Composer of the Week

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BBC Radio 3's Composer Of The Week is a guide to composers and their music. The podcast is compiled from the week's programmes and published on Friday, it is only available in the UK.

BBC Radio 3


    • May 30, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 5m AVG DURATION
    • 628 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Composer of the Week

    Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 56:53


    Donald Macleod explores Beethoven's endeavours to become the guardian of his brother's son Karl - a relationship which from the start was built upon rocky foundations.Music Featured: Allegro and Minuet, WoO 26 (Excerpt) Symphony No 3 ‘Eroica' (Scherzo. Allegro vivace) Leonore Prohaska, WoO 96 (Funeral March) Piano Sonata No 28 in A, Op 101 Sehnsucht, WoO 146 Das Geheimnis, WoO 145 Der Mann von Wort, Op 99 Symphony No 7 in A, Op 92 (Allegretto) Music, Love and Wine, Op 108 No 1 Behold my love how green the groves, Op 108 No 9 Symphony No 8 in F, Op 93 (Allegro vivace) Piano Sonata No 29 in B flat, Op 106 ‘Hammerklavier' (Allegro) String Quintet in C minor, Op 104 (Allegro con brio) Missa Solemnis in D, Op 123 (Agnus Dei) Minuet, WoO17 (Mödlinger Tänze, No 2) Piano Sonata No 30 in E, Op 109 (Prestissimo) Symphony No 9 in D minor, Op 125 ‘Choral' (Excerpt) Resignation, WoO 149 Abendlied Unterm Gestirnten Himmel, WoO150 Piano Sonata No 31 in A flat, Op 110 Bagatelle No 2, Op 126 (Allegro) Der Kuss, Op 128 Missa Solemnis in D, Op 123 (Gloria) Symphony No 9 in D minor, Op 125 ‘Choral' (Scherzo) String Quartet No 12 in E flat, Op 127 (excerpt) Waltz in E flat, WoO 85 Tremate, empi, tremate, Op 116 String Quartet No 15 in A minor, Op 132 (Molto adagio) Elegischer Gesang ‘Sanft wie du lebtest‘, Op 118 Piano Sonata No 12 in A flat, Op 26 (Marche Funebre)Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Luke Whitlock for BBC Audio Wales & WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002cbw3And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Leos Janacek (1854-1928)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 64:14


    Kate Molleson explores the maverick spirit, fierce passions and phenomenal twilight years of Leoš JanáčekLeoš Janáček was a true Czech original. He heard music in the way people talk on the streets, loved the local and made it universal - pouring his “speech melodies” into pioneering, devastating operas, and writing some of the most intimate confessionals in instrumental music. His life also came with a major plot twist – after years of toiling away unappreciated, he suddenly found fame in his 60s. Instead of winding down, Janáček revved up. This week, Kate Molleson explores his maverick spirit, his fierce passions, and the phenomenal flood of inspiration of his twilight years.Music Featured:Sinfonietta (Fanfare) The Wild Duck In the Mists (2nd mvt, Molto adagio) The Fiddler's Child Songs of Hradčany (The Weeping Fountain) Jenůfa, Act II (Jenůfa's Prayer) Moravian Folk Poetry in Song, JW V/2 (No 2, Constancy) On the Overgrown Path (Our Evenings; A Blown Away Leaf) Diary of One Who Disappeared (Nos 19-22) Katya Kabanova: Act II Scene 2 "Jste to vy, Katěrino Petrovno?"…."Choď si, dívka, do času" The Cunning Little Vixen Act II “Fox Goldenstripe…..That's how it is!” Quartet No 1 ‘Kreutzer Sonata' (1st & 2nd mvts) March of the Blue Birds Říkadla - Nursery Rhymes (excerpt) Lachian Dances (Nos 3-6) Mládí On the Overgrown Path (No 9, In Tears) Pohádka – Fairytale Glagolitic Mass (Intrada) The Excursions of Mr Broucek Suite (The Moon Waltz) 1905 Sonata Capriccio (2nd & 3rd mvt) Glagolitic Mass (excerpt) Moravian Love Songs (No 10 ‘Love') Intimate Sketches (Waiting for You!) From the House of the Dead Suite (3rd mvt, Holiday is Coming) Quartet No 2 ‘Intimate Letters' On the Overgrown Path (No 7, Good Night)Presented by Kate Molleson Produced by Amelia Parker for BBC Audio Wales & WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Leos Janacek (1854-1928) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002c0h9And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Max Bruch (1839-1920)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 69:46


    Donald Macleod colours in Bruch's life story and reveals the breadth of his output“Only true melody outlasts all changes and shifts of time” – so said this week's composer, Max Bruch, the creator of what may be the world's best-loved violin concerto. But Bruch would hate us to think of him as a one hit wonder. He even came to resent the very sound of his first Violin concerto, the only piece by which he's often remembered. This week, Donald Macleod colours in Bruch's life story and reveals the breadth of his output, including some of his lesser-heard music.Music Featured: Frühlingslied, Op 7 No 5 (arr. for violin and piano) Septet, Op Posth (3rd mvt, Scherzo) Klavierstücke, Op 12 (excerpt) Piano Trio, Op 5 Die Loreley Overture String Quartet No 2 in E major, Op 10 (1st mvt, Allegro maestoso) Swedish Dances (No 10, Frisch, nicht zu schnell) Musicaklang, Op 71 No 5 Symphony No 1 (5th mvt, Finale) Schön Ellen, Op 24 Violin Concerto No 1 in G minor 12 Scottish Folksongs (No 2, Johnie und Jenny) Songs, Op 49 No 4 – Serenade Piano Quintet in G minor (3rd & 4th mvts) Gruss an die Heilige Nacht (Greeting to the Holy Night) Kol Nidrei Scottish Fantasy for violin and orchestra (4th mvt, Allegro guerriero) 8 Pieces for Clarinet, viola and piano, Op 83 No 2 In der Nacht, Op 72 4 Pieces, Op 70 (No 1, Aria) Concerto for Two Pianos (4th mvt) Double Concerto for clarinet and viola Sommerlust im Walde, Op 71 No 1 String Quartet No 1 (3rd mvt) Das Lied von der Glocke (final movements) Odysseus Prelude In Memoriam, Op 65Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Amelia Parker for BBC Audio Wales & WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Max Bruch (1839-1920) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002br0dAnd you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Edward Elgar (1857-1934)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 71:06


    Donald Macleod delves into some of Edward Elgar's greatest passions.Edward Elgar was a man of many passions, from cycling to chemistry. This week, Donald Macleod explores five Elgar's greatest passions. Music Featured: Pomp and Circumstance March No 1 Caractacus, Op 35 (Scene 3, excerpt) Pomp and Circumstance March No 3 in C minor The Spirit of England, Op. 80 (No 3, For the Fallen) Coronation Ode, Op 44 (Crown the King) Salut D'Amour, Op 12 The Wind at Dawn 2 Partsongs, Op 26 (No 2, Fly, Singing Bird) String Quartet in E minor, Op 83 (2nd mvt) Cello Concerto in E minor, Op 85 Ave Verum Corpus, Op 2, No 1 The Dream of Gerontius, Op 38 (excerpt from Part 2) The Apostles, Op 49 (excerpt from Part 1) The Kingdom, Op 51 (Prelude) Te Deum, Op 34 No 1 Enigma Variations, Op 36 Violin Concerto in B minor, Op 61 (2nd mvt) Carissima Five Part-songs from The Greek Anthology, Op 45 Sea Pictures, Op 37 (No 2, In Haven) Introduction & Allegro for strings, Op 47 Land of Hope and Glory Symphony No 1 in A flat major, Op 55 (4th mvt)Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Alice McKee for BBC Audio Wales & WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Edward Elgar (1857-1934) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002bw86 And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Elisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre (1665-1729)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 63:34


    Kate Molleson explores the extraordinary life and music of Elisabeth Jacquet de La GuerreElisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre (1665-1729) was a pioneer in the history of music, one of the first to bring sonatas and cantatas into the French repertoire, and the first woman in France to compose a performed opera. She explored and pushed further the possibilities of musical composition, as well as writing some of the most beautiful pieces of the Baroque era. She worked under the patronage of the most powerful figures of this Grand Siècle that saw the absolute reign of Louis XIV and the construction of his dreamed Versailles. And yet, there are still many elements of mystery and unknown in this composer's story. Kate Molleson invites you to (re)discover the extraordinary adventures of a gifted musician, with a soupçon of French flair and lots of gorgeous music.Music Featured: Harpsichord Suite in G major L'Isle de Délos ["The Island of Delos"] Harpsichord Suite in G minor Le Passage de la Mer Rouge ["The Crossing of the Red Sea"] Sonata No 1 in D minor Les Rossignols, dès que le Jour Commence Harpsichord Suite in D minor Sonata No 5 in A minor Sémélé ["Semele"] Harpsichord Suite in A minor Sonata No 2 in D major Sonata No 1 in G minor (transcribed for organ) Céphale et Procris ["Cephalus and Procris"] Harpsichord Suite in F major Sonata in D major Jacob et Rachel Harpsichord Suite in D minor Suite in G major Sonata No. 3 in F major Jonas Judith Le Sommeil d'Ulysse ["Ulysses' Sleep"] ( Le Raccomodement Comique de Pierrot et de Nicole Trio Sonata in G minor Air à boire La Provençale: 'Entre nous mes chers amis' ["Between us, dear friends'"]Presented by Kate Molleson Produced by Julien Rosa for BBC Audio Wales & WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Elisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre (1665-1729) nhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002b676 And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Mozart's Last Years

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 68:08


    This week, Donald Macleod charts the highs and lows of the composer's last five years, from veneration to humiliation and back again. We hear how Mozart coped with all that life threw at him and somehow managed to compose many of the works he's most loved for today.Music featured:Requiem Ein musikalischer Spass (4th mvt, Presto) Symphony No 38 “Prague” (3rd mvt, Presto) Canon: Ach zu kurz ist unsers Lebenslauf String Quintet in G minor, K515 (2nd mvt. Adagio, arr. for piano) Serenade in G, K525 "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" (1st and 2nd mvts) Don Giovanni, Act I, Madamina (Catalogue aria) Contredance in C major “La Bataille” Symphony No 40 (3rd mvt, Menuetto) Divertimento in E flat major, K 563 (1st mvt, Allegro) Piano Sonata No 16 in C major, K545 “Facile” (2nd mvt, Andante) Symphony No 41 “Jupiter” (1st and 2nd mvts) Kleine Gigue in G minor, K574 Vado, ma dove? Oh dei! K583 Piano Concerto No 26 "Coronation" (2nd mvt) Cosi fan tutte, Act 1, Un' aura amorosa “Prussian” String Quartet No 1 in D, K575 (2nd mvt) Clarinet Quintet in A, K581 (1st and 2nd mvts) Cosi fan tutte Overture Cosi fan tutte, Act II, Una donna Adagio and Allegro in F minor (originally for organ), K594 String Quintet in D, K593 (1st and 2nd mvts) La clemenza di Tito (Marcia) The Magic Flute Overture Piano Concerto in B flat, K595 (2nd mvt, Largo) Ave verum corpus, K618 Adagio for Glass Harmonica, K617a The Magic Flute, Act II, Scene 5, Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen Clarinet Concerto in A, K622 (1st mvt)Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Amelia Parker for BBC Audio Wales & WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Mozart's Last Years https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0029psw And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Carl Nielsen (1865-1931)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 70:10


    Donald Macleod explores Danish composer, Carl Nielsen, through his temperaments Carl Nielsen (1865-1931) is probably the most eminent Danish composer. Known mainly for his talent as a symphonist and for his incidental music for 'Aladdin', he also pushed the boundaries of Romantic music, whether in his work on the voice or his exploration of dissonance. Born in the fairy tale-looking island of Fyn, his music is indeed full of characters: Nielsen was fascinated by the multiplicity of human emotions and personalities. To the extent that they frequently were the source of his musical creativity. After all, he was himself a passionate character, something that transpires in his very scores, in which the composer often hides behind the music. This week, inspired by his second and fourth symphonies, Donald Macleod invites you to discover Carl Nielsen's story through the prism of five different aspects of his temperament.Music Featured: Saul og David (Prelude to Act II) Symphony No 2, Op 16, FS29 ‘The Four Temperaments' Fynsk Forar, Op 42 (excerpt) Polka in A major, FS1 Little Suite for strings in A minor, Op 1 (3rd mvt) Aladdin Suite, Op 34 (excerpt) Søvnen, Op 18 String Quartet in D Minor, FS 3d (3rd mvt) Saga-Drøm, Op 39, FS 46 Concerto for Flute and Orchestra, FS 119 (1st mvt) The Heavens darken, vast and silent, FS 106 Dream about ‘Silent Night', FS 34 Farewell, my respectable native town! String Quartet No 1 in G minor, Op 13, FS 4 (excerpt) Humoresque Bagatelles Moderen [The Mother], Op 41 (No 2, Tågen letter “The Fog is Lifting”) String Quartet No 2 in F minor, Op 5 (excerpt) Romance in D major for violin and piano Hymnus amoris [Hymn of Love] for soloists, choir and orchestra, Op 12 (No 4, Old Age) Three Motets (No 3, Benedictus Dominus) 5 Songs, FS 12 (No 4, Irmelin Rose) Piano Suite "The Luciferan", FS 91, Op 45 (excerpt) String Quartet No 3 in E-flat major, FS 23, Op 14 (excerpt) Symphony No 3, Op 27, FS 60 "Sinfonia espansiva" (3rd mvt) Maskarade, FS 39, Act III (excerpt) Symphonic Suite for Piano, Op 8, FS 19 (4th mvt, Finale) Stophic Songs, FS 42, Vol 2, No 1, "Saenk kun dit hoved, du blomst" The Spider's Song Jens Vejmand (arr. Finn Savery) Helios, Op 17, FS 32 Violin Concerto, Op 33, FS 61 (Preludium) Symphony No 6 "Sinfonia semplice", FS 116 (4th mvt, Tema con variazioni) Symphony No 4 "The Inextinguishable", Op 29, FS 76 (4th mvt)Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Julien Rosa for BBC Audio Wales & WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Carl Nielsen (1865-1931) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0029j16 And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Gustav Mahler (1860-1911)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 71:39


    Kate Molleson navigates through the personal and professional struggles of Gustav Mahler Gustav Mahler: brilliant, fiery and tyrannical – leader of some the most prestigious musical institutions of his era – fought battles his whole life. He clashed with his colleagues, scrapped with critics and wrestled endlessly with his own desires and ambitions. This week, Kate Molleson navigates us through his many personal and professional struggles, and follows Mahler to the countryside hideaways where he sought (not always successfully) to escape the drama of his everyday life. Here, among the lakes and mountains, Mahler also found space to compose and he poured the whole world into his music in all its ugliness, mundanity and transcendent beauty.Music Featured:Symphony No 3 (excerpts) Symphony No 1 (excerpts) Symphony No 2 (excerpts) by Bernard Haitink Des Knaben Wunderhorn (Lob des hohen Verstandes) Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen Symphony No 4 (excerpts) Symphony No 5 (excerpts) Symphony No 6 (excerpts) Symphony No 7 (excerpts) Kindertotenlieder (No 3, Wenn dein Mütterlein) Symphony No 8 "Symphony of a Thousand" (excerpts) Das Lied von der Erde (No 2, Der Einsame in Herbst) Symphony No 9 (excerpts) Das Lied von der Erde (No 4, Von der Schonheit) Symphony No 10 (ed. Deryck Cooke (excerpt)Presented by Kate Molleson Produced by Chris Taylor for BBC Audio Wales and WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00291fhAnd you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Ruth Crawford Seeger (1901-1953)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 101:19


    Between new sounds and old songs, Kate Molleson shares the story of Ruth Crawford-SeegerRuth Crawford Seeger (1901-1953) had multiple lives. As Ruth, she was an aspiring poet and teacher, who longed to become a mother. Crawford the composer wrote some of the most daring pages of 20th-century American music, granting her a place among the group of the 'Ultra-Modernists'. And, as the matriarch of the Seeger dynasty, she collected and arranged countless pieces from treasures of the folk tradition. With Kate Molleson, discover the extraordinary life and work of a major American composer, in a story of creative experimentations, of family bonds, and most of all, of joy in music-making, accompanied by the memories of Crawford's daughter and folk legend, Peggy Seeger.Music Featured: Little Waltz Five Songs to Poems by Carl Sandburg (1, Home Thoughts; 2, White Moon) Theme and Variations Selection from American Folk Songs for Children Diaphonic Suite No 2 for bassoon and cello Kaleidoscopic Changes on an Original Theme, Ending with a Fugue Diaphonic Suite No 3 for Flute Whirligig Preludes for Piano Caprice Sonata for Violin and Piano Trad: Prisoner Blues Music for Small Orchestra Marion Bauer: Four Piano Pieces Selection from 19 American Folk Songs for piano Three Songs to poems by Carl Sandburg Diaphonic Suite No 4 for oboe and violoncello Three Chants for Female Chorus String Quartet Diaphonic Suite No 1 for oboe Selection from Animal Folk Songs for Children Preludes for Piano Two Ricercare to poems by Hsi Tseng Tsiang Peggy Seeger: How I Long For Peace Selection from American Folk Songs for Christmas Andante for strings Trad: "New River Train” Trad: "Midnight Special" Trad: "Irene (Goodnight, Irene)" Charles Seeger: John Hardy Piano Study in Mixed Accents Suite No 1, for five wind instruments and piano Elizabeth Cotten: "Freight Train" Rissolty, Rossolty Piano Sonata Diaphonic Suite for two clarinets Piano Study in Mixed Accents (Version 3) Suite for Wind Quintet Five Canons, for piano Peggy Seeger: "Everything Changes"Presented by Kate Molleson Produced by Julien Rosa for BBC Audio Wales and WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Ruth Crawford Seeger (1901-1953) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0028k1vAnd you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Maurice Ravel (1875-1937)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2025 53:57


    Donald Macleod dives into the life and music of Maurice RavelMusic featured: Jeux d'eau Shéhérazade (No 3, L'indifférent) Valses Nobles et Sentimentales Miroirs (No 5, La Vallée des Cloches) Une Barque sur L'océan Alborada del Gracioso Allegretto (incidental music for ‘Antar') Rapsodie Espagnole (No 3, Habanera & No 4, Feria) Gaspard de la Nuit (No 2 Le gibet) Daphnis et Chloé, Part 2 Ma Mère l'Oye Le Tombeau de Couperin (No 1, Prélude) Trois Chansons Le Tombeau de Couperin (excerpt) La Valse Sonata for violin & cello (1st & 2nd mvts) A la manière de Borodine Tzigane Trois chansons madécasses (No 1, Nahandove & No 2, Aoua! Aoua!) Piano Concerto in G major (2nd & 3rd mvts) BoléroPresented by Donald Macleod Produced by Chris Taylor for BBC Audio Wales & WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00288rx And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    The Turkish Five

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2025 82:30


    Donald Macleod delves into the lives and music of The Turkish FiveIn 1923 the Turkish Republic came into being. On the agenda for the founding father and first president, Mustafa Kemal Atatȗrk, was the aim to develop a new Turkish musical language, and to disassociate culturally with the Ottoman past. This new musical culture would be a blend of traditional Turkish music, in combination with Western classical music.A group of composers known as the Turkish Five were pioneers in this movement to form a synthesis between East and West. They included Cemal Reşit Rey (1904-1985), Ulvi Cemal Erkin (1906-1972), Hasan Ferit Alnar (1906-1978), Ahmet Adnan Saygun (1907-1991) and Necil Kâzim Akses (1908-1999). The Turkish Five became hugely influential in their home country as composers, teachers, conductors and artistic directors, and also became well known abroad, receiving many honours.This week, Donald Macleod is joined by Prof. Mine Doğantan-Dack and Dr. Emre Araci to delve into the impact these composers had on the music in the Turkish Republic. Music featured: Ulvi Cemal Erkin: Camdan sakiz akiyor (Seven Folk Songs) Piano Concerto (excerpt) Duyuşlar (excerpt) Piano Quintet (Ritmico e enérgico) Seven Folk Songs (excerpt)Ahmet Adnan Saygun: Meseli, Op 25 (Anadolu'dan) Piano Concerto No 1, Op 34 (excerpt) Theme and Variations, Op 2 String Quartet No 1, Op 27 (excerpt) Yunus Emre, Op 26 (excerpt) Halay, Op 25 (Anadolu'dan) String Quartet No 2, Op 35 (Grave) Köröğlu, Op 41 (Ten Turkish Folk Songs) Piano Concerto No 2, Op 71 (excerpt)Necil Kâzim Akses: Concerto for Orchestra (excerpt) Five Turkish Piano Pieces (excerpt) Violin Concerto (Adagio – Allegro) Andante (Ten Piano Pieces) Five Pieces for Piano (excerpt)Cemal Reşit Rey: Three Turkish Folks Songs (Twelve Anatolish Folk Songs) Nomad Zeybek Air (Turkish Scenes) Feast (Instantanés) Fatih Sultan Mehmet “Le Conquerant” Andante and AllegroHasan Ferit Alnar: Piano Trio (excerpt) Şu Yamaçta (8 Piano Pieces) Uyuşuk Dans (8 Piano Pieces) Concerto for Qānūn and String Orchestra (Allegro poco moderato) Piano Trio (excerpt)Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Luke Whitlock for BBC Audio Wales & WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for The Turkish Five https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002822p And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 64:27


    Donald Macleod explores the early years in Benjamin Britten's creative storyBenjamin Britten was one of the most influential British composers of the 20th century, with celebrated works such as 'Peter Grimes', 'Friday Afternoons' or 'A Simple Symphony'. Music infused his very first moments in life and he started to develop his musical instincts from a very early age. Many of his future masterpieces can be traced back to the inspiration of his youth. This week, Donald Macleod explores these crucial early years in Britten's creative story, from his birth under the star of St Cecilia to his departure for America at 25 years old.Music featured:Hymn to St Cecilia, Op 27 Four Sea Interludes, Op 33a (from 'Peter Grimes') A Charm of Lullabies, Op 41 (arr for voice and orchestra by Colin Matthews) Five Waltzes Beware! Three Early Songs (No 1, 'Beware') On This Island, Op 11 (No 3, 'Seascape') Psalm 150, Op 67 Quatre chansons françaises Suite for harp in C major, Op 83 A Hymn to the Virgin A Walden Trio: Christmas Song of the Women The Birds Twelve Variations on a Theme, for piano Three Divertimenti for String Quartet (2nd mvt) Sinfonietta, Op 1 (1st mvt) Phantasy, Op 2, for oboe, violin, viola and violoncello (1st & 2nd mvt) Holiday Diary, Op 5 A Boy Was Born, Op 3 (Variation I, 'Lullay, Jesu') Simple Symphony, Op 4 Mont Juic (co-composed with Lennox Berkeley) (4th mvt) Friday Afternoons (excerpts) Suite for Violin and Piano, Op 6 (3rd & 4th mvts) Train Sequence, from 'The King's Stamp' Percussion Sequence, from 'Night Mail' (text by W.H. Auden) Love Music, from 'Love from a Stranger' Russian Funeral Soirées musicales, Op 9 Lullaby for a retired colonel' A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op 64 (excerpt) Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge, Op 10 The Company of Heaven ( Part 3, No 7, ‘A Thousand, Thousand Gleaming Fires') Piano Concerto, Op 13 (1st mvt) Les Illuminations, Op 18 (on poems by Arthur Rimbaud)Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Julien Rosa for BBC Audio Wales & WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0027tjp And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Giacomo Meyerbeer (1791-1864)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2025 74:29


    Curtain-up on the life of 19th-century opera star Giacomo Meyerbeer, with Donald MacleodWith smash hits including 'Robert le diable', 'Les Huguenots' and 'Le Prophète', Giacomo Meyerbeer was one of the most performed composers on the 19th-century stages: (re)discover the celebrated King of Grand Opera, in his own quasi-operatic life of sparkling successes, plot twists and travelling adventures, but also of prejudice and hardship.Music Featured:Robert le diable (excerpts) Le pardon de Ploërmel, Act I, "Ce tintement que l'on entend" L'Africaine, Act IV, No 15 Entr'acte, Entrée de la Reine, Marche indienne Der Fischer und das Milchmädchen (excerpts) Der Admiral Overture Gott und die Natur (No 7, "Es geht aus seinem Strahlentor") arr D. Salvi for voice, strings & piano Das Brandenburger Tor (Einleitung) Jephtas Gelübde Overture (arr D. Salvi for piano and strings) Il nascere e il fiorire d'una rosa Le Prophète, Act I (No 1a: Prélude et chœur pastoral. "La brise est muette") Gli amori di Teolinda (IV. Allegro moderato) Romilda e Costanza Overture Emma di Resburgo, Act I, Scene 1: "Sulla rupe triste, sola...Ah questo bacio" Il crociato in Egitto (excerpts) Margherita d'Anjou, Act II, "Che bell'alba!" A une jeune mère An Mozart Struensee, Act II: Entr'acte, Der Ball Les Huguenots (excerpts) Fantasie for clarinet & string quartet Ein Feldlager in Schlesien (excerpts) Psalm 91 Le Prophète (excerpts) Pater Noster L'Étoile du Nord, Act III, Scène 8. "Quel trouble affreux" (Danilowitz)Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Julien Rosa for BBC Audio Wales & WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Giacomo Meyerbeer (1791-1864) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0027bqw And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Voices of Terezin

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2025 79:43


    Composer of the Week marks 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz with a series commemorating some of the musical voices that were silenced by the atrocities of the Second World War. This week, Donald Macleod focuses on the penultimate destination of these musicians, the Nazi concentration camp at Terezin, and the incredible story of creative resistance in the face of unthinkable adversity and persecution which unfolded there.Music Featured: Gideon Klein: Bachuri Le'an Tisa (my Boy, Where are you going?) Lullaby String Quartet, Op 2 (iii. Adagio) Divertimento for Winds (iii. Adagio and iv. Allegro) Folk Songs for Male Chorus: 'Už mně koně vyvádějí' (They have untethered my horses) Piano Sonata String TrioViktor Ullmann: Sha shtil Piano Sonata No 7 (1st mvt, Allegro) 6 Lieder, Op 17 (No 1, Am Himmelfahrt; No 5, Wie ist die Nacht) Piano Concerto, Op 25 (1st & 2nd mvt) String Quartet No 3, Op 46 Der Kaiser von Atlantis (excerpts)Hans Krása: Brundibár Suite (7th mvt) Tanec for String Trio Kammermusik for Harpsichord and 7 Instruments Theme and Variations for String Quartet Three Songs to texts of Arthur Rimbaud Brundibár, Act IIPavel Haas: Pripoved (Narrative) Quartet Op 2 “From the Monkey Mountains” (2nd mvt, Coach, Coachman and Horse) Overture for Radio, Op 11 Šarlatán Suite, Op 14 (excerpt) Study for Strings Four Songs on Chinese PoetryIlse Weber: Kleines Wiegenlied Karel Švenk: Rozloučení (from play The Last Cyclist) Karel Švenk: Pod destnikem (Under an umbrella); Vesechno jde! (Terezin Hymn) Ilse Weber: Ich wandre durch Theresienstadt; Wiegala František Domažlický: Song without Words František Domažlicky: Suite Danza Karel Berman: Piano Suite: Reminiscences (excerpts)Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Amelia Parker for BBC Audio Wales & WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Voices of Terezin https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002756y And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Imogen Holst (1907-1984)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2025 68:27


    Donald Macleod delves into the life and music of Imogen Holst Imogen Holst was a significant part of the British classical music scene during the twentieth century. Daughter of Gustav Holst, Imogen was raised in an artistic environment, and her early aspirations were to be a dancer. However, after studying at the Royal College of Music, Imogen Holst went on to be prominent as a composer, conductor, writer on music, teacher, administrator and artistic director. She also worked as an amanuensis to Benjamin Britten. Throughout this exceptionally busy career, including establishing the Purcell Singers, Imogen Holst continued to compose and wrote many works from choral pieces and folksong arrangements, to concertos and string quartets. Her considerable output as a composer is only just beginning to be appreciated.Music Featured: Agnus Dei (Mass in A minor) Allegro assai Theme and Variations String Quartet “Phantasy” Persephone Come Under My Plaidie from Two Scottish Airs Gigue from Suite for Viola On Westhall Hill Sonata for Violin and Cello Prelude and Dance Three Psalms A shower among the birch trees from Six Pieces from Finland Crab-fish from Four Somerset Folk Songs Mill Field Suite for Strings String Quartet No 1 Welcome Joy and Welcome Sorrow Weathers arr. Arthur Keegan Suite for Viola (Cinquepace) As I sat under a Holly Tree A Hymne to Christ Variations on “Loth to Depart” The fall of the leaf Festival Anthem “How Manifold are Thy Works” Timothy's Trot What Man is He? Leiston Suite Hallo my fancy, whither wilt thou go? String Quintet Mass in A minor (excerpt)Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Luke Whitlock for BBC Audio Wales & WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Imogen Holst (1907-1984) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0026wsv And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Michel Legrand (1932-2019)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2025 74:37


    Donald Macleod delves into the life and music of Michel Legrand Michel Legrand is best known for creating the soundtracks for over 200 films, including The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, The Thomas Crown Affair and The Go-Between. But he had an insatiable creative spirit that led him into the world of theatre, ballet, opera and more.Donald is joined by theatre director and composer Jeremy Sams, who recalls collaborating with Legrand on the Broadway musical Amour - and avoiding going to restaurants with him.Music Featured: Les Moulins de Mon Coeur Summer Me, Winter Me Vian: Luna Rossa - Blushing Moon (arr. Legrand) Capua: O Sole Mio (arr. Legrand) Serrapi: Sentir De La Alhambra (arr. Legrand) Falla: Le Danse Du Feu (arr. Legrand) Rodor/Scotto: Sous les ponts de Paris (arr. Legrand) Battaille/Schertzinger: Paris je t'aime d'amour (arr. Legrand) Piaf/Louiguy: La vie en rose (arr. Legrand) Porter: I Love Paris (arr. Legrand) Durand: Mademoiselle de Paris (arr. Legrand) Bernheim: Paris (arr. Legrand) Kosma: Les feuilles mortes (arr. Legrand) Lafarge: La Seine (arr. Legrand) F. Waller: The Jitterbug Waltz (arr. Legrand) Reinhart: Nuages (arr. Legrand) Count Basie: Blue and Sentimental (arr. Legrand) Sampson/Goodman: Stompin' at the Savoy (arr. Legrand) Thelonious Monk: ‘Round Midnight (arr. Legrand) Ellington: Don't Get Around Much Anymore (arr. Legrand) Beiderbecke: In A Mist (arr. Legrand) Dans le magasin de parapluies Chez Dubourg, le joailier Devant le garage Chanson de Lola Blues Chez le Bougnat You Must Believe in Spring Windmills of Your Mind His Eyes, Her Eyes How do you keep the music playing? Watch what happens What are you doing with the rest of your life? The Go Between (Main Title) The Summer Knows The Hands of Time Overture from The Three Musketeers Songs from Yentl Nobody Knows After the Rain Amore (excepts) Once Upon a SummertimeMichel & Melissa at Work Now and Then Concerto pour violoncelle I Will Wait For YouPresented by Donald Macleod Produced by Alice Mckee for BBC Audio Wales & WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Michel Legrand (1932-2019) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0026kjgAnd you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Schubert and Vienna

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2025 74:41


    Donald Macleod explores Vienna in the company of Franz SchubertOf all Europe's major cities, perhaps Vienna is the one with the reputation as the most comfortable, the most sophisticated, and the most musical. In fact, has any other city been home to so many great composers as Vienna? Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, and Salieri all spent their best years working there. Yet none of those starry names was born in the city, none were true Viennese. This week, Donald Macleod explores Vienna through the lens of arguably the greatest home grown composer the city has ever produced – Franz Schubert – a man whose short life spanned a crucial period in Austrian history, a time of crisis and much change. In his company we'll explore Vienna's churches and theatres, its parks, coffee houses and taverns, and also glimpse the darker side of the city too – the excesses of Europe's aristocracy and the all seeing eyes of Vienna's secret police.Music Featured: “Kupelwieser” Waltz in G flat Major, D Anh I/14 Symphony No 9 in C Major “The Great”, D944 (3rd mvt, Scherzo) String Quintet in C Major, D 956 (2nd mvt, Adagio) Beitrag zur fünfzigjährigen Jubelfeier des Herrn von Salieri, D407 Marches Militaires, D733 (No 1 in D Major) Gretchen am Spinnrade, D118 6 Moment Musicaux, Op 94, D780 (No 3 in F min) Mass No 1 in F Major, D105 (Gloria) Grande Marche Funebre, D859 Symphony No 2 in B flat Major, D125 (4th mvt,Presto) Rosamunde, D797 (No 5 ,Entracte No 3 in B flat Major: Andantino) Licht und Liebe, D352 Quartettsatz Lazarus, Act 2 (unfinished) Schwanengesang, D744 4 Impromptus, D899, Op90 (No 3 in G Flat Major) Symphony No 8 in B minor, D759 “Unfinished” (1st mvt, Allegro moderato) Symphony No 5 in B flat Major, D485 (1st mvt, Allegro) Winterreise, D911 (No 24, Der Leiermann) Der Wanderer, D489 Piano Quintet in A Major, D667 “The Trout” (3rd mvt, Scherzo) 38 Waltzes, D145, Op 18 (Nos 6, 8 & 9 ) An Sylvia, D891, Op 6 (No 4) Fantasy in F minor, D940, Op 103 Ave Maria, D839, Op 52, No 6 Mass No 6 in E Flat Major, D950 (Credo) Rosemunde incidental music, D797 (Nos 7-9) Alfonso and Estrella, D732 (Act I, Aria “Sei mir gegrusst, o Sonne!”) An die MusikPresented by Donald Macleod Produced by Sam Phillips for BBC Audio Wales & WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Schubert and Vienna https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0026800 And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Christmas in Latvia

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2024 81:06


    Donald Macleod visits the city of Riga to experience the seasonal music and Christmas traditions of Latvia – a country overflowing with choral excellence. Music Featured:trad.: Kaladô (arr. J. Vaivods) Dubra: Duo Seraphim Dubra: In Nativitate Domini (excerpts) anon.: Res est admirabilis Dubra: Te Deum Pēteris Butāns: In the Beginning was the Word Praulinš: Missa Rigensis: Credo Dubra: Mystery of His Birth Vasks: The Fruits Of Silence anon.: Gaude Maria Dubra: Hail, Queen of Heaven Dubra: Hodie Christus natus est Vasks: Missa for Mixed Choir and String Orchestra, II. Gloria Trad. Budēlīša Ziemassvētki / A Mummer's Christmas (excerpts) Praulinš: Cantate Domino Praulinš: Ziemsvetki Jaunaja Pasaule / Latvian Solstice in the New World Ešenvalds: In the bleak midwinter Ešenvalds: Stars Ešenvalds: Northern Lights Ešenvalds: Rivers of Light Vitols: The Dwarves and the Old Man of the Forest Vasks: Plainscapes (extract) Vasks: Piedzimšana / Birth Trad. Pūtiet guni Praulinš: Mass and Interludes “L'homme armé”: Hosanna in excelsis Ešenvalds: O Emmanuel Vitols: Gaismas Pils / Castle of Light Praulinš: Mass and Interludes “L'homme armé”: Pater sanctificetur Vasks: String Quartet No. 3: I. Moderato Ešenvalds A Christmas Legend / Ziemassvētku leģendaPresented by Donald Macleod Produced by Chris Taylor for BBC Audio Wales & WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Christmas in Latvia https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002611kAnd you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    A Latin American Christmas

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2024 69:17


    Kate Molleson journeys through the Christmas season in Latin America, introducing the composers who shaped local festivities across centuries and longitudes. From cathedrals to countryside to the deep heat of megacities, we revel in music for worship, friendship, family and fiestas.Music Featured: Trad: Esta Noche es Nochebuena Juan Garcia de Zespedes: Convidando esta la noche Gaspar Fernandes: Xicochi Conetzintle; Tleycantimo Choquiliya Gaspar Fernandes: A Belen me llego, Tio Manuel de Zumaya: Celebren publiquen Manuel de Zumaya: El de pedro solamente; Angelicas milicias Trad: Mañanitas guadalupanas Trad: Miren cuantas luces; De larga jornada; La Pinata Jose Alfredo Jimenez: Amarga Navidad; Se va diciembre Arturo Márquez: Conga del Fuego Nuevo Trad: Niño Lindo Vicente Emilio Sojo: Five Pieces from Venezuela Trad: Corre caballito; La mula Aldemaro Romero: Fuga con Pajarillo (from Suite for Strings) Teresa Carreño: Nocturne: Souvenir de mon pays Evencio Castellanos: Avilena Suite (excerpt) Trad: Huachitorito Alberto Ginastera: Villancico Astor Piazzolla: Invierno Porteño (Four Seasons); Milonga del Angel Guastavino: 3 Argentinian Romances: Baile Ariel Ramirez: Navidad Nuestra Luis Aguile: Ven a mi casa esta navidad Osvaldo Pugliese: Navidad João Gilberto: Presente de Natal Antonio Carlos Gomes: Sonata for Strings ‘O burrico de pau' (4th mvt) Chiquinha Gonzaga: As pombas; Saudade José Maurício Nunes Garcia: Missa Pastoril for Christmas Night Assis Valente: Recadinho de Papai Noel Assis Valente: Boas Festas Antonio Carlos Jobim: Anos Dourados; Wave M. Camargo Guarnieri: Flor de Tremembe Llego la Navidad La Fiesta de Pilito Rafael Hernadez: Triste Navidad Rafael Hernandez: Casitas de la Montana Chuito El de Bayamon: Los tres Santo Reyes Trad: A las Zarandelas Arbolito Amaury Vellay Torregrosa: Villancico Yaucano De la montaña venimos Pasteles y Lechon Canto a Borinquen; Aires de Navidad Sylvia Rexach: Lamento de Navidad José Feliciano: Feliz NavidadPresented by Kate Molleson Produced by Amelia Parker for BBC Audio Wales & West For full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for A Latin American Christmas https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0025ll7And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Luise Adolpha Le Beau (1850-1927)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2024 75:31


    Donald Macleod delves into the life of Luise Adolpha Le Beau Luise Adolpha Le Beau was a German composer, concert pianist, teacher and music critic. Although her music was performed as far afield as Calcutta and Sydney, her story is one of continual struggle for recognition and respect. Le Beau frequently met opposition to her works and to performance opportunities, Despite these set-backs, Le Beau forged her own path as a composer not only with works for her own instrument, the piano, but also with chamber music, opera, a symphony and many songs. She was determined to succeed, but after her death, without anyone to promote her works on her behalf, Le Beau soon fell into obscurity and was largely forgotten. This week, Donald Macleod is joined by guest Dr Katy Hamilton to shine a light on Le Beau's musicMusic Featured: Piano Concerto in D minor, Op 37 (excerpt) Fantasiestück, Op 1 No 1 (Drei Klavierstücke) Fünf Lieder, Op 7 (excerpt) Piano Concerto in D minor, Op 37 (Allegro maestoso) Piano Sonata, Op 8 (excerpt) Violin Sonata, Op 10 Mazurka, Op 57 No 3 (Drei Klavierstücke) Polonaise, Op 26 No 3 (Drei Stücke) Theme and Variations, Op 3 Fünf Lieder, Op 11 (excerpt) Piano Trio, Op 15 Concert Overture in F major, Op 23 Eight Preludes, Op 12 No 2 (Munter) Romance, Op 35 Vier Stücke, for cello and piano, Op 24 Fünf Lieder, Op 11 (excerpt) Improvisata for left hand, Op 30 Gavotte, Op 32 Piano Concerto in D minor, Op 37 (excerpt) Eight Preludes, Op 12 No 8 (Mit Grazie) Nachstück, Op 26 No 2 (Drei Stücke) Deutscher Regien, Klavierstück, Op 49 Piano Quartet, Op 28 Drei Lieder, Op 39 Symphony in F major, Op 41 (Allegro con fuoco) Gigue, Op 48 No 3 (Danze Antiche) Vater unser, Op 61 Symphony in F major, Op 41 (Adagio) Cello Sonata, Op 17 Barcarole, Op 59 Abendklänge, Op 63 Symphony in F major, Op 41 (excerpt)Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Luke Whitlock for BBC Audio Wales & WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Donald Macleod delves into the life of Luise Adolpha Le Beau (1850-1927) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0025cflAnd you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Henry Purcell (1659-1695)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2024 68:58


    Donald Macleod explores Henry Purcell's LondonHenry Purcell was the most important English composer of the era, described as the "Orpheus Britannicus" for his ability to combine Baroque counterpoint with dramatic settings of English words. He composed music for the church, the royal court, the theatre and for England's newly emerging concert scene, with an intelligence and creativity that marked him out as one of the most original composers in all of Europe. More than anything, though, he composed music for London – the city where he lived all of his short life. This week, Donald Macleod explores the city during Purcell's lifetime and London's effect on a man who lays claim to being England's greatest composer. During Purcell's childhood, it was a city reeling from civil war, the disastrous spread of disease, and the destruction wreaked by the Great Fire. We'll explore London's churches, and music Purcell wrote for them, especially Westminster Abbey, where Purcell was organist, the state of London's theatre scene in Purcell's day, and the changing demands for music from the various monarchs of the composer's lifetime. Music featured: Fairest Isle from King Arthur Hail Bright Cecilia (Symphony & Closing Chorus “Hail! Bright Cecilia”) Welcome Song from Swifter, Isis, Swifter Flow, Z 336 What hope for us remains now he is gone?, Z 472 Suite from Abdelazer An Evening Hymn ‘Now that the sun hath veiled his light', Z 193 Voluntary in D minor, Z 719 O God, thou art my God, Z 35 Beati Omnes qui timent Dominum, Z 131 My Beloved Spake Te Deum & Jubilate Cold Song ‘What Power art Thou' (from King Arthur) They that go down to the sea in ships Sighs for our late sovereign Charles the Second, Z 380 ‘If pray'rs and tears' My heart is inditing Sefauchi's Farewell, Z 656 Love's Goddess Sure Was Blind, Z 331 (VI May Her Blessed Example Chase) Come ye sons of art (excerpt) Timon of Athens, . 632 (Curtain Tune on a Ground) Dido and Aeneas, Act II (excerpt) Theodosius, or the Force of Love (Overture; Prepare the Rites Begin) King Arthur (excerpt) The Fairy Queen (excerpt) Indian Queen, Act 4 ‘They tell us that you mighty powers above' When I am laid in earth from Dido and Aeneas Trumpet Sonata in D Major, Z 850 Burial Service, Z 58c ‘From Rosy Bow'rs' from Don Quixote Oedipus: incidental music, Z 583 (No 2, Music for a While (Arr B. Britten)Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Sam Phillips for BBC Audio Wales & WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Henry Purcell (1659-1695) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0024x77And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Bud Powell (1924-1966)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2024 90:14


    Kate Molleson explores the life and work of the amazing Bud PowellThis week Kate Molleson explores the life and work of a jazz giant in his centenary year: the amazing Bud Powell, in the company of Powell's biographer Peter Pullman. Focusing on Bud Powell as a performer, prioritising his own compositions but also appreciating the art of improvisation as spontaneous composition.Bud Powell was born in 1924 and grew up in Harlem, against the backdrop of the Harlem Renaissance. He was a gifted pianist from a young age and became a pioneer of bebop. But he was a troubled soul and the great paradox of Bud Powell is how there could be such joy and expression in his music while his life was so painful.Music Featured: Bouncing with Bud (from The Amazing Bud Powell) Oblivion (from The Genius of Bud Powell) Strictly Confidential (from Jazz Giant) Floogie Boo (from Cootie Williams and his Orchestra 1941-1944) Do Some War Work, Baby (from Cootie Williams and his Orchestra 1941-1944) Off Minor (from Bud Powell Trio) Dexter Rides Again (from Dexter Rides Again) Mad Bebop (from JJ Johnson's Jazz Quintet) Buzzy (from Charlie Parker, the Complete Savoy and Dial Master Takes) Bud's Bubble (from Bud Powell Trio) I Should Care (from Bud Powell Trio) Tempus Fugit (from Jazz Giant) Celia (from Jazz Giant) Un Poco Loco (from the Amazing Bud Powell) Over the Rainbow (from the Amazing Bud Powell) A Night in Tunisia (from the Amazing Bud Powell) Dance of the Infidels (from the Amazing Bud Powell) So Sorry Please (from Jazz Giant) Glass Enclosure (from the Amazing Bud Powell, vol 2) Lullaby of Birdland (from Inner Fires) Sure Thing (from Inner Fires) Parisian Thoroughfare (from the Genius of Bud Powell) Polka Dots and Moonbeams (from the Amazing Bud Powell, vol 2) Hallelujah (from Hot House: The Complete Jazz at Massey Hall Recordings) Hot House (from Hot House: The Complete Jazz at Massey Hall Recordings) Willow Grove (from Piano Interpretations by Bud Powell) Nice Work If You Can Get It (from Bud Powell Trio) Elegy (from Blues in the Closet) Blues for Bessie (from Strictly Powell) Ornithology (from the Amazing Bud Powell) Bud on Bach (from the Amazing Bud Powell, vol 3) Buster Rides Again (from the Amazing Bud Powell, vol 4) John's Abbey (from the Amazing Bud Powell, vol 4) Cleopatra's Dream (from The Scene Changes) Getting There (from The Scene Changes) Buttercup (from Bud Powell's Moods) Round Midnight (from Bud Powell: Live at the Blue Note Café Paris 1961) How High the Moon / Ornithology (from Live in Lausanne 1962) Broadway (from Our Man in Paris) I'll Remember April (from Mingus at Antibes) I Can't Get Started (from Bud Powell in Paris) Blues for Bouffemont (from Blues for Bouffemont) All God's Chillun Got Rhythm (from Jazz Giant) Hallucinations (from The Return of Bud Powell) If I Loved You (from The Return of Bud Powell) Thelonius (from A Portrait of Thelonius) Like Someone in Love (from Ups and Downs) Bouncing with Bud (Keith Jarrett/Gary Peacock/Jack DeJohnette, from After the Fall) Dusk in Sandi (Chick Corea, from Remembering Bud Powell) Wail (from the Amazing Bud Powell)Presented by Kate Molleson Produced by Martin Williams for BBC Audio Wales & West For full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Bud Powell (1924-1966) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0024m2z And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Ballroom Blockbusters

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2024 65:23


    Donald Macleod takes a whirl around the world through the music of ballroom dancing. With the help of Hilary French, author of Ballroom: A People's History of Dancing, Donald waltzes across Viennese ballrooms, foxtrots through New York clubs, tries the tango in the arrabales of Buenos Aires, sambas on the streets of Salvador and finally cha-cha-cha's his way to Havana.Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Alice McKee for BBC Audio Wales & WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Ballroom Blockbusters https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0024dndAnd you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Franz Liszt (1811-1886)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2024 74:59


    Donald Macleod uncovers key aspects of Liszt's soul and identity Franz Liszt was the original musical heartthrob - the most photographed man of the 19th century, who left a legacy of more than 700 compositions and in the course of his career made well over 1000 concert appearances. With his electrifying talent at the keyboard, he transformed the status of musician from servant to demigod. But he was also a man of complex character, who wore many masks and repeatedly reinvented himself. This week, Donald Macleod uncovers key slices of Liszt's soul and identity.Music Featured: Prelude (No 1 from 12 Transcendental studies) Grand galop chromatique “Un sospiro” (from 3 Etudes de concert, S144 No 3) “La Campanella” (from Grandes Etudes de Paganini, S141 No 3) Mephisto Waltz No 1 Piano Concerto No 1 in E flat major, S124 Gnomenreigen En rêve Romance oubliée, S132 Premiere année de pèlerinage, S160: Suisse (excerpt) Die Lorelei Les Preludes Liebestraum No 3 in A flat major Salve Regina Dante Symphony S109 (iii. Magnificat) Les morts: Oraison Legendes, S175: St Francis of Assisi preaching to the birds 10 Harmonies poetiques et religieuses: Benediction de dieu dans la solitude (excerpt) Christus, Part 3: Resurrexit Mephisto Waltz No 4 Der Doppelgänger (after Schubert's Schwanengesang) Grandes études de Paganini, No 5 “La Chasse”, S141 La lugubre gondola II Funeral Odes, No 3 “Le triomphe funebre du Tasse” Consolation No 1 in E major, S172 Kennst du das Land Rakoczy March (from Hungarian Rhapsody No 15) Enfant, si j'etais roi Im Rhein, im schoenen Strome Isten Veled! Troisieme année de pèlerinage: Les jeux d'eau sur la villa d'Este Wiegenlied Hungarian Rhapsody No 2 (orch. Doppler)Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Amelia Parker for BBC Audio Wales & WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Franz Liszt (1811-1886) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002454z And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Margaret Bonds (1913-1972)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2024 76:25


    Donald Macleod explores the life and music of African American composer Margaret BondsThis week, Donald Macleod is joined by musicologist and pianist Dr Samantha Ege to delve into the life and music of African American pioneer composer, Margaret Bonds (1913-1972). Bonds was one of the most important composers and pianists of her time. She wrote several dozens of art songs, arranged many traditional spirituals, and composed large-scale cantatas. From her native Chicago where she was the first black performer to play with the Symphony Orchestra to the buzzing stages of New York where she set poetic gems to music, and at a time of racial discrimination and fight for civil rights, her story is one of determination, friendship, and absolute dedication to music-making. As such the programme does include some language of the period.Music Featured:Joy Trad, arr Bonds: Little David Play on Your Harp The Pasture Spiritual Suite; No 1, The Valley of the Bones To a Brown Dead Girl Trad, arr Bonds: Lord, I Just Can't Keep from Cryin' Florence Price: Fantasie Nègre No 1 in E minor Flamenco Tangamerican Simon Bore the Cross Trad, arr Bonds: Didn't It Rain The Negro Speaks of Rivers Three Dream Portraits Trad, arr Bonds: Ezek'el Saw the Wheel Four Songs Trad, arr Bonds: Peter, Go Ring dem Bells Spiritual Suite; No 2, The Bells The Ballad of the Brown King Trad, arr Bonds: Joshua Fit da Battle of Jericho (arr for voice and chamber ensemble by P. Spray) Trad, arr Bonds: I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free Trad, arr Bonds: He's Got the Whole World in His Hands Trad: Wade in the Water Spiritual Suite; No 3, Troubled Water Montgomery Variations Fugal Dance When the Dove Enters In Songs of the Seasons Credo Trad, arr Bonds: Hold On (arr for voice and chamber ensemble by P. Spray) Simon Bore the Cross (mvt VIII)Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Julien Rosa for BBC Audio Wales & WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Franz Liszt (1811-1886) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0023y4nAnd you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Charles Ives (1874-1954)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2024 75:14


    Kate Molleson delves into the life and music of the “Yankee Maverick”, Charles Ives.Charles Ives is considered a leading American composer of the early 20th century. Known for many musical innovations, his was a unique voice, a pioneer who combined elements of Western and American music traditions. He's also been called a Yankee Maverick and much of his creative life was spent in obscurity. Marking the 150th anniversary since his birth, Kate Molleson shines the spotlight on the life and music of Charles Ives. This journey begins in Danbury where Ives grew up, going on to study at Yale, then working in Insurance in New York, and coming to a close in the mid twentieth century. In those final decades, and largely due to ill health, Ives had stopped composing. Ironically, it was at this point when his creative endeavours had ceased, that his music started to generate much interest.Music Featured: Memories (excerpt) Four Ragtime Dances for Theatre Orchestra, No 1 (Allegro moderato) String Quartet No 1 ‘From the Salvation Army' (excerpt) Variations on ‘America' Psalm 67, God Be Merciful Unto Us Symphony No 1 (excerpt) March No 6, with “Here's to Good Old Yale” The Circus Band Adeste Fideles Feldeinsamkeit Mists Symphony No 2 (excerpt) Central Park in the Dark The Children's Hour The Unanswered Question General William Booth Enters into Heaven Tom Sails Away (Three Songs of War) Orchestral Set No 1 ‘Three Places in New England' (Putnam's Camp) Sonata for Violin and Piano No 3 (Adagio - Cantabile) Symphony No 4 (excerpt) At the River Serenity Piano Sonata No 2: Concord, Mass., 1840-60 (Thoreau) A Symphony. New England Holidays (excerpt) Two Little Flowers Romanzo di Central Park Violin Sonata No 2 A Christmas Carol Three Quarter Tone Pieces (Allegro) Symphony No 4 (Allegretto) Sunrise Piano Sonata No 2: Concord, Mass., 1840-60 (The Alcotts) Symphony No 3 ‘The Camp Meeting'Presented by Kate Molleson Produced by Luke Whitlock for BBC Audio Wales & West For full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Charles Ives (1874-1954) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0023nw8And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Dorothy Howell (1898-1982)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2024 73:23


    Donald Macleod and Leah Broad survey the life and work of British composer Dorothy HowellThis week Donald Macleod is joined by the award-winning author Leah Broad to explore the story of the British composer Dorothy Howell, who shot to fame aged 21 after the triumphant premiere of her orchestral work ‘Lamia' at the Proms. By the mid-1920s she was regarded as one of the leading women composers of the day, performing in prestigious venues across the UK and regularly appearing on radio programmes in the earliest days of broadcasting. But she faced challenges from the 1930s onwards that left her disillusioned, and by the end of her life she wanted to destroy all but a handful of her works. Luckily family intervened, but even so Howell's music almost disappeared from view - until recently.Music Featured: Spindrift Humoresque for Orchestra Sonata for violin and piano (1st mvt) Two Frogs Five Studies for piano Boat Song for piano Lamia Five Studies Rosalind The Little Round House, The Bears Koong Shee Phantasy for violin and piano The Tortoiseshell Cat Pot Pourri My White Lady The Moorings If you will come to Corte Piano Concerto in D minor Mazurka Two Pieces for Muted Strings Puppydog's Tales Prelude 1 in F minor Prelude 2 in C Prelude 3 in A flat Recuerdos Preciosos No 1 and 2 The Rock Overture Sonata for violin and piano (2nd & 3rd mvts) To Sine in Winter Sonata for piano Three Divertissements Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Megan Jones for BBC Audio Wales & WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Dorothy Howell (1898-1982) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0023f35 And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Christoph Willibald Gluck (1714-1787)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2024 63:11


    Donald Macleod showcases the life and music of Christoph Willibald Gluck Christoph Willibald Gluck (1714-1787) arguably did more to transform opera than any composer of his generation: thinking deeply about how text and music should work together, and trying to strip away fripperies to ensure it was urgent, powerful and arresting. His radical approaches made him one of the most influential composers in history - and yet today, he's known in the concert hall almost exclusively for one work: his masterpiece “Orpheus and Eurydice”. This week, Donald Macleod puts that right: showcasing Gluck's dazzling and enchanting music from across his life - whilst also showing off his most famous work.Music Featured: Dance of the Blessed Spirits (Orfeo ed Eurydice) Non hai cor per un'impresa (Ipermestra, Wq 7) Sperai vicino il lido (Demofoonte, Wq 3) Se in campo armato (La Sofonisba, Wq 5) Nobil onda (La Sofonisba, Wq 5) Orfeo ed Euridice (excerpts) M'opprime, m'affanna (La Sofonisba, Wq 5) Qual ira intempestiva … Oggi per me non sudi; Oggi per me sudi (La Contesa de'numi, Wq 14) Trio Sonata no I in C Major (1st mvt) Ciascun siegua il suo stile...Maggior follia non v'e (La Semiramide riconosciuta, Wq 13) Misera, dove son…; Ah! non son io (Ezio, Wq 15) Dance of the Furies (Orphee et Eurydice: Act 2, Scene 1) Tremo fra dubbi miei (La Clemenza di Tito, Wq 16) (Act 3) Son lungi e non mi brami (Le Cinesi, Wq 18) Berenice che fai (Antigono, Wq 21) Don Juan (selection) Divinités du Styx (Alceste, Wq 37) O Del Mio Dolce Ardor; Le Belle Immagini (Paride ed Elena, Wq 39) Vous essayez en vain - Par la crainte; Adieu, conservez dans votre âme (Iphigénie en Aulide, Wq 40) Gluck (arr Schubert) Rien de la nature (Echo et Narcisse) Armide (Act 5 opening) Iphigenie en Tauride, Wq 46 (excerpts) De Profundis Orphee et Eurydice (1774 Paris edition): Act 3 (finale)Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Steven Rajam for BBC Audio Wales & WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Christoph Willibald Gluck (1714-1787) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0022znr And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Gustav Holst (1874-1934)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2024 66:07


    We often think of composers as solitary geniuses, scribbling away at their masterpieces, working alone. But this isn't always the case. Gustav Holst, most famous for composing The Planets, struggled all his life with neuritis, a condition that made his arms feel like “jelly overcharged with electricity.” It was frequently impossible for him to play or even write, so, to bring his vision of our solar system to life, he needed help. This week, Donald Macleod charts Holst's interplanetary expedition and discovers the unsung heroes who placed him amongst the stars.Music Featured: The Planets, Op 32 Toccata, H 153 Symphony in F Major, Op 8, H 47 “The Cotswolds” (2nd mvt, Elegy, Molto adagio & 3rd mvt, Scherzo, Presto - Allegretto) Sita, Op 23, H 89 (Interlude) The Mystic Trumpeter, Op 18 Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda, Op 26 (3rd Group, H99) The Hymn of Jesus, Op37 / H 140 (Hymn II, Hymn III, Hymn IV) 5 Partsongs, Op 12, H 61 St Paul's Suite, Op 29, No 2 Ballet music from 'The Perfect Fool' H150 (Op 39) Sāvitri, Op 25 (I - VI) Ode to Death, Op 38, H 144 Suite No 2 for Military Band in F major, Op 28 No 2, H106 Choral Symphony, Op 41 (2nd mvt, Song and Bacchanal) Scherzo for Orchestra, H192 Hammersmith - Prelude and Scherzo, H178, Op 52 Egdon Heath Op 47 (1st mvt, Adagio - Poco Allegro - Andante maestoso) Brook Green Suite The Planets, Op 32 (Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity) arr. for two pianosPresented by Donald Macleod Produced by Alice McKee for BBC Audio Wales & WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Gustav Holst (1874-1934) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0022sj0 And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Arnold Schoenberg (1874-1951)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2024 80:13


    Kate Molleson explores the twists and turns of Schoenberg's lifeIs there a more controversial, infamous figure in 20th Century music than Arnold Schoenberg? Arguably no other twentieth-century composer's ideas have been more influential among composers since, however his music is still neglected and misunderstood by programmers and audiences. Schoenberg was a revolutionary - one of the founders of musical Modernism - but he also recognised the importance of musical tradition. His music defined the times in which he lived, and whether you see Schoenberg as the most important innovator in 20th century music, or as a heretic who led his followers to an artistic dead end, he was absolutely dedicated to art – both musical and visual. This week, Kate Molleson explores the twists and turns of Schoenberg's life, and tracks the composer's changing relationship with art through the prism of 5 different visual works, from an image which terrified and obsessed Schoenberg as a child, through the composer's own paintings, and one of his practical twelve-tone selection dials, to a portrait of Schoenberg painted while he was in exile in America, by his friend and fellow composer George Gershwin.Music Featured:Strauss (arr. Schoenberg): Roses from the South 2 Gesange, Op , No 1 “Dank” 4 Lieder, Op 2, No 1 “Erwartung” Pelleas und Melisande, Op 5 (Langsam) Verklarte nacht, Op 4 6 little piano pieces (No 6) Mahler (by Schoenberg and Webern): Das Lied von der Erde (No 3, Of Youth) Gurrelieder (excerpt) String Quartet No 2, Op 10 (3rd mvt, Langsam, 'Litanei') Erwartung (excerpt) Friede auf Erden De Profundis Pierrot Lunaire, Op 21 (Act II excerpt) Die eiserne Brigade (The Iron Brigade) Bach (orch. Schoenberg): Gott Schopfer, heiliger Geist, BWV 631 Suite for piano, Op 25 (2nd mvt, Gavotte & 3rd mvt, Musette) Suite, Op 29 (3rd mvt, Theme and Variations) Accompaniment Music to a Film Scene, Op 34 Songs for male chorus, Op 35 (No 6 Verbundenheit "Man hilft zur Welt dir kommen") Die Jakobsleiter (Ob rechts, ob links) Kol Nidre, Op 39 Moses und Aron (Act II excerpt) Concerto for String Quartet and Orchestra (after Handel) Prelude to Genesis Suite for string orchestra (2nd mvt, Adagio) Brahms (orch. Schoenberg): Piano Quartet No 1 in G Minor, Op 25 (2nd mvt, Intermezzo) Chamber Symphony No 2, Op 38b A Survivor from Warsaw, Op 46 NotturnoPresented by Kate Molleson Produced by Sam Phillips for BBC Audio Wales & West For full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Arnold Schoenberg (1874-1951) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0022k1rAnd you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Anton Bruckner (1824-1896)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2024 66:56


    Donald Macleod examines Bruckner's lifelong struggle to become the great composer we know todayFrom our modern perspective, it can be difficult to appreciate why it took so long for Anton Bruckner to be recognised as one of the leading musical voices of the 19th century. His spectacular symphonies regularly pack out concert halls today but his own era took many decades to warm up to his music. Only in his sixties did Bruckner begin to achieve the popularity he deserved and, even then, he retained a reputation as a bit of an oddball. Colleagues were disturbed by his unsophisticated manners, unquestioning religious devotion and peculiar personal habits. His tendency to see enemies all around regularly tested his relationships. His romantic choices were routinely disastrous.Music Featured: Mass No 2 in Em (Kyrie) Symphony No 2 in C minor (1872 first Version, ed. W. Carragan) (2nd mvt, Scherzo. Schnell) Requiem in D Minor, (No 2, Sequentia; Dies irae) Symphony No 9 in D Minor, (1st mvt Feierlich, misterioso) Symphony No 8 in C minor (1890 Version, ed. Novak): (2nd mvt, Scherzo, Allegro moderato - Trio, Langsam) Ave Maria WAB 6 Symphony No 1 in C Minor (1877 Rev. Linz Version, Ed. Nowak), (1st mvt, Allegro) Mass in F Minor, (3rd mvt, Credo) Symphony No 6 in A major (ed. Novak) (3rd mvt, Scherzo, Nicht schnell - Trio, Langsam) Symphony No 2 in C minor (1877 version) (2nd mvt, Andante) Symphony No 3 in D minor ‘Wagner Symphony' (1873 version) (4th mvt, Finale, Allegro – Etwas langsamer – Erstes Zeitmaß) String Quintet in F major, (4th mvt, Finale, Lebhaft bewegt) Prelude in D Minor Te Deum in C major (opening) Symphony No 7 in E Major (arr. Hermann Behn), (3rd mvt, Scherzo, Sehr schnell) Ave Maria, WAB 7 (Arr. for Horn Ensemble) Symphony No 7 in E Major (Ed. Haas), (2nd mvt, Adagio, Sehr feierlich und sehr langsam) Te Deum in C major (No 5, In te domini speravi) Virga Jesse, WAB 52 Symphony No 8 in C minor (ed. Novak) (1st mvt, Allegro moderato) Symphony No 8 in C minor (ed. Haas): (4th mvt, Finale, Feierlich, nicht schnell)Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Chris Taylor for BBC Audio Wales & WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Anton Bruckner (1824-1896) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0022c5f And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-George (1745-1799)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2024 81:28


    Donald Macleod explores the life and work of the 18th century composer Joseph BologneDonald Macleod explores the life and work of a musician also remarkable for his sporting prowess. Joseph Bologne's story throws a light on the political turbulence affecting France in the 18th century, and on the legacy of colonialism and slavery.Bologne is celebrated as the first composer of African descent to attain widespread acclaim in Europe.Donald is joined by Olivette Otele, distinguished Professor of the Legacies and Memory of Slavery at SOAS, the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London.Music Featured: String Quartet in G minor, Op 1, No 3 (2nd mvt, Rondeau) Symphonie Concertante in A major, Op 10, No 2 Violin Concerto in D major, Op 3, No 1 Symphony in G major, Op 11, No 1 Quartetto concertans No 4 in F major (2nd mvt, Rondeau) String Quartet in D major, Op 1, No 6 Lolli: Violin Concerto No 2 in C major, Op 2 (1st & 3rd mvt) Violin Concerto in A major, Op 5, No 2 (1st mvt, Allegro Moderato) Symphonie Concertante in C major, Op 9, No 1 Violin Concerto in G major, Op 8, No 2 (3rd mvt, Rondeau) Keyboard Sonata No 2 in A major with obbligato violin (1st mvt, Allegro moderato) Ernestine (Scena) Symphonie Concertante in E flat, Op 13, No 1 L'Amant anonyme (excerpt) Quartetto concertans No 3 in C major (2nd mvt, Rondeau: Moderato) Symphonie Concertante, Op 6 No 2 in B-flat major, G 038 Violin Concerto in C major, Op 5 No 1 (2nd & 3rd mvts) Haydn: Symphony No 85 in B-flat major, Hob I:85, "La reine" (The Queen): (1st mvt, Adagio - Vivace) String Quartet in G minor, Op 14 No 6 (1st & 2nd mvts) String Quartet in C minor, Op 1 No 4 (2nd mvt, Rondeau) Concertante Quartet in G minor, Op 15 No 2 Violin Concerto in A major, Op 7 No 1 Symphonie Concertante in F major, Op 10 No 1 String Quartet in C Major, Op 1 No 1 (2nd mvt, Rondeau: Tempo di minuetto; Grazioso)Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Iain Chambers for BBC Audio Wales & WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-George (1745-1799) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0021jymAnd you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Ethel Smyth (1858-1944)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2024 65:57


    Donald Macleod explores the world of Ethel Smyth through five love affairs British composer Dame Ethel Smyth was one of the early 20th century's most original cultural voices. A prodigious musical talent who was best known for her operas, she was a force of nature, an unapologetic eccentric who didn't suffer fools gladly, and a rule-breaking, trail-blazing feminist. Alongside music, she was an accomplished sportswoman, and her driven and playful nature - as well as her endurance - would not only shape her career but her personal life too. This week, Donald Macleod explores Smyth's story through what she termed her “passions” – the key all-consuming relationships that changed the course of her life, and how they were a necessary force for her creativity.Music Featured: Fête Galante (Overture/Sarabande) Aus der Jugendzeit! Kom, süsser Tod Lieder, Op 4 No 2, Schlummerlied Violin Sonata (3rd mvt, Romanze) Variations on an Original Theme (of an Exceedingly Dismal Nature) String Quintet, Op 1 (3rd-5th mvts) Piano Suite in E major 2nd mvt, Bourree) Piano Trio (3rd mvt, Scherzo) 4 Songs (No 2, The Dance) Serenade in D major (3rd & 4th mvts) Der Wald (excerpt) The Wreckers Overture Lieder, Op 4 No 4 “Nachtreiter” Klavierstück in E major Cello Sonata in C minor (1st & 2nd mvts) The Wreckers, Act II (Prelude “On the Cliffs of Cornwall” (arr. for winds) ) Mass in D (Gloria) Fête Galante (excerpt) Violin Sonata (2nd mvt) March of the Women The Boatswain's Mate (excerpts) Possession (Three Songs, No 2) String Quartet in E minor (3rd & 4th mvts) Soul's Joy, Now I am Gone Two Interlinked French Melodies from Entente Cordiale Odelette (Four Songs, No 1) Mass (Sanctus / Benedictus) The Prison (Nos 14-16) Double Concerto for Horn and Violin (2nd mvt, Elegy)Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Amelia Parker for BBC Audio Wales & WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Ethel Smyth (1858-1944) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00219n7And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Silvestre Revueltas (1899-1940)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2024 87:14


    Kate Molleson sheds light on the forgotten composer, Silvestre RevueltasSilvestre Revueltas was a blazingly energetic and politically charged musician, a whirlwind of a composer who lived through a time of great political and creative upheaval in Mexico. The French writer André Breton was stunned when he visited the country and found not one unified identity, but many strikingly different cultures existing side by side with all of their clashing values, creeds, and customs. This kaleidoscopic and sometimes jarring world is the musical universe of Revueltas, one of a generation of artists who, along with Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, tried to encompass a true sense of Mexican identity in their works after the country's revolution. In his personal life Revueltas also lived a life of fiery extremes, before succumbing to an early death exasperated by alcoholism. This week, Kate Molleson tries to shed some light on this forgotten composer, guiding us through the rhythms of Silvestre Revueltas's colourful life with the help of Professor Alejandro Madrid of Harvard University. They track Revueltas's moves from revolutionary Mexico, to prohibition-era America, to the trenches of the Spanish Civil War, and back to his homeland. Although most of Revueltas's works date from the final decade of his short life, it is music which bursts with energy, colour, and humour. It is music which speaks with irony and passion about politics and people, about both the joys and hardships of life. It is music that speaks of Mexico.Music Featured:Toccata (sin fuga) Esquinas (1931 version) Tierra p'a las macetas Pieza para doce instrumentos La Noche de los Mayas – Suite (1st & 2nd mvts) Colorines Batik Cuauhnahuac String Quartet No 4 “Musica der Feria” Planos Redes (exerpts) Ventanas Janitzio Musica para Charlar I. Canto a muchacha negra El Renacuajo Paseador Second Little Serious piece Homenaje a Federico García Lorca Caminos Itinerarios Cinco canciones de ninos Este era un rey Ocho x radio 3 Sonetos La Noche de los Mayas – Suite (3rd & 4th mvts) La Coronela (excerpt) SensemayaPresented by Kate Molleson Produced by Sam Phillips for BBC Audio Wales & West For full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Silvestre Revueltas (1899-1940) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00213lnAnd you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Thomas Linley Jnr (1756-1778)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2024 80:33


    Donald Macleod shines a light on charming and often enigmatic composer, Thomas Linley JnrEnglish composer, Thomas Linley the Younger was destined to become one of the brightest musical stars of eighteenth century. No less a person than Mozart, who was also a personal friend, hailed him as a ‘true genius'. Even so, Linley's life was troubled. He and his siblings were ruthlessly driven by their ambitious father. He saw his beloved sister become fodder for the celebrity-hungry gossip mongers of the British press and must have wondered if he might be next. He was forced to navigate a dangerous atmosphere of prurience and moral suspicion about the private lives of ‘theatre people' like himself. A cloud of mystery hovers over Tom's shocking and early death at the age of just 22. Donald Macleod is joined by Linley's biographer, Tony Scotland, to shine a light on this charming and often enigmatic composer, alongside music by Tom and his circle.Music Featured: Linley the Younger: Music for The Tempest (No 1, Arise! ye spirits of the storm) Geminiani: Violin Sonata in D Major, Op 5, No 4 (1st & 2nd mvts) Linley the Younger: The Song of Moses (extracts) Boyce: Symphony No 7 in B flat major Nardini: Sonata No 1 for 2 Violins in G Major Linley the Younger: To heal the wound a bee had made Linley the Younger: Sonata in A major Linley the Younger: A Lyric Ode on the Fairies, Aerial Beings and Witches of Shakespeare (excerpt) Linley the Elder(arr. Borutzki): The Lark Sings High in the Cornfield Linley the Younger: Ye nymphs of Albion's beauty-blooming isle (extracts) Linley the Younger: In yonder grove Linley the Younger: Violin Concerto in F major Linley the Younger: Overture to The Duenna Linley the Younger: A Lyric Ode on the Fairies, Aerial Beings and Witches of Shakespeare (extracts from parts 1 & 2) Linley the Younger: Let God arise Linley the Elder: Think not my love, when secret grief Linley the Younger: A Lyric Ode on the Fairies, Aerial Beings and Witches of Shakespeare (Overture) Linley the Younger: Daughter of Heav'n, fair art thou! 'Darthula' William Linley: Down in the gleamy vale Linley the Younger, Music for The Tempest (excerpt)Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Chris Taylor for BBC Audio Wales & WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Thomas Linley Jnr (1756-1778) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0020pnjAnd you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Richard Strauss (1864-1949)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2024 64:34


    Donald Macleod explores key figures in Richard Strauss's lifeThis week, Donald Macleod explores key figures in the life of Richard Strauss, including his librettist, Hugo von Hofmannsthal, his “domineering and difficult, yet devoted” wife, the soprano Pauline de Ahna, his “frenemy” Gustav Mahler as well as Strauss's uncomfortably close relationship with the High Command of the Third Reich. Donald also examines the larger-than-life characters that populated the world of the composer's imagination. Music Featured: Der Rosenkavalier, Op 59 (Act 1, Introduction) Le bourgeois gentilhomme, suite for orchestra, Op 60 (1. Overture) Elektra, Op 58 (Scene 6, ‘Was willst du, fremder Mensch?') Arabella, Op 79 (Act 2, love duet “Sie sehn nicht aus wie jemand, den das alles da interessiert.”) Der Rosenkavalier, Op 59 (Act 3, Finale) Guntram, Op 25 (Act 2, Overture) Morgen (Tomorrow), Op 27 No 4 Ein Heldenleben, Op 40 (No 3, Das Helden Gefährtin) Intermezzo, Op 72 (Act I, Sc 1 “Anna, Anna! Wo bleibt denn nur die dumme Gans?”) Symphonia Domestica, Op 53 (2b, Wiegenlied; 3, Adagio) Four Last Songs, Op posth (No 4, Im Abendrot) Salome, Op 54 (“Wie schön ist die Prinzessin Salome heute nacht!”) Symphony No 2 in F minor, Op 12 (2nd mvt, Scherzo) Also sprach Zarathustra, Op 30 (8, The Dance Song; 9. Song of the Night Wanderer) An Alpine Symphony, Op 64 (13, On the Summit; 14, Vision; 15, Mists Rise) Salome, Op 54 (Sc 4, “Ah! Du wolltest mich deinen Mund nicht küssen lassen, Jochanaan!”) Das Bächlein (The Little Brook), Op 88 No 1 Die schweigsame Frau (The Silent Woman), Op 80 (Act 1, “Ha!” “Was ist?” “Mir fällt etwas ein!”) Friedenstag (Peace Day), Op 81 (extract) Metamorphosen, study for 23 solo strings, TrV 290 Le bourgeois gentilhomme, Op 60 (3. The Fencing Master) Ariadne auf Naxos, Op 60 – Prologue (conclusion) Don Juan, Op 20 Daphne, Op 82 (Transformation scene, ‘Ich komme, ich komme') Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche, Op 28Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Chris Barstow for BBC Audio Wales and WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Richard Strauss (1864-1949) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0020hsy And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Lou Harrison (1917-2003)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2024 75:29


    Donald Macleod explores the life and music of American composer, Lou Harrison Lou Silver Harrison was an American, multi-faceted composer who died in 2003. In his music he explored a synthesis of Asian and Western influences, just intonation, and writing for percussion ensemble. He also involved himself in the arts as a performer, dancer, instrument maker, critic, puppeteer, poet, painter and much more. Harrison's interest in Asian cultures began when he was very young, and remained a significant influence on his work for the rest of his life He enjoyed working with Gamelan percussion and instruments from Korea or China. With his partner William Colvig, Harrison also made his own instruments including an American Gamelan, for which he composed multiple works. Harrison took lessons with Henry Cowell and Arnold Schoenberg, and also collaborated with John Cage in exploring the possibilities of percussion ensembles. His career as a composer developed in the world of dance and theatre, supplementing his income as a critic and, later, as a teacher.Music Featured: The Heart Sutra (Tial, Sariputro, ciuj Darmoj) Waltz in C (New York Waltzes) First Concerto for Flute and Percussion Suite for Symphonic Strings (excerpt) Largo Ostinato Prelude for Grandpiano John Cage & Lou Harrison: Double Music Blaze of Day (Finale: Solstice) Piano Sonata No 3 (excerpt) Symphony No 2 “Elegiac” (excerpt) Hesitation Waltz (New York Waltzes) Waltz in A (New York Waltzes) Suite No 2 The Marriage at the Eiffel Tower (Overture) The Only Jealousy of Emer (excerpt) Suite for Cello and Harp Beverly's Troubadour Piece, for harp and percussion Suite for Symphonic Strings (Nocturne) Four Strict Songs (Here is Holiness) Concerto in slendro Pacifika Rondo (excerpt) Easter Cantata A Waltz for Evelyn Hinrichsen Music for Bill and Me Young Caesar (excerpts) Suite for violin and American Gamelan (excerpt) Double Concerto for Javanese gamelan, violin and cello (excerpt) Third Symphony (Largo ostinato) Piano Concerto with selected orchestra (excerpt) O you whom I often and silently come where you are Grand Duo (Polka) Fourth Symphony ‘Last Symphony' (Largo) Vestiunt Silve Pipa Concerto Mass to St Anthony (Gloria)Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Luke Whitlock for BBC Audio Wales and WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Lou Harrison (1917-2003) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00209q6 And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2024 69:59


    Kate Molleson explores five windows onto Dvořák's soulAntonín Dvořák was one of the most heartfelt tunesmiths in classical music - a man who not only brought the sound of Czech folklore to the world, but also had an indelible impact on the musical nationhood of America. As a character he was sometimes shy, sometimes melancholy, routinely homesick and deeply passionate. This week, Kate Molleson explores five windows onto Dvořák's soul, aspects of life that were really central to his convictions and his music.Music Featured: Gypsy Songs Op 55 No 4: Songs my mother taught me (arr. for cellos by Kian Soltani) Berceuse (Two Piano Pieces, No 1) Symphony No 1 “Bells of Zlonice” (3rd mvt) Cypresses, Nos 1 and 2 Symphony No 9 “From the New World” (2nd mvt) Sonatine (1st and 2nd mvts) Humoresque in G flat major Forget-me-not Polka Silent Woods (From the Bohemian Forest) Serenade for Strings (1st and 2nd mvts) Rusalka (Act I, Song to the moon) The Wild Dove String Quartet No 12 in F major “American”, Op 96 (3rd mvt) Prelude in D major On the Holy Mountain (Poetic Tone Pictures) Stabat Mater (IV, Fac ut ardeat cor meum; V, Tui nati vulnerate) Symphony No 7 (2nd mvt) Requiem (Confutatis) Biblical Songs (Nos 1-5) ‘Possibility' (Moravian Duets, No 1) Slavonic Dances, Op 46 No 3 ‘My Home' Overture, Op 62 Serenade for Winds in D minor (1st and 2nd mvts) Piano Trio No 4 ‘Dumky', Op 90 (2nd mvt) The Noonday Witch Miniature in D minor, Op 75 No 2 String Quartet No 12 in F major “American”, Op 96 (4th mvt) Symphony No 7 (4th mvt) Scottish Dances, Op 41 New World Symphony (Finale) Cello Concerto in B minor (2nd mvt)Presented by Kate Molleson Produced by Amelia Parker for BBC Audio Wales and WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00202zxAnd you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Orlando Gibbons (1583-1625)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2024 76:27


    Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Orlando GibbonsOrlando Gibbons's life throws a light on the political turbulence affecting Britain in the early 17th century. As King James VI and I struggled to establish the concept of British identity, his court was blessed with one of England's most talented musicians of the time, Orlando Gibbons.Music Featured:The Silver Swan O clap your hands Out of the Deep A Fancy (for Double Organ) Behold, thou hast made my days We praise thee, O Father What Is Our life? I am the resurrection Hosanna to the Son of David How art thou thralled Farewell all joys Now each flowery bank of May Great King of Gods Pavan a 6 Pavan and galliard Lord Salisbury Fantasies in Three Parts Compos'd for Viols (No 6, No 8, No 9) This is the Record of John Fantasia No 10 in C Major Ne'er let the Sun Yet if that age Trust not too much fair youth Lift Up Your Heads Fantasia No 1 for Two Trebles Nay let me weep William Byrd: Fair Britain Isle Fantazia of Four Parts O God, the king of glory In Nomine for 5 Viols Fantasia No 2 for 3 Viols Glorious and Powerful God See, see the word is incarnate O Lord, in thy wrath Drop, drop, slow tears (arr. P. Dearmer) Do not repine, fair sun – Parts I and II Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints O all true faithful hearts Fantasia a 3 with Double Bass Viol Fantasia for 6 Viols Go from my Window Almighty and everlasting God Magnificat (Short Service) Great Lord of Lords Fantasia No 1 for the Great Double Bass Fantasia No 2 a 6 The Hunt's Up (Peascod time) The Second Service (Morning): Te Deum Fantasia No 4 a 6 The Cryes of London I & II Blessed are all they that fear the LordPresented by Donald Macleod Produced by Iain Chambers for BBC Audio Wales and WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Orlando Gibbons (1583-1625) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001zvhm And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Amanda Maier-Röntgen (1853-1894)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2024 63:47


    Donald Macleod & Dr Jennifer Martyn explore the remarkable, tragic story of gifted violinist and composer, Amanda Maier Amanda Maier was one of the 19th century's most brilliant musicians, yet whose story was almost lost to history. Born in the small Swedish town of Landskrona, her virtuoso talent at the violin saw her rise to become one of Europe's most in-demand performers: giving private and public concerts of major works by Brahms, Mendelssohn, and Bruch, as well as her own dazzling compositions. Maier was a friend of Grieg, Brahms, Clara Schumann and Ethel Smyth and her music was reviewed in newspapers across Europe. Tragically, ill health would see her pass away at the age of just 41 and her musical legacy slowly forgotten. This week, Donald Macleod is joined by musicologist and violinist Dr Jennifer Martyn to celebrate Amanda Maier's life and work - with performances of all her extant compositions alongside works by key figures in her life, including Edward Grieg, Carl Reinecke and Maier's husband, Julius Röntgen, with whom she enjoyed a close and loving relationship in music and in life.Music Featured:Violin Sonata in B minor (3rd mvt) Preludes in E major, G sharp minor, and E flat major Violin Sonata in B minor (2nd mvt) Den sjuka flickans sång (“Song of a sick girl”) Carl Reinecke: Symphony No 2 “Hakon Jarl” (1st mvt) Piano Trio in E flat major (3rd and 4th mvts) Aftonklockan (“The Evening Clock”) Violin Sonata in B minor (1st mvt) Julius Röntgen: Serenade for Wind No 1, Op 14 (1st mvt) Piano Trio in E flat major (2nd mvt) Violin Concerto in D minor Sången (“Song”) Nine Pieces for violin and piano Piano Trio in E flat major (1st mvt) Karol Lipinski: Violin Concerto No 2 “Militaire” (2nd mvt) Nacht-mittags Potpourri (St Nicholas-Schwank) St Nicholas-Schwank (excerpt) String Quartet in A minor (2nd and 3rd mvts) Grieg: Sarabande (Holberg Suite) Swedish Tunes and Dances Allegretto (Zwiegespräche) Piano Quartet in E minor (1st and 2nd mvts) Brahms: Violin Sonata No 3 (1st mvt) Zwiegespräche (excerpts) Piano Quartet in E minor (3rd and 4th mvts)Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Steven Rajam for BBC Audio Wales and WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Amanda Maier-Röntgen (1853-1894) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001zmwn And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2024 48:28


    Donald Macleod surveys the life and music of Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-KorsakovThis week, Donald Macleod traverses the dramatic and vivid musical landscapes of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov: a vital, fascinating, and perhaps under-appreciated figure in the evolution of the canon of western art music. His life alone was extraordinary: beginning as a cadet in the Tsar's navy, it ended soon after the tumult of the 1905 revolution; the prospect of far greater upheaval, national and international, looming.Music Featured: Flight of the Bumblebee The Tsar of Sultan Suite, Op 57 (3rd mvt, The Three Wonders) Symphony No 1, Op 1 Capriccio Espangnol, Op 34 (excerpts) The Maid of Pskov: Overture Mussorgsky arr. Rimsky-Korsakov: Night on the Bare Mountain Legend of Sadko, Op 5 Quintet Scheherazade, Op 35 (excerpt) The Golden Cloud Slept, Op 3, No 3 Trombone Concerto in B flat major Symphony No 3, Op 32 (3rd & 4th mvts) The Tatar Captivity, Op 18, No 2 The Octave, Op 45, No 3 Mussorgsky arr. Rimsky-Korsakov: Gopak from Sorochintsi Fair Russian Easter Festival Overture, Op 36 String Quartet in F major, Op 12 (3rd mvt) Mlada Suite The Snow Maiden: Prologue; Dance of the birds Against the Cruel Crag from Sadko The Invisible City of Kitzeh Suite (A Hymn to Nature) The Golden Cockerel Suite Four Songs, Op 2 (No 2, The Nightingale and the Rose)Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Lyndon Jones for BBC Audio Wales and WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001z5dz And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

    Elizabeth Maconchy (1907-1994)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2024 75:12


    Kate Molleson sets out so show us why Elizabeth Maconchy deserves much more of our attention Elizabeth Maconchy is surely the greatest composer of string quartets ever to emerge in the British Isles; and yet her music is often ignored in favour of lesser works by more famous British composers. So says Maconchy's biographer, Erica Siegel, who joins Kate Molleson to explore the life and works of this key figure in Britain and Ireland's musical story. Across the week, Kate and Erica set out to show us why Maconchy deserves much more of our attention. We'll hear stories of personal crises, public apathy and outrageous institutional sexism, and how Maconchy met each challenge with characteristic grace and perseverance. Her works fizz with invention and purpose and she described her own music as “impassioned argument”.Music Featured:String Quartet No 2 (4th mvt) Clarinet Quintet (3rd & 4th mvt) Four Shakespeare Songs (No 1, Come Away, Death) The Land - A Suite for Orchestra Concertino No 2 for Piano and String Orchestra String Quartet No 1 (4th mvt) Concertino for Piano and Chamber Orchestra (2nd mvt) Oboe Quintet Sonata for Viola and Piano String Quartet No 3 Nocturne Dialogue for Piano and Orchestra (2nd & 4 mvts) Two Dances from Puck Fair String Quartet No 5 (2nd & 3rd mvt) Concertino for Bassoon and String Orchestra String Quartet No 7: (4th mvt, Scherzo I) Proud Thames Overture The Sofa (excerpts) The Departure (excerpts) Serenata Concertante There is no rose Trittico Epyllion Morning, Noon and Night String Quartet No 13 'Quartetto Corto'Presented by Kate Molleson Produced by Chris Taylor for BBC Audio Wales and WestFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Elizabeth Maconchy (1907-1994) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001yyf6And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

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