The Essay Episodes Available now
Vocal variety—In Voice
Tenor Nicky Spence explores what shapes the unique sounds of voices around the world.
Inside the larynx—In Voice
Nicky Spence explores the remarkable anatomy and mechanics that transform breath into song
The Sound of Skin and Sinew—The Dawn of Music
How did the farming of animals change our music making? Dr Brenna Hassett digs deeper.
Clammers of Clay—The Dawn of Music
How did the invention of clay change our musical instruments? Brenna Hassett digs deeper.
Echoes of Stone and Bone—The Dawn of Music
Brenna Hassett unearths our musical origins. Today, she's digging up some hard evidence.
Whispers of Wood—The Dawn of Music
When did we learn to make music from plants? Brenna Hassett unearths our musical origins.
A Secret Chord—The Dawn of Music
When did we, as a species, start to sing? Dr Brenna Hassett unearths our musical origins.
The Squirrel Cuckoo, Leena Lee—Call of the Wild
Artist and field recordist Leena Lee learns from squirrel cuckoos of the Lacandon jungle.
The Seal, Hanna Tuulikki—Call of the Wild
Artist and composer Hanna Tuulikki looks at grief and the seal’s lament.
The Cat Frog, Lechuga Zafiro—Call of the Wild
DJ and musician Lechuga Zafiro finds new dance beats in the cat frog.
