Is our musical culture facing an existential threat? With ever smaller numbers of young people learning instruments, the gradual erasing of music from state education and years of declining funding, things may be worse than you think. Sound World investigates the state of music today and looks at what we can do to safeguard it for future generations.
This episode of A land without music? is about the extraordinary effect that the arts and music in particular can have on our physical and mental health. We hear from Daisy Fancourt, professor of Psychobiology and epidemiology at University College London and director of the WHO collaborating centre on arts and health.
Daisy has devoted her career to studying the intersection of art and health, becoming a world leading expert on how music affects both our minds and our bodies. Here, she describes these processes and presents incontrovertible evidence regarding the importance of music to us as individuals and to society as a whole.
Written and presented by Julian Leeks.Produced by Sound World
Music
The Grace of Silence by Evelyn Glennie (performed by Harriet Riley and Paul Israel). Listen on Apple Music or Spotify
In The Steps of Apollo by Julian Leeks (performed by Zelkova String Quartet).Listen here.
Beehive by Julian Leeks (Note Performer demo version recorded for our sponsors)
For more info about Sound World visit sound-world.org
2 Sept 2025
The Jörg Widmann Interview: Part 2
A land without music? Episode 22
This episode of A land without music? is the second part of our interview with composer, clarinetist, conductor and all round force of nature, Jörg Widmann.
Written and presented by Julian LeeksProduced by Sound World
Music
Fantasie by Jörg Widmann. Listen on Apple Music or Spotify
In The Steps of Apollo by Julian Leeks (performed by Zelkova String Quartet).Listen here.
Beehive by Julian Leeks (Note Performer demo version recorded for our sponsors)
For more info about Sound World visit sound-world.org
25 Aug 2025
The Jörg Widmann Interview: Part 1
A land without music? Episode 21
This episode of A land without music? is the first of a 2 part interview with composer, clarinetist and conductor Jörg Widmann.
As a composer, his music ranges from tonal works openly referencing the greats of the past such as Mozart and Schumann, to wild, pitchless celebrations of sound and rhythm. He's also in great demand as a wonderfully virtuosic performer and as a lively and engaging conductor.
At the time of the interview he was composer in residence with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and on the day it was recorded he'd been up working on a commission for them from 6am. He then spent a full day conducting a rehearsal with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, before returning to the commission for more composing.
Eventually, Jörg sat down with Julian for the interview and was enthusiastic, bright and brimming with energy throughout. And he gave us far more time than had actually been agreed.
He is a genuine force of nature.
Who has been a guest on A land without music?
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Jess Gillam
Dame Evelyn Glennie
Sadie Harrison
Evelyn Glennie
Sally Beamish
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 10 / 100
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Quality
21
Social presence
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YouTube
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Engagement
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