attached to the Patriarch of Antioch of the Syriac Orthodox Church, an Oriental Orthodox Church.

In this conversation, Matthew Wilkinson and Tom Podhrazsky explore the intersections of cultural heritage, architecture, and design. Tom shares his family's immigration story from the Czech Republic and how it has shaped his identity and work ethic. He discusses his passion for historical architecture, particularly 18th-century design, and the collaborative process involved in creating unique spaces. The conversation delves into various architectural movements, including the aesthetic movement and mannerism, highlighting the importance of design constraints and storytelling in architecture. They also touch on the complexities of cultural appropriation in art and architecture, emphasizing the significance of cross-pollination in creative practices. In this conversation, Tom Podhrazsky and Matthew Wilkinson explore various themes related to art, architecture, and personal transformation. They discuss cultural appropriation, the complexities of Frank Lloyd Wright's work, the aesthetic appeal of brutalism, and the authenticity in art, particularly contrasting figures like Picasso and Thomas Kinkade. The dialogue also delves into Podhrazsky's journey into Orthodoxy and how it has shaped his life and work, as well as the creative processes in music and architecture. Finally, they touch on contemporary architectural influences and the importance of looking back at historical precedents in design.TakeawaysTom Podhrazsky's family immigrated from the Czech Republic in 1985, which instilled a sense of pride and responsibility in him.His parents' escape from communist rule has deeply influenced his perspective on life and work.Tom designed his office space with a focus on 18th-century paneling and trim, showcasing his love for historical architecture.He collaborated with craftsmen to create a unique and elaborate office design, reflecting his architectural vision.The aesthetic movement in architecture combines various styles, including Victorian and Asiatic influences, to create unique designs.Mannerism in architecture involves playful and unconventional arrangements of classical elements, challenging traditional norms.Design constraints are essential for creativity, as they provide a framework within which architects can innovate.Cultural appropriation in art and architecture can be a complex issue, often depending on the intent and execution of the artist.Tom emphasizes the importance of storytelling in architecture, creating narratives that inform design decisions.The conversation highlights the significance of cross-pollination in art and architecture, leading to innovative and unique creations. Cultural appropriation can be a paradoxical issue.Frank Lloyd Wright's work elicits mixed feelings due to craftsmanship issues.Brutalism has aesthetic appeal but may not be practical for living.Art's value can be subjective and influenced by cultural context.Orthodoxy offers a path to personal transformation and self-improvement.The creative process in architecture parallels that of writing and music.Confession in Orthodoxy serves as a form of therapy and self-reflection.Designing is fundamentally about solving problems through questioning.Contemporary architects can inspire, but historical precedents are crucial.Art and architecture should aim for beauty and truth.

Swiss organist Christoph Maria Moosmann records a work that has hardly ever been recorded. Moreso, up until now, the technology did not exist to help render the ideal performance of this music as it was written. L'Orgue Mystique is 51 parts, and would fill up roughly 26 CDs worth of music. The music is highly mystical, spiritual, technical and moving.

John Michael Boyer, associate director of Capella Romana, is probably the foremost expert on Byzantine chant in the English-speaking world. We spoke about the various music sung in Greek Orthodox churches across the United States, Bulgarian chant, Arabic chant, Romanian chant, Georgian chant, Znameny chant, ornamentation, ancient medieval manuscripts, Capella Romana, temperaments, tuning systems, Byzantine modes, Eastern Orthodox Christian theology, the received tradition of Greek Orthodox chant, Hagia Sophia, etc.

I speak with Dr. Karim Hanna, who in addition to being a medical doctor is also a deacon in the Coptic Orthodox Church, and a teacher of Coptic chant. We talk about his Church and the specificities of their musical tradition.