The Melodology Podcast
"Celebrating the Unsung Excellence of Melody Makers." Each episode, host composer Arthur Breur and a guest explore and examine beloved melodies from a variety of sources: popular songs, musicals, operas, classical music, hymns and liturgy, film and television scores and more.
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Episode 20 with Caeden Brusett: Bass Solo from Otello Act IV by Giuseppe Verdi
10/31/2023
Episode 20 with Caeden Brusett: Bass Solo from Otello Act IV by Giuseppe Verdi
Composer and bassist Caeden Brusett joins podcast host Arthur Breur to discuss the bass solo from Act IV of Giuseppe Verdi’s opera Otello. This is the first OPERA entry in the podcast, but it is opera “underscoring” rather than a famous aria or overture theme. Melody: The bass solo from Act IV of Otello by Giuseppe Verdi Composer: Giuseppe Verdi Duration: 1:30:07 Intro and guest questions – 0:00 Pre-discussion about the bass solo from Otello Act IV – 11:09 Review of the melody – 18:27 Caeden Brusett shares – 1:03:29 Guest Composer: Caeden Brusett Mentioned in this Episode: Recorded: October 6, 2023 using Musical score for reference created using FREE Musescore software: Melodology Podcast on Patreon:
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Episode 19 with Brian Woodbury: “A Whole New World”
10/15/2023
Episode 19 with Brian Woodbury: “A Whole New World”
Composer, lyricist and bandleader Brian Woodbury joins podcast host Arthur Breur to discuss “A Whole New World” music by Alan Menken. They also discuss three of Brian’s own songs and his ambitious project to produce music videos for 47 of his songs in under one year. Melody: “A Whole New World” Composer / Songwriter: Alan Menken Duration: 1:26:36 Intro and guest questions – 0:00 Pre-discussion about “A Whole New World” – 10:46 Review of the melody – 16:08 Brian Woodbury shares – 1:02:04 Guest Composer: Brian Woodbury Mentioned in this Episode: Recorded: September 25, 2023 using Musical score for reference created using FREE Musescore software: Melodology Podcast on Patreon:
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Episode 18: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds "Subspace Rhapsody" - Meet the Songwriters!
09/04/2023
Episode 18: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds "Subspace Rhapsody" - Meet the Songwriters!
SPOILERS Meet Kay Hanley and Tom Polce, the songwriters for the Star Trek: Strange New Worlds musical episode, "Subspace Rhapsody!" Audio Podcast Versions available:
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Episode 17 with Scott Hallgren: “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat” by Charles Mingus
08/31/2023
Episode 17 with Scott Hallgren: “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat” by Charles Mingus
Award-winning composer, musician, and sound editor Scott Halgren joins podcast host Arthur Breur to discuss "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat" by Charles Mingus. This is the first real Jazz melody discussed so far in the podcast, and the discussions include some of the characteristics that make Jazz stand out from other genres and forms of music. Melody: "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat" Composer / Songwriter: Charles Mingus Duration: 1:08:09 Intro and guest questions – 0:00 Pre-discussion about “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat” – 10:20 Review of the melody – 22:29 Scott Hallgren shares – 51:30 Guest Composer: Scott Halgren Mentioned in this Episode: Recorded: August 18, 2023 using Musical score for reference created using FREE Musescore software: Melodology Podcast on Patreon:
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Episode 16 with Dominic Fallacaro: "Baby One More Time" by Max Martin
07/31/2023
Episode 16 with Dominic Fallacaro: "Baby One More Time" by Max Martin
Grammy-winning producer, composer, music director, and multi-instrumentalist Dominic Fallacaro joins podcast host Arthur Breur to discuss one of the best selling singles of all time: "Baby One More Time" by Swedish record producer and songwriter Max Martin. They discuss the composition and songwriting craft applied to the song, then Dominic shares the version of the song from the musical "& Juliet" currently on Broadway, for which he serves as co-arranger, orchestrator, and Music Director. Melody: "" by Composer / Songwriter: Duration: 1:23:59 Intro and guest questions – 0:00 Pre-discussion about “Baby One More Time” – 17:49 Review of the melody – 24:26 Dominic shares – 1:04:24 Guest Composer: Dominic Fallacaro Recorded: June 26, 2023 using Musical score for reference created using FREE Musescore software: Melodology Podcast on Patreon:
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Episode 15 with Haakon Davidsen: "Batman Theme" (1989)
07/18/2023
Episode 15 with Haakon Davidsen: "Batman Theme" (1989)
Haakon Davidsen, award-nominated composer for video games, film & TV, joins podcast host Arthur Breur to explore and celebrate the amazing "Batman Theme" from the film "Batman", 1989, composed by the legendary Danny Elfman. Melody: “Batman Theme” from the film “Batman”, 1989. Composer / Songwriter: Danny Elfman Duration: 1:16:29 Intro and guest questions – 0:00 Pre-discussion about “Batman Theme” – 18:40 Review of the melody – 22:02 Haakon shares – 1:01:29 Guest Composer: Haakon Davidsen Mentioned in this Episode: Recorded: November 25, 2022 using Video of musical score for reference created using Melodology Podcast on Patreon:
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Episode 14 with Tamsin Jones: “Innsbruck, Ich muss dich lassen”
04/16/2023
Episode 14 with Tamsin Jones: “Innsbruck, Ich muss dich lassen”
Award-winning British composer Tamsin Jones joins the podcast to discuss the Renaissance choral work “Innsbruck, ich muss dich lassen” by Heinrich Isaac, and shares two choral works of her own--one of which is inspired by and includes the melody from “Innsbruck, ich muss dich lassen”. Melody: “Innsbruck, ich muss dich lassen” Composer / Songwriter: Heinrich Isaac (ca. 1450–1517) Duration: 1:28:25 Intro and guest questions – 0:00 Pre-discussion about “Innsbruck, ich muss dich lassen” – 13:46 Review of the melody – 18:15 Lisa shares – 1:03:28 Guest Composer: Tamsin Jones Music Mentioned in this Episode: Definitions in this Episode: Recorded: October 21, 2022 using Musical score for reference created using FREE Musescore software: Video of musical score for reference created using Musescore Online: Melodology Podcast on Patreon:
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Episode 13 with Lisa Neher: “Luke and Leia”
03/19/2023
Episode 13 with Lisa Neher: “Luke and Leia”
New music powerhouse Lisa Neher joins Melodology Podcast host Arthur Breur to examine the underappreciated “Luke and Leia” by John Williams, and she shares two of her own works — including one of her own performances. Melody: “Luke and Leia” from “Star Wars, Episode VI: Return of the Jedi” Composer / Songwriter: John Williams Duration: 1:58:26 Intro and guest questions – 0:00 Pre-discussion about “Luke and Leia” – 12:14 Review of the melody – 20:47 Lisa shares – 1:22:18 Guest Composer: Lisa Neher Mentioned in this Episode: Recorded: November 4, 2022 using Musical score for reference created using FREE Musescore software: Video of musical score for reference created using Musescore Online: Melodology Podcast on Patreon:
/episode/index/show/melodypodcast/id/26272494
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Episode 12 with Aaron Lee: “Seit Gesunderhait” (“Farewell My Dear Parents”)
03/11/2023
Episode 12 with Aaron Lee: “Seit Gesunderhait” (“Farewell My Dear Parents”)
Composer Aaron Lee joins podcast host Arthur Breur to explore the Jewish Folk Song “Seit Gesunderhait” (“Farewell My Dear Parents”) and two of his own compositions, one of which uses “Seit Gesunderhait” as a component in the composition. Melody: “Farewell My Dear Parents” (“Seit Gesunterhait Meine Liebe Eltern”) Composer / Songwriter: Traditional (?) Jewish Folk Tune Duration: 1:08:24 Intro and guest questions – 0:00 Pre-discussion about “Farewell My Dear Parents” – 06:27 Review of the melody – 17:15 Aaron shares – 50:01 Guest Composer: Aaron Lee Recorded: August 19, 2022 using Riverside.FM Musical score for reference created using FREE Musescore software: Video of musical score for reference created using Musescore Online: Melodology Podcast on Patreon:
/episode/index/show/melodypodcast/id/26197809
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Episode 11 with Richard Peat: "Down In Yon Forest"
02/25/2023
Episode 11 with Richard Peat: "Down In Yon Forest"
Composer Richard Peat joins podcast host Arthur Breur to explore "Down In Yon Forest" and brings three beautiful choral works of his own to share. Melody "Down In Yon Forest" Composer / Songwriter: Traditional Duration: 1:19:06 Intro and guest questions – 0:00 Pre-discussion about “Down In Yon Forest” – 21:41 Review of the melody – 27:00 Richard shares – 57:00 Guest Composer: Richard Peat Music Referenced in This Episode: Recorded: September 29, 2022 using Riverside.FM Musical score for reference created using FREE Musescore software: Video of musical score for reference created using Musescore Online: Melodology Podcast on Patreon:
/episode/index/show/melodypodcast/id/26046495
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Episode 10 with Zachary Davies: "Over the Rainbow"
11/13/2022
Episode 10 with Zachary Davies: "Over the Rainbow"
Composer, pianist, and host of the , Zachary Davies joins Melodology Podcast host Arthur Breur to examine one of the two melodies that inspired the Melodology Podcast in the first place: “Over the Rainbow” from the movie “Wizard of Oz”, music by and lyrics by . Melody (wikipedia article: ) Composer / Songwriter: Music by (lyrics by ). Duration: 1:21:57 Intro and guest questions – 0:00 Pre-discussion about “Over the Rainbow” – 6:24 Review of the melody – 13:25 Zach shares – 100:44 Guest Composer: Zachary Davies Twitter: Instagram: YouTube: Eurerpean Podcast: St. James Infirmary: wiki: Louis Armstrong: Recorded: September 15, 2022 using Riverside.FM Musical score for reference created using FREE Musescore software: Video of musical score for reference created using Musescore Online: Melodology Podcast on Patreon:
/episode/index/show/melodypodcast/id/24991413
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Episode 9 with Kevin Day: "Obi Wan"
10/19/2022
Episode 9 with Kevin Day: "Obi Wan"
Composer Kevin Day joins podcast host Arthur Breur to examine the melody from the “Obi Wan” theme by John Williams, composed for the series “Obi-Wan Kenobi”. Kevin also shares some of his own exciting music and news. Melody Duration: 1:14:26 Intro and guest questions – 0:00 Pre-discussion about “Obi-Wan” – 9:51 Review of the melody – 14:32 Kevin shares – 47:36 Guest Composer: Kevin Day Website: Instagram: YouTube: Recorded: August 12, 2022 using Riverside.FM Musical score for reference created using FREE Musescore software: Video of musical score for reference created using Musescore Online: Melodology Podcast on Patreon:
/episode/index/show/melodypodcast/id/24739569
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Episode 8 with Troisnyx: "Estavius" by Phyrnna
08/31/2022
Episode 8 with Troisnyx: "Estavius" by Phyrnna
Guest composer Troisnyx joins podcast host Arthur Breur to explore the melody from “Estavius” by Phyrnna, composed for the Epic Battle Fantasy games. Troisnyx also shares her own song, “The Drummer’s Prayer”, and shares about her own background and plans. Melody: “Estavius” by Phyrnna. Duration: 1:06:33 Intro and guest questions – 0:00 Pre-discussion about Phyrnna and “Estavius” – 18:08 Review of the melody – 26:35 Troisnyx shares her song “The Drummer’s Prayer” – 45:09 Guest Composer: Troisnyx Troisnyx website: Twitter: YouTube: Bandcamp: Soundcloud: Instagram: Drummer’s Prayer: Mythic Meetup: Links: Phyrnna: NewGrounds.com: Ar Tonelico: Ar Tonelico II OST: Ar Tonelico III OST: Definitions: AAA: Vertical Shooter: Volta: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Repeat_sign Recorded: August 5 and 12, 2022 using Riverside.FM Musical scores for reference created using FREE Musescore software: Video of musical scores for reference created using Musescore Online: Melodology Podcast on Patreon:
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Episode 7 with Tony Manfredonia: "The Force Theme"
05/13/2022
Episode 7 with Tony Manfredonia: "The Force Theme"
Composer Tony Manfredonia joins podcast host Arthur Breur to examine the melody of the brilliant Star Wars "Force Theme", by John Williams. Tony also shares his main theme to the game "Call of Saregnar", and he and Arthur discuss and examine that theme as well. Note: The music shared for "The Force Theme" in this episode uses a French horn part, and is displayed and discussed a 5th up from the concert pitches in the audio. Melody "The Force Theme" by John Williams. Duration: 1:08:30 Intro and guest questions - 0:00 Pre-discussion about "The Force Theme" - 7:20 Review of the melody - 14:25 Tony shares his main theme to "The Call of Saregnar" - 47:58 Guest Composer: Tony Manfredonia Recorded: April 1, 2022 using Riverside.FM Musical score for reference created using FREE Musescore software: Video of musical score for reference created using Musescore Online: Melodology Podcast on Patreon:
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Episode 6 with Anne McKennon: "Rainbow Connection"
04/29/2022
Episode 6 with Anne McKennon: "Rainbow Connection"
Composer Anne McKennon joins podcast host Arthur Breur to examine the melody of the wonderful song “Rainbow Connection”, sung by Kermit the Frog in “The Muppet Movie”. Anne also shares a lullaby she composed and an orchestral arrangement she did of a well known traditional Celtic melody. Melody “Rainbow Connection” by Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher. Duration: 1:22:46 Intro and guest questions – 0:00 Pre-discussion about “Rainbow Connection” – 11:26 Review of the melody – 15:42 Anne shares her work and updates – 1:11:26 Guest Composer: Anne McKennon Recorded: March 25, 2022 using Riverside.FM Musical score for reference created using FREE Musescore software: Video of musical score for reference created using Musescore Online:
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Episode 5 with Kim Osberg: "Danny Boy"
04/15/2022
Episode 5 with Kim Osberg: "Danny Boy"
Composer Kimberly Osberg joins podcast host Arthur Breur to examine the melody of “Londonderry Air”, more commonly known as “Danny Boy”. Along the way, they discuss scores to quirky films, composing music to stage combat, putting recipes to music. and MUCH more. Melody “Londonderry Air” (“Danny Boy”) – traditional Duration: 1:23:58 Intro and guest questions – 0:00 Pre-discussion about “Danny Boy” – 16:00 Review of the melody – 20:45 Kim shares her work and updates – 1:11:26 Guest Composer: Kimberly Osberg YouTube: YouTube, Twitter: Recorded: February 11, 2022 using Riverside.FM Musical score for reference created using FREE Musescore software: Video of musical score for reference created using Musescore Online:
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Episode 4 with Dale Trumbore: "Losing My Mind"
03/18/2022
Episode 4 with Dale Trumbore: "Losing My Mind"
Summary: Choral composer and author Dale Trumbore joins podcast host Arthur Breur to do a deep dive into the song "Losing My Mind" by Stephen Sondheim. They discuss how the song is meaningful to Dale, how perfectly the melody represents and reflects the song's lyrics, and how excellent Stephen Sondheim was at his craft. Melody "Losing My Mind" from Follies by Stephen Sondheim Duration: 1:13:21 Intro and guest questions - 0:00 Pre-discussion about "Losing My Mind" - 11:58 Review of the melody - 17:30 Dale shares her work and updates - 38:14 Guest: Dale Trumbore YouTube: Twitter: Recorded: January 26, 2022 using Riverside.FM Musical score for reference created using FREE Musescore software: Video of musical score for reference created using Musescore Online:
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Episode 3 with Matthew Beardsworth: "Raiders March"
02/28/2022
Episode 3 with Matthew Beardsworth: "Raiders March"
Release Date: February 28, 2022 Summary: New Zealand composer Matthew Beardsworth joins podcast host Arthur Breur to discuss just the main theme from the “Raiders March”, and to talk about how Matthew reconsidered and reconstructed a theme in one of his own works, an alternate musical score to the short film Sintel. Melody “Raiders March”, main theme, from Raiders of the Lost Ark. Music by John Williams Duration: 54:26 Intro and Guest Questions – 0:00 Pre-discussion about “Raiders March” – 10:19 Review of the melody – 12:56 Matthew shares about his melodies for Sintel – 38:14 Guest: Matthew Beardsworth YouTube: Twitter: About Sintel: Sintel, performed by Reddit Virtual Orchestra: Recorded: January 24, 2022 using Riverside.FM Musical score for reference created using FREE Musescore software: Video of musical score for reference created using Musescore Online:
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Episode 2 with Garrett Hope: "Be Thou My Vision"
02/16/2022
Episode 2 with Garrett Hope: "Be Thou My Vision"
Composer, podcaster, speaker, and coach, Garrett Hope joins podcast host Arthur Breur to discuss a hymn tune that, at one point or another, seems to break a number of the “established” rules of melody writing. Melody “Be Thou My Vision” – “a traditional Christian hymn of Irish Origin.” Wikipedia: Duration: 40:12 Intro and Guest Questions – 0:00 Pre-discussion about “Be Thou My Vision” – 9:54 Review of the melody – 16:15 Garrett shares about what he’s working on now – 31:12 Guest: Garrett Hope Website: The Portfolio Composer: Twitter: Mentioned Events and Links: Ultimate Music Business Summit: Recorded: January 21, 2022 using Riverside.FM
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Episode 1 with Christina Rusnak: "Let It Go"
02/14/2022
Episode 1 with Christina Rusnak: "Let It Go"
Summary: Special guest, composer Christina Rusnak joins podcast host Arthur Breur to discuss a recent addition to Disney’s long string of popular melodies. Melody: “Let It Go” from Disney’s “Frozen”, music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Kristen Anderson-Lopez on Twitter: “Let It Go” on YouTube: "Let it Go" on Wikipedia: Duration: 41:34 Intro – 0:00 Guest Questions – 1:50 Pre-discussion about the the refrain from “Let It Go” – 5:30 Review of the melody – 12:10 Christina shares some of her work – 24:30 Guest: Christina Rusnak Website: ISSUU (scores): Soundcloud: Soundcloud cues from this podcast: The Way Through: The South Pass: Chat: (Chat: Arranger and conductor: Dave Richards. Performers: Alex Budman, Ken Fisher, Dan Kaneyui, Anthony Bonsera, James Blackwell, Erick Jovel, Brian Schwartz, Ben Burget, Paul Young, Nick DePinna, Erm Navarro, Steve Hughes, Matt Hornbeck, Cooper Appelt, Max Haymer, Jake Reed, Brian Clancy; Copyright owners Naxos Digital Services US, Inc On behalf of: Big Round Records: ) Mentioned Events and Links: Ultimate Music Business Summit: Recorded: January 20, 2022 using Riverside.FM
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Episode 0 with Steven Shomler
01/31/2022
Episode 0 with Steven Shomler
Special guest, podcaster, author, and coach Steven Shomler interviews Melodology Podcast creator and host, composer Arthur Breur. They discuss the concept of this podcast, as well as its format and target audience. Guest: Steven Shomler Recorded January 29, 2022 using Riverside.FM
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