Mark your calendars for Sunday, February 15, 2026, because you won’t want to miss this unique blend of sounds and thoughts that’ll transport you to another world. But here’s where it gets tricky: to dive into RTÉ.ie’s radio and podcast treasures, you’ll need to pause any ad blockers or give this site a VIP pass on your whitelist. Why? Because great content often comes with a few strings attached—literally and figuratively.
Episode Notes:
Imagine a Sunday afternoon where music and musings intertwine seamlessly. This episode is a carefully curated journey, starting with the breezy guitar melodies of Chet Atkins in Over the Waves, then sailing into the classical waters of Hornpipe from Water Music Suite in D by the Academy of St Martin in the Fields. But this is the part most people miss: the transition from the oceanic piano piece A Boat on the Ocean by Vlado Perlemuter to the traditional Irish charm of Báidín Fheidhlimí by Emmett Spiceland. It’s a cultural mashup that’ll leave you wondering how these pieces fit together so perfectly.
Controversial Take Alert: Is traditional music losing its place in modern playlists? Sean Ó Riada’s Sí Beag, Sí Mor on the piano might make you question whether we’re preserving our roots or letting them fade. And let’s not forget Una Hunt’s Bank Holiday, a piece that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new. But here’s the real question: Can classical and traditional music coexist in a world dominated by pop and digital beats? We think so—but what’s your take?
Episode Playlist:
1. Over the Waves – Chet Atkins (Guitar)
2. Hornpipe From Water Music Suite In D – Academy of St Martin in The Fields
3. A Boat On the Ocean – Vlado Perlemuter (Piano)
4. Báidín Fheidhlimí – Emmett Spiceland
5. Sí Beag, Sí Mor – Sean Ó Riada (Piano)
6. Bank Holiday – Una Hunt (Piano)
This playlist isn’t just a collection of songs—it’s a conversation starter. So, hit play, let the music wash over you, and then drop a comment below. Do you think traditional and classical music still have a place in today’s fast-paced world? Or is it time to make room for something entirely new? Let’s debate!