Poster Desmond Earley
Desmond Earley is the founding Artistic Director of the Choral Scholars of University College Dublin.
Leslie Van Stelten
New Classical Tracks®

New Classical Tracks Uncut: Desmond Earley

New Classical Tracks Uncut: Desmond Earley

This year, Julie Amacher counts down her six favorite New Classical Tracks interviews of 2016 and shares them in their entirety on "New Classical Tracks Uncut."

For December 30, Julie shares her full conversation with Desmond Earley, director of the Choral Scholars of University College Dublin, who talks about the ensemble's newest album, Invisible Stars. In so doing, Earley describes the composition of the choir — its members aren't just music students — as well as the role of music in traditional Irish culture.

"Song is central to the Irish musical imagination," Earley says. "And a glimpse at Irish history would reveal a whole catalog of songs exploring themes of loss, happiness, emigration, lamenting; and these various aspects of Irish songs certainly have a trinity or threefold element — there are three types of Irish song in the Irish traditional music genre or oeuvre. And they are, broadly: goltraí, which is an Irish word for lament; suantraí, which is a lullaby; and geantraí, which is a joyful song. And we've got nearly each type on the disc."

Hear the full conversation using the audio player above, or by subscribing to the New Classical Tracks podcast for this and every episode.

Resources

Choral Scholars of University College Dublin - official site

Subscribe to New Classical Tracks (iTunes)

Love the music?

Donate by phone
1-800-562-8440

Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.

Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.

YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.

More Ways to Give

Your Donation

$5/month
$10/month
$15/month
$20/month
$

Latest New Classical Tracks® Episodes

VIEW ALL EPISODES

Latest New Classical Tracks® Episodes

Jonathan Biss combines Beamish and Beethoven

Jonathan Biss combines Beamish and Beethoven

On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ with host Julie Amacher, pianist Jonathan Biss talks about his Beethoven concerto project with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, including the latest release featuring a new concerto by Sally Beamish. Listen now!

28:17
Violinist Lynda O'Connor celebrates Vivaldi with 'The Irish Four Seasons'
34:51
Janoska Ensemble gives 'The Four Seasons' a makeover
24:16
Pianist Alice Sara Ott honors Irish composer John Field
26:44
Jess Gillam explores the saxophone's many sounds on 'Prism'

Jess Gillam explores the saxophone's many sounds on 'Prism'

On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ young saxophonist Jess Gillam talks about her new project, a series of EPs titled ‘Prism’ that explore the different permutations of the saxophone’s sound. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!

30:56
Anne Akiko Meyer presents Michael Daugherty's 'Blue Electra'

Anne Akiko Meyer presents Michael Daugherty's 'Blue Electra'

On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ Grammy-winning composer Michael Daugherty talks about his latest album, ‘Blue Electra,’ which explores the triumphs and tragedies of flight, and features violinist Anne Akiko Meyers. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!

35:04
Detroit Symphony Orchestra presents Wynton Marsalis' 'Blues Symphony'
37:05
Ashley Jackson explores love, freedom, hope and rebirth in 'Take Me to the Water'
22:09
Khatia Buniatishvili pays homage to W.A. Mozart

Khatia Buniatishvili pays homage to W.A. Mozart

On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ Georgian pianist Khatia Buniatishvili dedicates her 10th album to the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart alongside the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!

24:22
Joanne Polk returns to the exquisite music of Cécile Chaminade
32:52
VIEW ALL EPISODES

About New Classical Tracks®

Host Julie Amacher provides an in-depth exploration of a new classical music release each week.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, Radio Public, or RSS.

About New Classical Tracks®
YourClassical Radio
0:00
0:00