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Artwork for Countermelody

Countermelody

DANIEL GUNDLACH
Opera
Music
Johann Sebastian Bach
Black History Month
Verdi
Classical Music
Mozart
Richard Strauss
Schubert
Benjamin Luxon
Renata Scotto
Franz Schubert
Leontyne Price
Baroque Music
Ina Souez
Grace Bumbry
Elly Ameling
Metropolitan Opera
Roberta Alexander
Bach

Countermelody devoted to the glories of the human voice raised in song.

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes465Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
MusicMusic Commentary

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Artwork for Countermelody

Latest Episodes

Today’s episode goes back three and a half years to two artists whom I had recently featured on back-to-back Countermelody episodes: Anna Moffo and Nicolai Gedda. In the case of each of these singers, I entered the ring with a not-altogether-positive... more

I’ve decided to make it Tenor Week here on Countermelody. Earlier this week, we heard Charles Kullman in a smattering of live and studio recordings. Back in November, as I was collating material for the arie antiche episode, which featured more than ... more

I’ve had a real urge lately to revisit the voices and careers of some of my favorite tenors. So today I bring you the exceptional American artist Charles Kullman (1903 – 1983). The early years of his career were spent primarily in Berlin and Vienna, ... more

I recently obtained a copy of the rare pirate recording entitled “Bubbles on the Nile (and Other Rare Phenomena): Familiar Divas in Unfamiliar Repertoire.” It foregrounds 13 favorite twentieth-century divas singing roles with which they were not comm... more

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Recent Guests

Margaret Harshaugh
Mezzo-soprano turned teacher, quoted in the Pearl of Wisdom segment
Episode: Episode 463. Arie antiche, Gigli Edition
Steven Blier
National treasure pianist, co-founder of Nyfos
New York Festival of Song (Nyfos)
Episode: Episode 458. From Ear to Ear: A Conversation with Steven Blier
Norman Bailey
Bass-baritone, prominent in the Lied/Heldenbariton repertoire
Self-described performer featured in the episode
Episode: Episode 451. Norman Bailey Sings Three Song Cycles
John Constable
Pianist, frequent collaborator with Bailey
Musician accompanying Bailey in recordings mentioned
Episode: Episode 451. Norman Bailey Sings Three Song Cycles
Andrew Gray
Alaska State House Representative and former voice student of Daniel Gundlach
Alaska State House of Representatives
Episode: Episode 427. Representative Andrew Gray [AK] (Countermelody Conversations)
Sir Geraint Llewellyn Evans
Welsh bass baritone noted for his operatic roles including Figaro and Papageno.
Episode: Episode 413. Get to Know Geraint Evans
Anna Reynolds
Renowned British mezzo-soprano, known for her works in both Bach and Mahler.
Episode: Episode 397. Anna Reynolds Sings Bach and Mahler
Shannon Bolin
Quintessential Broadway contralto known for her rich, warm sound and roles in major productions.
Episode: Episode 396. Meet Shannon Bolin
August Ventura
Passionate about traditional opera, he explores its role in social change and promotes Verdi's legacy.
Episode: Episode 371. Margherita Roberti @ 100 (with August Ventura)

Host

Daniel Gundlach
Host of Countermelody

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 64 ratings
  • A Guide in Awe

    I love this podcast! First, Daniel Gundlach is a compelling and humble guide in Awe of the power of the human voice. The episodes are rich and detailed and I have sought out many of the recordings he has played to add to my own vinyl collection. Thank you!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Trevor Parker Oak Park, IL
    United Statesa year ago
  • Best opera podcast around

    This guy is real deal. His knowledge of and passion for classical singers and singing is virtually unsurpassed in the world of podcasts, and I say that as someone who is a bit of an opera aficionado myself. Check it out. You won’t be disappointed.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    mrguy1804
    Germany2 years ago
  • So fun to listen to!

    A wonderful, informative, podcast by a brilliant fan and musician himself—fun to listen to!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    singingfoolery
    United States3 years ago
  • Renewed my passion for great singing

    I have discovered so many wonderful singers thanks to Daniel Gundlach’s vast knowledge of the vocal arts and the generations of performers who have made their mark on the repertoire. I often think to myself, “How have I never heard this singer before?”. Always enjoyable, interesting, and inspiring. What did we do before “Countermelody”?

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    parissoprano
    France4 years ago
  • Wonderful episodes

    Absolutely five stars!! We love all of the Countermelody episodes which are put together by Daniel Gundlach with his tremendous knowledge of singing and singers and his boundless enthusiasm and generosity in sharing this wonderful world with us. So enlightening. Thank you, Daniel.

    Lewis G.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Prado lover
    United States4 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners praise the host's deep knowledge and engaging storytelling.
Fans highlight the curated listening and archival insights as a standout feature.
Many appreciate the respectful exploration of diverse vocal traditions and historic figures.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 427. Representative Andrew Gray [AK] (Countermelody Conversations)
Q: What role has music played in your life?
Andrew explains that music was a significant influence from a young age and reflects on early experiences that shaped his understanding of performance.
Episode 427. Representative Andrew Gray [AK] (Countermelody Conversations)
Q: Can you give us like a thumbnail version of your life?
Andrew shares that he was born and raised in Texas, became involved in musical theater, transitioned to studying vocal performance, and eventually shifted to politics after finding his voice there.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Countermelody

What is Countermelody about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A deep-dive music podcast that centers on the human voice, spanning opera, lieder, and historic vocalists. Listeners are treated to curated listening sessions, archival clips, and storytelling that connects performers across eras with broader cultural themes. Episodes frequently highlight bel canto technique, dramatic interpretation, and the social histories surrounding artists, from Black history to cross-continental careers. A standout quality is the host's encyclopedic knowledge and storytelling ability, often weaving anecdotes with performance notes to illuminate vocal artistry. The show's niche but richly informed approach makes it a strong fit for listeners who crave depth, context, and curated listening experiences around classical a... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Countermelody?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Countermelody:

1. Real Time with Bill Maher
2. Bad Gays
3. The New Yorker Radio Hour
4. Radio Atlantic
5. Pod Save America

How many episodes of Countermelody are there?

Countermelody launched 7 years ago and published 465 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Countermelody?

Recent guests on Countermelody include:

1. Margaret Harshaugh
2. Steven Blier
3. Norman Bailey
4. John Constable
5. Andrew Gray
6. Sir Geraint Llewellyn Evans
7. Anna Reynolds
8. Shannon Bolin

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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