In our December 2019 podcast, we pay tribute to the late soprano Jessye Norman and listen to one of her best recordings. We also discuss the new 'Music for Trees' app created by the Royal Parks in conjunction with the Royal Academy of Music. The app follows the roaming user as they walk around Regent's Park, playing corresponding compositions by RAM students. Plus, we take a look at this year's shortlist for the RPS Awards.

We flick through the latest issue of BBC Music Magazine and listen to our superb Recording of the Month. As Hildegard von Bingen is our Composer of the Month, we discuss what it is about her music that has stood the test of time and has made it so adaptable for musicians across all genres. Plus, we explore the new phenomenon of implanting movie-style age ratings on operas.

As usual, we all bring along our favourite new recordings from the last month, including Gabriela Montero's new 'Latin' piano concerto and a new disc from the Choir of St John's College, Cambridge.

Recordings:

Black Voices Rise: African American Artists at the Met, 1955-1985

Wagner: Tannhäuser – 'Dich, teure Helle'

Met Opera Productions

The Sun Rising

The Beloved

Shostakovich

24 Preludes: V. Allegro vivace

Andrey Gugnin (piano)

Hyperion CDA68267

Jeremy's choice:

Magnificat

Glen Dempsey (organ), Choir of St John's College, Cambridge/Andrew Nethsingha

Signum SIGCD588

Michael's choice:

Hanns Eisler: Leipzig Symphony

MDR Sinfonieorchester Leipzig, Kammersymphonie Berlin/Jurgen Bruns

Capriccio C5268

Freya's choice:

Gabriela Montero & Ravel: Piano Concerto

Gabriela Montero (piano), Orchestra of the Americas/Carlos Miguel Prieto

Orchid Classics ORC100104

Stories:

Royal Philharmonic Society Awards 2019 shortlists announced: http://www.classical-music.com/news/royal-philharmonic-society-awards-2019-shortlists-announced

Music for Trees mobile app: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/the-regents-park/things-to-see-and-do/music-for-trees-mobile-app

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