Mark your calendars for Sunday, February 8, 2026, because you won’t want to miss this! To dive into the rich world of RTÉ.ie’s radio and podcast services, just remember to disable any ad-blocking extensions or whitelist the site—it’s a small step for seamless listening. And this is the part most people miss: the treasure trove of new writing from Miscellany50: The Archives, a special series celebrating 50 years of Sunday Miscellany. This episode zeroes in on the timeless theme of 'home life,' offering a nostalgic yet thought-provoking journey through the past.
Here’s where it gets fascinating: the lineup includes pieces like Buildings by Maurice Craig (1974), a reflection on the structures that shape our lives, and The Trash Trap by Treasa Brogan (1996), a bold commentary on consumerism that still feels eerily relevant today. The Windfall by Bill Hammond (1998) and Making a Fiery Impression by Mary Arrigan (1997) add layers of humor and warmth, while Dialann mo Mháthair by Fachtna Ó Drisceoil (2006) and Changing Times by Tommy Sands (2008) explore the intimate and universal aspects of family and change. Elaine Sisson’s Bed (2004) rounds out the collection with a poignant look at the heart of every home.
But here’s where it gets controversial: How do these pieces from different decades reflect our evolving understanding of 'home'? Do Craig’s observations on architecture still hold up in an age of modern design, or has our relationship with space fundamentally shifted? And Brogan’s critique of waste—is it a call to action we’ve ignored, or a problem we’ve outgrown? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
The musical selections are just as captivating, blending classical and contemporary pieces to create a rich auditory backdrop. From Alfred Brendel’s soulful rendition of Haydn’s Piano Sonata in E Minor to the lively Allegro from Vivaldi’s Concerto in C for Mandolin and Strings performed by the Zagreb Soloists, each track complements the written works beautifully. The Alexander Brothers’ The Dark Island and Robert Lockhart’s Lionboy add a touch of folk charm, while The Helsinki Strings’ Rigaudon from Grieg’s Holberg Suite brings a timeless elegance.
Here’s the full musical lineup for your reference:
- Piano Sonata in E Minor by Haydn, performed by Alfred Brendel
- Sonata from Serenade for Guitar by Lou Harrison, performed by John Schneider
- Allegro from Concerto in C for Mandolin and Strings by Vivaldi, performed by the Zagreb Soloists
- Rigaudon from the Holberg Suite by Grieg, played by The Helsinki Strings
- The Dark Island by The Alexander Brothers
- Lionboy by Robert Lockhart
This episode isn’t just a trip down memory lane—it’s a conversation starter. What does 'home' mean to you? Has it changed over the years? Share your reflections below, and let’s keep the dialogue going!
