The Classical Top 5

Our guest this week is the superstar harpsichordist, organist, writer and commentator Mahan Esfahani and he's got a few things to get off his chest about the classical music industry. Mahan chooses his Top 5 Myths about Classical Music - those oft-accepted views, approaches and ideas in music that can remain unchallenged. Why should a composer's wishes always be respected? Is every work we hear on radio really a masterpiece? Is fame and talent really down to just good PR?A wide-ranging discussion about many key issues in the classical music world. With Tommy Pearson, Richard Bratby and Charlotte Gardner.    Producer: Simon Funnell

A huge subject for the team this week: Violin Concertos. So many to choose from, everything from rare curiosities to much-performed classics. Tommy Pearson, Richard Bratby and Charlotte Gardner dive in with a mix of 'Bible and Shakespeare' choices and personal picks from the baroque to last month and everything in between!    Producer: Tommy Pearson   If you enjoy our podcasts, please help us continue by making a donation at paypal.me/classicaltop5.  Thank you!   For all latest info:Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theclassicaltop5  On Twitter: twitter.com/classicaltop5

What are those pieces, performances, recordings or events that changed your entire perception of them and perhaps turned a dislike into a love?This week, Tommy, Richard and Charlotte highlight the moments that, for them, were game-changers in their classical music life. It's a deeply personal trip of memories through favourite teachers, revelatory recordings, performances and surprising discoveries. Share your game-changing moments in classical music over on our Facebook page!Producer: Simon Funnell   If you enjoy our podcasts, please help us continue by making a donation at paypal.me/classicaltop5.  Thank you!   For all latest info:Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theclassicaltop5  On Twitter: twitter.com/classicaltop5

Our guest this week is pianist and writer Susan Tomes, one of the world's finest chamber musicians; member of the Florestan Trio, Domus Ensemble and solo recitalist as well as a brilliant writer on music. Susan's latest book, "The Piano: A History in 100 Pieces" is published in July. Susan chooses her Top 5 Trios - all of them classics in the repertoire - and the team adds theirs. From Mozart to Judith Bingham and all points between, it's the usual Classical Top 5 mix!With Tommy Pearson, Richard Bratby and Charlotte Gardner.    Producer: Simon Funnell If you enjoy our podcasts, please help us continue by making a donation at paypal.me/classicaltop5.  Thank you!   For all latest info:Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theclassicaltop5  On Twitter: twitter.com/classicaltop5

This week the team tackles First Symphonies; those that were numbered the first by their composers, or were written first but given another number (or no number at all) or are the only symphony they wrote. The first symphonies of some of the greatest composers are amongst their least known works - for others, it's their biggest hit. Lots to choose from, as always, for Tommy Pearson, Richard Bratby and Charlotte Gardner. Who will make it onto the final list?Producer: Simon Funnell   If you enjoy our podcasts, please help us continue by making a donation at paypal.me/classicaltop5.  Thank you!   For all latest info:Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theclassicaltop5  On Twitter: twitter.com/classicaltop5

It is said that 99% of all music written is never performed! But it's certainly true that some composers and pieces deserve a better hearing and, for often a myriad of reasons, never quite get into the standard repertoire. Tommy Pearson, Richard Bratby and Charlotte Gardner pick the works (and composers) that they think are unjustly neglected or have simply fallen out of fashion.    Producer: Simon Funnell   If you enjoy our podcasts, please help us continue by making a donation at paypal.me/classicaltop5.  Thank you!   For all latest info:Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theclassicaltop5  On Twitter: twitter.com/classicaltop5

Tommy Pearson talks to one of the great legends of British choral life, the singer, conductor, music director and manager Terry Edwards. Terry formed London Voices - one of the busiest professional choirs in the UK - in 1973, managed the Swingles, created the ground-breaking vocal group Electric Phoenix, was director of the London Sinfonietta Voices and Chorus and for 12 years was Chorus Director at the Royal Opera House. Before all that, he also played basketball for Great Britain!In this wide-ranging conversation, recorded in 2018, Terry looks back on his career: the composers he's worked with (including Berio, Ligeti and John Williams), his time at the Royal Opera House with Solti, education work, film scores and the business of being a singer and managing choirs. Presenter/Producer: Tommy Pearson  If you enjoy our podcasts, please help us continue by making a donation at paypal.me/classicaltop5.  Thank you!   For all latest info:Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theclassicaltop5  On Twitter: twitter.com/classicaltop5

In the second of his conversations with figures in music who have played a key role in his life, Tommy Pearson talks to the composer Sir George Benjamin, who he first met at school when George visited his school for a London Sinfonietta education project. They talk about music education, the role of a composer today, studying with Olivier Messiaen, the joy of music and writing a hit opera. And in a deeply personal tribute, George remembers his close friend and fellow composer, Oliver Knussen. The conversation was recorded in late 2018 and this is the first time it has been released. Presenter/Producer: Tommy Pearson   If you enjoy our podcasts, please help us continue by making a donation at paypal.me/classicaltop5.  Thank you!   For all latest info:Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theclassicaltop5  On Twitter: twitter.com/classicaltop5

This week, Tommy, Richard and Charlotte are joined by actor, writer, broadcaster and critic Jeremy Nicholas who chooses his Top 5 recordings of classical music. With such a vast number to choose from, Jeremy and the team select the ones that mean the most to them for a variety of reasons, personal and professional.  Can they ever shake off the allure of that first recording they heard of a piece? With Tommy Pearson, Richard Bratby and Charlotte Gardner. Producer: Simon Funnell If you enjoy our podcasts, please help us continue by making a donation at paypal.me/classicaltop5.  Thank you!   For all latest info:Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theclassicaltop5  On Twitter: twitter.com/classicaltop5

This week, one of the most important figures in arts broadcasting, Sir Humphrey Burton, celebrates his 90th birthday. As a special tribute to Humphrey, here is an exclusive interview Tommy Pearson recorded with him in 2018 at home in Aldeburgh - and this is the first time the recording has been heard.  In a wide-ranging chat, Humphrey Burton talks about his extraordinary career, from joining the BBC in the 1950s, to heading Music and Arts at the BBC and LWT, his long working relationship with Leonard Bernstein, creating Young Musician of the Year and even how he nearly joined MI6 (or did he?). Presenter/Producer: Tommy PearsonRecorded in 2018.  If you enjoy our podcasts, please help us continue by making a donation at paypal.me/classicaltop5.  Thank you!   For all latest info:Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theclassicaltop5  On Twitter: twitter.com/classicaltop5

This week, the team is joined by conductor and host of the "A Mic on the Podium' podcast, Michael Seal who chooses 5 moments in music that have shocked him; ranging from the personal - on the podium - to major issues facing the industry.  A wide-ranging discussion on shocking musical moments, events and, er, bassoons.  With Tommy Pearson, Richard Bratby and Charlotte Gardner.    Producer: Simon Funnell   If you enjoy our podcasts, please help us continue by making a donation at paypal.me/classicaltop5.  Thank you!   For all latest info:Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theclassicaltop5  On Twitter: twitter.com/classicaltop5

This week, Tommy Pearson, Richard Bratby and Charlotte Gardner are joined by a violinist who spent much of his time playing in one of the UK's most popular ensembles - the Brodskys - before becoming an in-demand orchestral leader: Andrew Haveron, currently concertmaster of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in Australia.  Andrew chooses his Top 5 (and then some!) Quintets. They can come in many forms and a myriad of different instrumentations and composers have often saved their best music for a 5-musician line-up. But which ones will be the favourites of Andrew and the panel?   Producer: Simon Funnell   If you enjoy our podcasts, please help us continue by making a donation at paypal.me/classicaltop5.  Thank you!   For all latest info:Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theclassicaltop5  On Twitter: twitter.com/classicaltop5

Our guest this week is superstar composer and presenter Howard Goodall who chooses his Top 5 (and more!) works for unaccompanied choir. A chorister throughout his childhood, Howard went on to write some of the most performed choral works of recent years (as well as themes to hit TV shows like Blackadder, Red Dwarf, QI and The Vicar of Dibley). But which pieces mean the most to him?With Tommy Pearson, Richard Bratby and Charlotte Gardner.    Producer: Simon Funnell   If you enjoy our podcasts, please help us continue by making a donation at paypal.me/classicaltop5.  Thank you!   For all latest info:Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theclassicaltop5  On Twitter: twitter.com/classicaltop5

This week, Tommy Pearson, Richard Bratby and Charlotte Gardner choose their Top 5 Classical Earworms - those pesky tunes that get stuck in your head and are impossible to shift, whether you like them or not! From Handel to Karl Jenkins, you are bound to find at least one of their choices will stay with you long after the podcast. You have been warned! Producer: Simon Funnell   If you enjoy our podcasts, please help us continue by making a donation at paypal.me/classicaltop5.  Thank you!   For all latest info:Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theclassicaltop5  On Twitter: twitter.com/classicaltop5

This week, the team is joined by US conductor, lecturer and teacher Christopher Russell who has made it his special mission across his career to feature works by American composers old and new. Chris chooses both classics and lesser known repertoire in his Top 5, alongside the team's own.  With Tommy Pearson, Richard Bratby and Charlotte Gardner.  Producer: Simon Funnell For all latest info:Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theclassicaltop5  On Twitter: twitter.com/classicaltop5

This week, the team is joined by Emmy, Tony, Grammy Award-winning and 7-time Oscar nominated composer and lyricist Marc Shaiman (Hairspray, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Mary Poppins Returns, Sleepless in Seattle, Sister Act, A Few Good Men, South Park: Bigger, Longer, Uncut) who chooses the musicals that mean the most to him. Marc reveals a wide variety of choices and regularly turns to the piano to illustrate them!  With Tommy Pearson, Richard Bratby and Charlotte Gardner. Producer: Simon Funnell If you enjoy our podcasts, please help us continue by making a donation at paypal.me/classicaltop5.  Thank you!   For all latest info:Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theclassicaltop5  On Twitter: twitter.com/classicaltop5

This week, Tommy, Richard and Charlotte are joined by conductor Barry Wordsworth who chooses his Top 5 Ballets. As Music Director and now Principal Guest Conductor of the Royal Ballet and Music Director Laureate of Birmingham Royal Ballet, Barry has conducted a huge range of ballets in his long career. So which ones will he choose?    With Tommy Pearson, Richard Bratby and Charlotte Gardner. Producer: Simon Funnell If you enjoy our podcasts, please help us continue by making a donation at paypal.me/classicaltop5.  Thank you!   For all latest info:Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theclassicaltop5  On Twitter: twitter.com/classicaltop5

This week the team tackles a very big subject - Overtures. There are a LOT of them! Helping them whittle it down to 5 each is special guest Paul Daniel, who has conducted countless overtures in his time, especially in the opera house where he has been music director of Opera North and English National Opera, among others. Will your favourite overture make the final list?Producer: Simon Funnell If you enjoy our podcasts, please help us continue by making a donation at paypal.me/classicaltop5.  Thank you!   For all latest info:Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theclassicaltop5  On Twitter: twitter.com/classicaltop5

We're back! A new year and a new series as Tommy Pearson, Richard Bratby and Charlotte Gardner continue their survey of the greatest works, performers and composers in classical music. This week we select our Top 5 Solo Instrumental Works - pieces with no accompaniment (and excluding piano, which will get its own show!). Producer: Simon Funnell If you enjoy our podcasts, please help us continue by making a donation at paypal.me/classicaltop5.  Thank you!   For all latest info:Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theclassicaltop5  On Twitter: twitter.com/classicaltop5

Join Tommy Pearson, Richard Bratby, Charlotte Gardner and special guest Fiona Maddocks (from our original line-up!) for a look back at this extraordinary year as well as favourite guests, discoveries and surprises from the series so far. And listen out for our competition to win an exclusive Classical Top 5 face mask! Email your answer to classicaltop5@gmail.com  Producer: Simon Funnell   If you enjoy our podcasts, please help us continue in 2021 by making a donation at paypal.me/classicaltop5.  Thank you!   For all latest info:Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theclassicaltop5 On Twitter: twitter.com/classicaltop5

Our guest this week is one of the world's greatest singers, baritone Sir Thomas Allen. Sir Tom chooses the 5 male voices that he loves hearing the most, including some he's worked alongside. And the team offer their choices too, from bass all the way up to countertenor. Who will make the grade? With Tommy Pearson, Richard Bratby and Charlotte Gardner.  Producer: Simon Funnell   If you enjoy our podcasts, please help us continue in 2021 by making a donation at paypal.me/classicaltop5.  Thank you!   For all latest info:Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theclassicaltop5 On Twitter: twitter.com/classicaltop5

Tommy Pearson talks to three members of London Brass, the group made up of the finest brass players in the UK. Gareth Small (Principal Trumpet, The Halle), Andy Crowley (Session trumpeter) and Richard Bissell (French Horn, Royal Opera House) talk about the latest London Brass album, a collection of Christmas favourites, as well as the history of the group and some of their favourite pieces for brass ensemble. If you enjoy our podcasts, please help us continue in 2021 by making a donation at paypal.me/classicaltop5.  Thank you!  For all latest info: Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theclassicaltop5 On Twitter: twitter.com/classicaltop5

Our special guest this week is the actor, writer and director Simon Callow. Simon chooses 5 Song Cycles that have meant the most to him in a lifetime of loving classical music and working within it as opera director, narrator and actor (he played Mozart in the original production of Amadeus). With Tommy Pearson, Richard Bratby and Charlotte Gardner.  If you have enjoyed our podcasts this year, please help us continue in 2021 by making a donation at paypal.me/classicaltop5. Anything big or small will contribute to production and marketing costs and ensure Classical Top 5 continues to grow! Thank you.   Producer: Simon Funnell

This week the team selects the great solos played by instruments from within the orchestra; another huge subject with so many brilliant examples. French horn solos seem a favourite with listeners; but what about the cor anglais, cello or even snare drum?With Tommy Pearson, Richard Bratby and Charlotte Gardner. Producer: Simon Funnell

Our guest this week is star cellist Steven Isserlis who chooses his favourite cello concertos. There's a huge repertoire to choose from, including some unarguable classics; so which ones will Steven go for? With Tommy Pearson, Richard Bratby and Charlotte Gardner.  Producer: Simon Funnell

In this special edition of the podcast, Tommy Pearson talks to the former King's Singer, conductor and much-loved broadcaster Brian Kay about his career and his memoir, "Music, My Life: A Gallimaufrey of Musical Memories" which has just been published. Producer: Simon Funnell

A slightly different show this week, as we invite special guest Gareth Davies, principal flute of the London Symphony Orchestra, to pick those key moments that had the biggest impact on his musical life and career, including the first time he played with the LSO and playing at the London 2012 Olympics. Tommy Pearson, Richard Bratby and Charlotte Gardner chip in with their memories too. Producer: Simon Funnell

This week the team is joined by broadcaster, parish priest and former pop star, Rev Richard Coles. As England enters its second national lockdown, Richard chooses music that he turns to at times like this, that give him both a joyous escape from the everyday and moments of reflection. With Tommy Pearson, Richard Bratby and Charlotte Gardner. Producer: Simon Funnell

This week, we're keeping it short as we select our Top 5 Classical Music Miniatures; that is, pieces under 5 minutes long (that aren't movements from other pieces or overtures!).  With Tommy Pearson, Richard Bratby and Charlotte Gardner.  Producer: Simon Funnell

This week the team is joined by broadcaster and soprano Catherine Bott who chooses her Top 5 female voices in classical music; performers who have inspired her and, in one case, never fail to make her go misty-eyed.With Tommy Pearson, Richard Bratby and Charlotte Gardner. Producer: Simon Funnell

This week, the Managing Director of The Barbican Centre and former controller of BBC Radio 3 and the Proms, Sir Nicholas Kenyon, chooses his Top 5 most significant moments in classical music - another huge subject for everyone to tackle!  With Tommy Pearson, Richard Bratby and Charlotte Gardner. Producer: Simon Funnell

This week, Tommy Pearson, Richard Bratby and Charlotte Gardner consider the greatest pieces written for children to enjoy or to play. Many composers wrote their finest works for children and there's a huge number to choose from - which ones will make the grade?Producer: Simon Funnell

This week Tommy Pearson, Richard Bratby and Charlotte Gardner are joined by special guest, writer and broadcaster Stephen Johnson to choose their Top 5 Russian Symphonies.  In his book 'How Shostakovich Changed My Mind', Stephen explores the composer's effect on his own mental health. But will DSCH make his list?Producer: Simon Funnell

Our special guest this week is one of the world's finest opera directors, Sir David Pountney, who chooses his favourite operas written before 1900. With Tommy Pearson, Richard Bratby and Charlotte Gardner. Producer: Simon Funnell

In this special edition of the podcast, Tommy Pearson talks to one of the world's best-loved musicians, flautist Sir James Galway, about the Top 5 most significant moments in his long career, including his time as principal flute of the Berlin Philharmonic under Karajan, and working with Kempe, Bernstein, Böhm and many others. Producer: Simon Funnell

We're back! After a short summer break, the team is back for a new series of Top 5s, starting with the greatest opening bars in classical music. Hosted by Tommy Pearson with Richard Bratby and Charlotte Gardner. Producer: Simon Funnell

In the final edition before taking a summer break, the team has a bit of fun choosing pieces they'd happily do without for the next 5 years and nominates works that should be back in the repertoire instead. With Tommy Pearson, Charlotte Gardner and Richard Bratby. Producer: Simon Funnell. Classical Top 5 will return in September!

One of the world's finest pianists, Stephen Hough, joins the team to pick his Top 5 Piano Concertos - no mean feat, considering the huge choice available!  With Tommy Pearson, Richard Bratby, Charlotte Gardner. Producer: Simon Funnell

This week very special guest, conductor Daniel Harding, chooses his Top 5 Tone/Symphonic Poems from a long list of very popular - and not so well-known - works.  And we have a new-look panel: Tommy Pearson and Richard Bratby are joined by writer and critic Charlotte Gardner. Producer: Simon Funnell

Tommy Pearson, Fiona Maddocks and Richard Bratby nominate their favourite endings in classical music, those final moments that can excite, move, shock, leave us breathless or in tears. It's a whistle-stop tour through dozens of pieces before the trio settle on their final Top 5. Producer: Simon Funnell

One of the world's finest choral directors, Simon Halsey, joins the team this week to pick choral works that are important to him. Expect the unexpected alongside some great classics and some lively debate! With Tommy Pearson, Fiona Maddocks and Richard Bratby.    Producer: Simon Funnell

This week, Tommy Pearson, Fiona Maddocks and Richard Bratby are joined by one of the world's finest soloists, the oboist Nicholas Daniel, who chooses his Top 5 concertos written for wind instruments (and possibly brass!). Producer: Simon Funnell

Celebrated opera director and librettist Peter Sellars joins the team to nominate 5 operas written in the 20th century - but will he choose one of his own? With Tommy Pearson, Fiona Maddocks and Richard Bratby. Producer: Simon Funnell

Tommy Pearson, Fiona Maddocks and Richard Bratby are joined by special guest Robin Ireland who, for 20 years, was viola player in The Lindsays, one of the world's finest quartets until they disbanded in 2005. Robin and the team choose their Top 5 works for string quartet - a very difficult challenge indeed!

Conductor Sir Mark Elder joins the team to choose his Top 5 British Symphonies, another vast subject that includes popular classics and almost completely unknown works. With Tommy Pearson, Fiona Maddocks and Richard Bratby. Producer: Simon Funnell

Yet another monumental task for our panel this week, as they are joined by pianist and writer Iain Burnside to nominate their Top 5 Pianists.  With Tommy Pearson, Fiona Maddocks and Richard Bratby.Producer: Simon Funnell

Joining Tommy Pearson, Fiona Maddocks and Richard Bratby this week is the veteran film critic and programmer Geoff Andrew, who chooses his Top 5 Films about Classical Music. Producer: Simon Funnell

In this slightly different edition, Tommy, Fiona and Richard are joined by Susanna Eastburn, CEO of Sound and Music, and John Summers, outgoing CEO of the Hallé Orchestra to debate what should change about classical music once lockdown ends. What should the 'new normal' look like for the industry?Producer: Simon Funnell

Special guest Julian Lloyd Webber, former cellist and now Principal of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, joins Tommy Pearson, Fiona Maddocks and Richard Bratby to discuss their Top 5 Cellists past and present. Producer: Simon Funnell

This week, Tommy Pearson, Fiona Maddocks and Richard Bratby are joined by one of the world's most performed living composers, Sir James MacMillan, who chooses his Top 5 Sacred Works. Producer: Simon Funnell

Tommy Pearson, Fiona Maddocks and Richard Bratby are joined by Director of Music at London's Southbank, Gillian Moore CBE, to choose their favourite classical works from the last 40 years. A massive task! Producer: Simon Funnell

Tommy Pearson, Fiona Maddocks and Richard Bratby are joined by superstar violinist Tasmin Little to discuss their favourite violinists, including Heifitz, Oistrakh, Haendel, Kennedy, Jansen and many more! Producer: Simon Funnell

Tommy Pearson, Fiona Maddocks and Richard Bratby are joined by special guest, writer Philip Hensher, to select their favourite books about classical music, from Tolstoy to Mark Steyn, Berlioz to John Drummond (and much more besides!).  Producer: Simon Funnell

BONUS full version of Episode 2: Top 5 Conductors

Fiona Maddocks, Richard Bratby and host Tommy Pearson discuss their favourite conductors, along with special guest Rob Cowan (Classic FM, Gramophone). Who will make the grade? Producer: Simon Funnell

In the first episode of this new podcast series, Tommy Pearson, Fiona Maddocks and Richard Bratby are joined by special guest Stephen Maddock (CEO of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra) to offer their Top 5 pieces of music for lockdown.   Producer: Simon Funnell