Music – Past & Present Podcasts
Colonial Williamsburg: Past and Present brings you new perspectives from the Revolutionary War era. American history is explored in interviews with historic interpreters, tradesmen, musicians, historians, curators, authors, archaeologists, and more.
Episodes
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The Organized Piano
John Watson, Curator of Musical Instruments and Conservator of Instruments, discusses the Foundation’s organized piano, which first belonged to the St. George Tucker family.
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The Sound of Battle: CW’s Fifes and Drums
The piercing fife, the thundering drum: both can be heard over the din of battle, making them a crucial means of communication for commands like parley, cease fire, and retreat. How does this combination work?
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Through the Ranks
A new web features follows an entering class of Fifers and Drummers on their journey through the ranks.
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The Early Music Festival: From England to America
The 2014 Early Music Festival promises to be a lively one. With instruments, scores, and performances of an 18th-century vintage, you’ll be surrounded by the sounds of another century. Enjoy this musical preview featuring Jane Hanson and Michael Monaco from the opera “Thomas and Sally.”
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Who’s that Marching Man?
For Drum Major Lance Pedigo, leading comes naturally. All year round and at any time of day, chances are good that you’ll see him marching at the front of the Fifes and Drums, keeping time and metering the pace of the corps of young men and women who make the music of history ring through […]
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Crystal Carols
Christmas tunes reverberate from an instrument you’ve probably never heard before. Hear Dean Shostak play Ben Franklin’s invention: the glass armonica.
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Fifes and Drums: The Music
Members of the Senior Corps of the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums play the tunes that directed a soldier through his day, from morning’s first light to the night’s last ale.
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Fifes and Drums: The Instruments
Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums introduces the instruments designed to be heard under cannon fire and over musket volleys. Learn the history of their distinctive sound with Amy Miller and members of the Senior Fife and Drum Corps.
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Music for Christmas
The Governor’s Musick is Colonial Williamsburg’s resident 18th-century musical ensemble. Jane Hanson, Herb Watson, Jenny Edenborn and Wayne Moss perform.
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Civil War Christmas
Christmases during the Civil War were marked with equal parts of sadness and hope. “Uncivil Christmas,” a Williamsburg music program, captures the mood in songs of the period. Carson Hudson narrates this musical podcast.
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First Do No Harm
Restoration presents a paradox when repairing old instruments could mean erasing their stories. Conservator John Watson walks the fine line.
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Harpsichord Maker
Harpsichord maker Ed Wright prizes the instrument for its bright, crystalline sound and unique mechanics.
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Organist Peter Pelham
Organist Michael Monaco coaxes the sound of the 1700s from an 18th century organ in William and Mary’s Wren Chapel.
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Making History Live
Relating the daily lives of America’s ancestors is the product of research and performance. Performer Kat Getward shares the part that music plays in the EFT “Making History Live.”
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Fifes and Drums at 50
A new documentary reflects on five decades of Fifes and Drums. Director Mike Durling talks about building a film that looks through the years and across the country.
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An Irish Christmas
In clear voice and high spirits, Kelly Kennedy sings Irish Christmas melodies.
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Drummers Call
The noble tradition of the fifes and drums is celebrated May 18-20 during Drummers Call.
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Music Suited to a Lady
Colonial ladies played instruments that showed their graceful features to the best advantage, and they never showed their elbows. Music Interpreter Jane Hanson explains.
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Christmas Hymns You Thought You Knew
Colonial Williamsburg musician John Turner explains the origins of America’s beloved Christmas hymns.
About this show
Colonial Williamsburg: Past and Present brings you new perspectives from the Revolutionary War era. American history is explored in interviews with historic interpreters, tradesmen, musicians, historians, curators, authors, archaeologists, and more.