Composer Of The Week

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,

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) Symp

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 Moder

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 S

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

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

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?

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

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) Pre

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

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,

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

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

In 1773, Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach sat down to record his life story. He’d been asked to write it down for a new book on German music and it made him one of the first composers to produce an autobiography. This week, Donald Macleod follows the composer’s story, using Bach’s own account as his guide. Bach’s words provide fascinating insights into the things he considered most important but it’s possible that what he chose to leave out is even more revealing.Music Featured: L'Aly Rupalich, Wq 117 No 27 Symphony for Strings and Continuo in G major, Wq 182 No 1 Fantasia for keyboard in C major, Wq 61 No 6 Trio Sonata in B minor, Wq 143 Keyboard Concerto in G major, Wq 3 Symphony in G major, Wq 173 (1st mvt) Trio Sonata in A Minor, Wq 148 Sonata in A minor, Wq 132 (1st mvt) Cello Concerto No 3 in A major, Wq 172 (2nd & 3rd mvts) Sonata in E minor, Wq 49 No 3 Magnificat in D, Wq 215 (1, Magnificat anima mea Dominum; 5, Fecit potentiam; 10. Sicut erat in principio) Keyboard Sonata in E flat major, Wq 52 No 1( 2n

Donald Macleod tracks the scandalous life of Achille-Claude DebussyIn the music of Claude Debussy there have been said to run dangerous and destructive currents. His radical works did forge a path which would redefine music in the 20th Century, but his beautiful music runs contrary to his shocking personal life. The Scottish soprano Mary Garden said of him, “I honestly don’t know if he ever loved anybody really. He loved his music – and perhaps himself.” The lies and duplicity, deception and debt left other unfortunate people in their wake, with Debussy unrepentant throughout. In the aftermath of these scandals, Debussy was disowned by his friends, and by most of Parisian society, but the notoriety he gained only seemed to heighten his appeal with audiences. Over the course of this week, Donald Macleod tracks the scandalous life of Achille-Claude Debussy and tries to reconcile his appalling behaviour with his transcendent music.Suite Bergamasque (3rd mvt, Claire de Lune) La Mer (2nd mvt, Jeux de vagues) Ariet

Donald Macleod explores the key influences and music of Edvard Greig.Donald Macleod looks at the people and places that had a significant impact on Edvard Grieg’s life and work, meeting Norwegian fiddlers, folksong collectors and nationalist firebrands along the way. From Henrik Ibsen, who commissioned Grieg to write his most famous work, to the composer's wife Nina, for whom he wrote all his songs, this week Donald explores the key influences on the composer’s outlook and development.Music Featured:Holberg Suite: I. Praeludium Symphonic Dances (3rd & 4th mvts) Piano Concerto No 1 (2nd & 3rd mvts) Peer Gynt Suite No 1 Lyric Pieces Book 1: IV Elves’ Dance Violin Sonata No 1 in F major (3rd mvt) In Autumn Funeral March for Richard Nordraak (arr for orch by Johan Halvorsen) Ballade Hjertets melodier: III Jeg Elsker Deg 6 Songs, Op 25 (No 2, En Svane & No 4, IV Med en Vanlilje) Violin Sonata No 2 (3rd mvt) Piano Concerto No 1 (1st mvt) 6 Songs Op 39 (No 4, Millom Rosor) 6 Songs Op 39 (No 5 Veng en ung

Johannes Brahms, the bearded and magisterial Romantic composer, could certainly do grandeur when required. But really, he was more interested in what music meant in ordinary life - how it can whisper, joke and console. He was a man who tried to find a place to belong all his life, wrote for the people closest to him, and that fondness is writ large in his music. This week, Kate Molleson focuses on Brahms at home, revealing the subtle sides of this sometimes brawny composer – the tender heart behind the famous beard - through the music he wrote for himself and his friends to play.Music Featured:Liebeslieder Waltzes, Op 52a No 1 Ballade in G minor, Op 118 No 2 Sandmännchen WoO 31, No 4 (Children’s Folk Songs) Scherzo in E flat minor, Op 4 An die Nachtigall, Op 46 No 4 Vier Gesänge für Frauenchor, Op 17 Piano Quartet No 1 in G minor Op 25 (3rd mvt – Andante) Einförmig ist der Liebe Gram, Op 113 No 13 Sonata in C major (4th mvt) FAE Sonata (3rd mvt – Scherzo) Piano Trio, Op 8 (3rd mvt – Adagio) Geistliches Lied,

Donald Macleod follows Mozart and his family on an ambitious European adventure.When Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was just seven years old, he and his family set out on an epic journey. Their goal: to travel through Europe and become famous; bringing their awesomely talented children to concert halls, homes and royal palaces across Germany, Belgium, France, Britain, the Netherlands and Switzerland. At the start of their trip, young Wolfgang could already perform and improvise better than most adults. By the time they returned home, three and a half years later, he’d grown into a fully-fledged composer of sonatas, symphonies and arias. This week, Donald Macleod accompanies the Mozart family on their musical marathon and invites us to follow their many scrapes and adventures.Music Featured:Allegro in F major, K 1c Exsultate, jubilate, K 165, 1. Exsultate, jubilate Quartet for Oboe, Violin, Viola and Cello in F Major, K 370 Misericordias Domini in D Minor, K 222 Violin Concerto No 4 in D major, K 218 Symphony in C, K

Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Charles Villiers Stanford. With Jeremy DibbleMarking the centenary of his death, Composer of the Week explores the remarkable life and music of Sir Charles Villiers Stanford. Stanford was one of the leading musicians of his generation and, along with Parry and Mackenzie, he was one of the main protagonists in Britain’s musical renaissance at the end of the 19th century. Born in Dublin, Stanford rose to the very top of the British music scene, as both a conductor and composer. He also maintained strong links to Germany, following his studies in Leipzig and Berlin. Stanford’s works were popular in Europe, as well as Britain, with conductors such as Hans Richter promoting his music. Today, Stanford is largely remembered for his sacred works, however his prolific output covers most genres and he had a particular passion for opera. He was an influential teacher at the Royal College of Music and Cambridge University; many future musical luminaries passed through his cla

Donald Macleod explores the lives and music of uncle and nephew Andrea and Giovanni GabrieliAndrea and Giovanni Gabrieli share a name that dominated Venetian music during the late 16th and early 17th century. Both uncle and nephew were organists and composers, and their music was linked inextricably with the exceptional city in which they lived and worked. From the organ loft of St Mark’s Basilica to the resplendent palazzos of merchants and noblemen, they provided the soundtrack to Venice’s golden age, with its numerous feast days and celebrations. But together, they would also pioneer an ambitious way of writing choral music - playing with texture and architecture– that would eventually echo beyond the Venetian waterways and profoundly affect the music of the future.Music Featured:Andrea Gabrieli: Benedictus dominus Deus sabbaoth Andrea Gabrieli: Fantasia allegra del duodecima toni Andrea Gabrieli: Hor chel nel suo ben seno; Vaghi augelletti; Angel del terzo ciel; O suave a mio cor Andrea Gabrieli: Aria de