TRILLOQUY artwork

TRILLOQUY

239 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 78 ratings

CLASSICAL MUSIC has been misappropriated as a musical genre and a culture rooted in the aesthetics of Western Europe.
TRILLOQUY is the weekly podcast built to DECOLONIZE the traditional definitions and conversations surrounding CLASSICAL MUSIC.

Music Commentary Music Music Interviews classical music race diversity equity orchestra band arts choir chorus opera
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Episodes

Opus 87 - "Ever Since I Switched Insurance, You"

February 10, 2021 06:01 - 1 hour - 189 MB

As names like Florence Price and William Grant Still become more familiar to the masses, it's important to also celebrate Black musicians who embrace "classical" music's contemporary aesthetics. Composer Clifton Joey Guidry III joins Garrett to talk about mental health as a young creator, their experiences as a Black, trans bassoonist in contemporary music spaces, and the situation that inspired their composition, "Shut the Fuck Up and Listen". Scott honors John Coltrane's "A Love Su...

Opus 86 - "I Wanna Keep My Job"

February 03, 2021 06:24 - 1 hour - 157 MB

Public Media continues to be one of the principle vehicles for "classical" music, and the coalition, Public Media For All, is here to push its institutions toward radical and equitable change. Ernesto Aguilar and Consuela "Sway" Steward join Garrett to talk about the coalition, holding institutions accountable, and the mutual benefit of DEI. Scott inspires a "trill" explanation of equality vs. equity, and the guys connect contemporary greats with Black History Month. Huge shout out...

Opus 85 - Bach and Beyoncé

January 27, 2021 14:34 - 1 hour - 173 MB

After deciding that she needed a change in her life, Maria Ellis quit her job and returned to school to earn a degree in Music Education. Today, she's leads choirs and hosts a genre-bending radio show called "Bach and Beyoncé". She talks with Garrett about this, what she believes makes a piece of music "classical", and her hopes for the radio industry. Scott reacts to a newly released recording of early 20th century Afro-American musicians, and Garrett addresses issues with the Sphin...

Opus 84 - "White Moderate"

January 20, 2021 03:41 - 1 hour - 170 MB

Arts institutions must be held accountable for the promises that they make in conjunction with DEI initiatives, and in the world of opera, the Black Opera Alliance has answered the call. World-renowned mezzo-soprano, Raehann Bryce-Davis joins Garrett to talk about the goals of BOA, the backstage life of a Black opera singer, and more! Scott highlights a national equity initiative in public radio, and the guys honor the dynamic lives of Ryuichi Sakamoto, Nichelle Nichols, and Dr. Mart...

Opus 83 - Cult of Personality

January 13, 2021 13:52 - 1 hour - 161 MB

Is your New Year's Resolution fat-phobic? It may be! Laura Krider from the American Composers Forum joins Garrett to explore "the last 'acceptable' form of discrimination", and the impacts that it can have on the developing musician. Scott celebrates the music and the legacy of Living Colour, while Garrett honors a soothing piano composition written in honor of Black Lives Matter. The hosts also unpack the art of sampling, and the attack on the United States Capitol. Playlist: An...

Opus 82 - "Show Me Your Papers"

January 06, 2021 14:41 - 1 hour - 165 MB

The women from the Classically Black podcast return to talk about their new organization, the International Society for Black Musicians, as well as Katie Brown's fellowship with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, and Dalanie Harris' use of a new social media app to network with even more Black musicians. Scott honors the personality and the playing of pianist Andre Watts, and Garrett addresses the public defamation and physical assault of Keyon Harrold Jr. Playlist: MF Doom - "Coffi...

Opus 81 - The Accomplice

December 30, 2020 07:22 - 1 hour - 179 MB

For the final opus of 2020, Garrett and Scott go back and talk about some of their most memorable TRILLOQUY moments, including their discussion of "cancel culture", the Louis Farrakhan opus, and the compositions that moved them most. Scott honors pianist and bandleader, Matthew Whitaker, and Garrett chats with Quanice Floyd about her op-ed that shook the world of arts administration this year. Playlist: Adam Schoenberg - "Finding Rothko" Felix Mendelssohn - Violin Concerto in e ...

Opus 80 - O Tannenbong

December 23, 2020 15:13 - 1 hour - 175 MB

When Dr. Molly McCann isn't doing cannabis consumer research, she's at the piano engaging in the intoxicating sounds of the music of Fanny Hensel. She joins Garrett and Scott to talk about why Mrs. Hensel's music is so important, the stigma surrounding cannabis use, and how "classical" music institutions could benefit from weed culture. An episode of "Good Times" inspires Garrett's musical picks for the week, and Scott offers warm words to people spending the holidays alone for the f...

Opus 79 - "We Did It - Shut It Down!"

December 16, 2020 14:59 - 1 hour - 182 MB

After becoming a mother, oboist Wendy Caudle Hodge decided that she needed to make an impact on Music Education. Through her advocacy, Loudoun Co., VA has created 90 DEI jobs, community-based initiatives that really speak to children's needs, and so much more. She's now a leader at the Historic Ashburn Colored School, and joins Garrett to talk about her work and her love for hip-hop. The guys give an update on some of the latest arts news coming from New York City, and Scott honors t...

Opus 78 - Black Messiah

December 09, 2020 15:35 - 1 hour - 166 MB

What if Jesus were Black? How would that change the narrative behind his story, and the music that has been written about him? Garrett unpacks this with Adrian Dunn, who's the composer behind a new work called "Black Messiah". Scott shares his thoughts on a new Mozart video game, the music of Michael Abels, and helps Garrett identify the joint, very intentional Euro-centricity that is foundational to America's understanding of Christmas and so-called classical music. This opus is ded...

Opus 77 - Invitation to the Party

December 02, 2020 14:17 - 1 hour - 139 MB

Donna Walker-Kuhne's book, "Invitation to the Party", has been a tool that arts organizations of all kinds have used to better understand what community engagement really means. She joins Garrett to talk about this, audience development, and how the teachings of Daisaku Ikeda have inspired her continued work. Scott delivers the story of "Blind Tom" Wiggins, and the guys end with a response to the National Philharmonic, and a discussion about reaching a "broader" and "wider" audience ...

Opus 76 - "You Have The Right To Remain Silent"

November 25, 2020 15:13 - 1 hour - 189 MB

Anthony Davis' career has been marked by his musical responses to the Black experience, with critically acclaimed compositions about the life and times of Malcolm X, the murder of George Floyd, and one of his own experiences with police in a work called "You Have The Right To Remain Silent." He won the 2020 Pulitzer Prize in Music for his composition portraying the story of the Central Park 5, and he joins Garrett to talk about it. Scott unpacks Pulitzer Prize-winning music by other ...

Opus 75 - Straßen sind fertig

November 18, 2020 15:36 - 1 hour - 164 MB

In 2017 composer Tyshawn Sorey teamed up with writer Terrance Hayes and tenor Lawrence Brownlee to create a song cycle called "Cycles of My Being". It's a work that showcases the troubled relationship between America and its Black men that will have its digital premiere on the Opera Philadelphia Channel on November 20th. Tyshawn speaks with Garrett about this, and his broader perspective on writing Black-centric music. Scott honors the space-age music of another Black composer, and G...

Opus 74 - Record Keeping

November 11, 2020 14:35 - 1 hour - 149 MB

The Gateways Music Festival is one of only a few classical music gatherings that center Black people, making it a very important part of the industry for countless musicians. The man who's taken up the responsibility of documenting those gatherings through photography is violinist David Caines Burnett. He talks with Garrett about how classical music's relationship with race has evolved over the decades, and why we keeps "records" - in more ways than one! Garrett and Scott honor the l...

Opus 73 - "Whitey on the Moon"

November 04, 2020 14:30 - 1 hour - 192 MB

Have you ever thought about the relationship between corporate money and equitable arts initiatives? Percussionist Sidney Hopson has dedicated his career to convincing for-profit institutions that investing in the arts for Black and brown communities can impact their bottom line in a positive way. He speaks with Garrett about this, and lots more! Garrett and Scott remind you that music is not an escape with a few very timely selections, and former manager of Classical Minnesota Publi...

Opus 72 - "Making Demons and Devils Your Allies"

October 28, 2020 13:49 - 2 hours - 222 MB

When Wayne Shorter tragically lost his wife in an airplane crash, he vowed to live an even happier life with the help of an ancient philosophy: Nam Myōhō Renge Kyō. He talks with Garrett about Buddhism, what it means to find "zero gravity", and what it means to make allies out of demons and devils. Johnathan Gibbs is the special guest co-host, and helps Garrett tackle the topics of #EndSars, the MET's inability to pay its musicians, and more. In the final movement, the guys re-addres...

Opus 71 - The Pattern

October 21, 2020 15:29 - 1 hour - 182 MB

Ensemble Pi has operated at the intersection of music and social justice since 2015, and in an upcoming concert the group will tackle the need for Black reparations head on! Allison Loggin-Hull talks to Garrett about "The Pattern", which is a piece of music she wrote specifically for this virtual performance. The ensemble's pianist, Idith Korman, offers her thoughts and experiences as both a musician who centers social justice, and the recipient of Jewish reparations. Garrett and Sco...

Opus 70 - 'Les Biches'

October 14, 2020 12:46 - 1 hour - 180 MB

COVID is continuing to shut down traditional performance spaces, so the hip-hop Illharmonic Orchestra is taking their next show to the virtual stage! The group is led by rappers Jeffrey McNeill (Thee Phantom) and his wife, Andrea (The Phoenix), who talks with Garrett about gender equity in the arts, and how classical institutions can survive 2020. Scott highlights the late Eddie Van Halen's connections to race, after the guys unpack Bill Burr's latest performance. Playlist: Franc...

Opus 69 - People Are Still Having Sex

October 07, 2020 13:26 - 1 hour - 181 MB

For the 69th opus of TRILLOQUY, the guys decide to spend some time at the intersection of music and sex, featuring a few of Scott's favorites by Donna Summer. Special guest, Derek Menchan talks with Garrett about how he utilizes Afro-centrism and his ability to overlay his multi-talents to create new recordings of the "classics", and a scene from the film, "The Prince of Egypt" serves as the frame for pretty difficult conversation between the hosts. Playlist: Terence Blanchard - ...

Opus 68 - "Burn All This Sh*t Down"

September 30, 2020 13:14 - 1 hour - 172 MB

The Sphinx Organization has celebrated and brought together Black and brown musicians for over two decades, but because of COVID, the organization's annual gala is going digital. This online event will include a performance of a work by composer Carlos Simon, who talks with Garrett about the gala, his music, and how he engages the issue of police brutality as an artist. Scott offers his opinion on the music of Alanis Morissette (and Beyoncé's cover of her most famous song), followed ...

Opus 67 - Kobayashi Maru

September 23, 2020 13:01 - 1 hour - 165 MB

When it comes to hosting radio, some things just can't be taught. WUOT-FM's Todd Steed talks about this, some of the challenges of working in management at a radio station, and what made Garrett the "right person" for his spot on the afternoon airwaves, despite his not having any radio experience at the time. Scott weighs in on how he deals with rude listeners, and Garrett takes a cue from Kanye West. Playlist: Nina Simone - "Mississippi Goddam" Ludwig van Beethoven - Symphony No....

Opus 66 - 24%

September 16, 2020 13:27 - 1 hour - 138 MB

Making music is the second most intimate thing that two people can do together. Garrett chats with Abe Hunter from the Lied Society about the intimacy of art song, and their upcoming collaboration of an audio-only broadcast that will include the premiere of a work written in honor of the late George Floyd. After the guys read their official statements following Garrett's termination from APM/MPR, Scott talks about some of his most intimate moments on stage, and they both explore musi...

Opus 65 - Teaching Joy

September 09, 2020 13:48 - 1 hour - 148 MB

Franklin Willis teaches elementary music in Nashville, but in his words, he's much more than a music teacher! He speaks with Garrett about teaching culture, teaching life skills, and teaching joy with hip-hop as the foundation. Scott continues to settle into old(er) age with "post-yacht rock", and with a new look! And Garrett responds to the allegation that white men and their music is being "erased" by diversity and equity initiatives. Playlist: The Mamas & The Papas - "Californ...

Opus 64 - Traptivities

September 02, 2020 13:57 - 1 hour - 192 MB

Tea Sierra's dedication to Blackness fueled their entry into orchestral music, their journey through earning an MIS in Urban Studies, and their decision to move up to Minnesota to continue the journey. Garrett and Tea talk about this, the importance of Trap Music, and why the "Wakanda industrial complex" won't save humanity. Scott honors the late Chadwick Boseman with a "then and now" look at Black Panther, and Garrett shares why he was taken off the air at his radio gig. Playlist:...

Opus 63 - Jenny

August 26, 2020 15:05 - 1 hour - 167 MB

Maya Stone believes that power comes from within - it's something that's grounded her over the course of her very dynamic music career. She chats with Garrett about this, her experiences as a bassoon professor in the world of collegiate academia, and her return home to New York. Scott honors Women's Equality Day by reflecting on the music of Sarah Vaughan, and Garrett gets honest about spiritual and emotional fatigue. Playlist: Monica - "Street Symphony" Sarah Vaughan - "They Can'...

Opus 62 - "Blue Shirt Girl"

August 19, 2020 13:15 - 1 hour - 179 MB

Christine Gangelhoff challenges the Euro-centric nature of "classical" music by promoting the work of not only Black composers, but Afro-Caribbean composers. She joins Garrett to talk about her experiences as a teacher and performer in the Bahamas, and the album, Tour de Force. Scott shares some of the contemporary classical music that he thinks can help deal with the day to day of 2020, and Garrett recounts one of his own experiences dealing with racism while teaching in the Bahamas...

Opus 61 - Brown Skin Girl

August 12, 2020 14:10 - 1 hour - 168 MB

Being Black is being a part of a very diverse community that exists both across time and around the globe. Garrett and Scott explore this idea with works by Beyoncé, William Grant Still, Victoria Monét, Cardi B/Megan Thee Stallion, and many others. Portia Dunkley shares her COVID-era experiences as a mother, teacher and business owner, and the guys talk about coping with current events/politics as "classical" music professionals. Playlist: Issam Rafea/Gao Hong - "Mother's Plea" Ma...

Opus 60 - Kalmyé

August 05, 2020 13:32 - 1 hour - 197 MB

When Anthony McGill took two knees, "classical music" institutions everywhere stopped. He talks with Garrett and Scott about what inspired him to create #TakeTwoKnees, and offers his opinions on the discussion of the audition screen. Scott shares his growing relationship with the music of DaBaby, and Garrett reminisces, with the help of some 90s R&B. Playlist: Kanye West feat. Travis Scott - Wash Us In The Blood Brandy - Sittin' Up In My Room Benjamin Britten - Diversions on a Them...

Opus 59 - "Manscaped"

July 29, 2020 14:00 - 1 hour - 173 MB

Juan Pablo Contreras is a composer who unapologetically celebrates the sounds of Mexico in his music, and with the help of New Music USA, he'll be doing even more of it, with a commission from the Las Vegas Philharmonic. He talks with Garrett about writing with a Mexican sound, and how orchestras can do more to engage America's Spanish-speaking communities. Scott unpacks some of his latest feelings about growing older, and Garrett draws on a quote by Nicki Minaj to remind people to r...

Opus 58 - The Strength of a Facade

July 22, 2020 16:08 - 1 hour - 184 MB

When the curtain or "screen" was introduced into the world of orchestral auditions, many hoped that this would result in more racially diverse orchestras. It hasn't yet proven to do so, but musicians like Adedeji Ogunfolu still swear by it. He tells Garrett why that is, and sheds light on how his challenges as a musician paved the way for another passion. Scott reacts to seeing "Django Unchained" for the first time, and Garrett reacts to the drama surrounding Nick Cannon. Episode P...

Opus 57 - A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Cancelled

July 15, 2020 13:05 - 1 hour - 84.7 MB

"Cancel culture" has rocked the world of social media for a while now, but a man named Paul Robeson was once cancelled by the US government in real life! Garrett chats with Cesare Civetta about the often overlooked legacy of Mr. Robeson, and Scott tackles the cognitive dissonance of being an ally while maintaining a position of power. Garrett and Scott also continue their closer look at so-called "country" music. ​ Episode Playlist: Kanye West - "Diamonds from Sierra Leone" Lady A ...

Opus 56 - The Honorable Violinist

July 08, 2020 13:04 - 1 hour - 161 MB

Did you know that Minister Louis Farrakhan is a violinist? After 42 years of focusing on his ministry, Mr. Farrakhan returned to the stage back in 1993, which marked the beginning of the all-Black Gateways Music Festival, and the continued conversations concerning his controversial persona. Garrett and Scott explore this with Amanda Cook from I Care If You Listen, and with Caroline Jones, who helped make that historic event possible. The guys also honor the late Ennio Morricone, and ...

Opus 55 - All American, All Black

July 01, 2020 16:30 - 1 hour - 169 MB

https://composersforum.org/education/nextnotes/ https://apnews.com/99f8b8a3eb3e84684445d2f65b108ed6 https://www.npr.org/sections/deceptivecadence/2020/06/26/883011513/someone-finally-remembered-william-dawsons-negro-folk-symphony ★ Support this podcast ★

Opus 54 - "My Ancestors' Wildest Dream"

June 24, 2020 16:30 - 1 hour - 157 MB

Sister Souljah on "good" white people: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5AIOi0imNY&t=200s Jennifer Koh: http://jenniferkoh.com/index.html Support Marvell Terry on Cash App ($marvellterry) or at AdrianDunn.com  ★ Support this podcast ★

BONUS - Extended Interview w/ Stephanie Matthews

June 17, 2020 17:00 - 58 minutes - 106 MB

As promised, here's Garrett's extended interview with the incomparable, Stephanie Matthews! Be sure to check out her work here at https://stringcandy.com.

Opus 53 - A Five Second Google Search

June 17, 2020 17:00 - 1 hour - 130 MB

https://www.doublereeddish.com https://stringcandy.com https://www.composerdiversity.com https://elizabethabaker.com https://www.pjmortonmusic.com ​https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/04/arts/music/sheku-kanneh-mason-cello.html ★ Support this podcast ★

Opus 52 - Birdcages, Brothels, and Some Hidden Treasure

June 10, 2020 17:00 - 1 hour - 161 MB

http://www.aliciawaller.com/ ★ Support this podcast ★

Opus 51 - Our Town

June 04, 2020 14:00 - 1 hour - 122 MB

https://www.change.org/p/mayor-jacob-frey-justice-for-george-floyd?source_location=discover_feed https://www.change.org/p/andy-beshear-justice-for-breonna-taylor?source_location=discover_feed ★ Support this podcast ★

Opus 50 - End of the Beginning

June 03, 2020 21:00 - 57 minutes - 131 MB

https://www.facebook.com/artsinactionokc/ https://www.symdesigninc.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Opus 49 - "High" Art

June 03, 2020 15:00 - 1 hour - 141 MB

https://www.leafly.com/news/health/cannabis-coronavirus-covid-19-facts http://www.johndelvento.net ★ Support this podcast ★

Opus 48 - Brown vs. Classical Music

June 03, 2020 14:00 - 58 minutes - 107 MB

https://diverseeducation.com/article/145528/ https://medium.com/@maestrobkb/black-people-dont-like-talking-about-racism-62c2532ae6f2 https://composersforum.org/acf-response-to-covid-19/ ★ Support this podcast ★

Opus 47 - Brown vs. Brown

June 03, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 141 MB

https://www.providencejournal.com/news/20190512/brown-university-music-director-claims-racial-bias-in-2017-firing https://brandonkeithbrown.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Opus 46 - A Little Less Beethoven

June 02, 2020 19:00 - 54 minutes - 124 MB

https://www.composerdiversity.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Opus 45 - Privileged

June 02, 2020 18:00 - 57 minutes - 53 MB

According to musician and arts administrator Janis Lane-Ewart, the best way to keep the spirit of Women’s History Month alive year-round is by sparking a sense of curiosity about ALL the women in your life. In this opus, she chats with Garrett about her experiences in music to conclude Trilloquy’s look at Women’s History. Garrett and Scott also offer a few of their Women’s History Month stand-outs, and they conclude the opus with a Janis-dedicated performance by pianist Lara Downes....

Opus 44 - Sex, Drugs, and Social Distancing

June 02, 2020 16:00 - 58 minutes - 135 MB

https://www.facebook.com/donate/1080011789032749/10157957178360629/ https://www.joannesukumaran.com https://www.amazon.com/Mozart-Jungle-Season-1/dp/B00I3MNGCG ★ Support this podcast ★

Opus 43 - Metal!

June 02, 2020 15:00 - 56 minutes - 129 MB

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/why-sister-rosetta-tharpe-belongs-in-the-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-123738/ https://memphissymphony.org https://www.kalenabovell.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Opus 42 - (Still) Classically Black

June 02, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 193 MB

In February 2019, Garrett recorded his very first Trilloquy conversation with Katie Brown and Dalanie Harris, hosts of the “Classically Black” podcast. The two return in this opus to chat with Garrett and Scott about the benefits and challenges of hosting a classical music podcast, and they offer their perspectives on real solutions to classical music’s lack of diversity. ​Episode Playlist Dobrinka Tabakova – Concerto for Cello and Strings Jessie Montgomery – Starburst Anna S. Thor...

Opus 41 - Off the Page

June 01, 2020 23:00 - 1 hour - 184 MB

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lfz1QCQCu18 ★ Support this podcast ★

Opus 40 - Mother King

June 01, 2020 21:00 - 58 minutes - 134 MB

Composer Dameun Strange’s Mother King tells the story of Alberta Williams King, who was murdered in her church six years after the assassination of her son, Martin Luther King Jr. In this opus, Dameun sits with Garrett to discuss his background in community activism and the origins of his opera. deVon Russell Gray and Sarah M. Greer conclude the opus with a performance of Dameun’s composition Dream Variations. ​ Episode Playlist George Frideric Handel – “And He Shall Purify” (from M...

Opus 39 - Close Enough for Jazz

June 01, 2020 15:00 - 1 hour - 141 MB

http://www.jazz88.fm/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LG_KXiOOJIo&t=4s https://apollosfire.org/ https://www.facebook.com/artaccordinglypodcast/ https://www.sphinxmusic.org/exigence-vocal-ensemble/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJozw6BTMDY&t=916s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Oo8RhnkNkw&t=5914s ★ Support this podcast ★

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