Podcast
Composer of the Week Podcast
Hosted by BBC Radio 3 · EN
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.
34episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Thomas Adès
Mar 2701:01:28Tap to summarizeDonald Macleod talks to British composer, pianist and conductor Thomas Adès.Music featured: Hotel Suite from Powder Her Face Gefriolsae Me, Op 3B Arcadiana Chamber Symphony …but all shall be well Powder Her Face Still Sorrowing Asyla Concerto Conciso The Tempest Lieux retrouvés (Les champs) Violin Concerto Concert Paraphrase on Powder Her Face In Seven Days The Four Quarters Totentanz Coffee-Spoon Cavatina Alchymia Blanca Variations Növények Concerto for piano and orchestra AquiferProduced by Luke Whitlock.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 Thomas Adès: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002sq64And 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
Transcribe →Gaetano Donizetti (1797-1848)
Mar 2001:06:04Tap to summarizeGaetano Donizetti was one of Italy’s most prolific tunesmiths, with almost 70 operas to his name – about as many as Rossini, Bellini and Verdi all combined - whose arias still cut straight to the heart today. Donald Macleod follows his irresistible rise: from a child brought up in a dark, cramped cellar to become a pioneering master of the style known as bel canto. And like any opera plot, there’s triumph and tragedy, headaches and heartbreak…Music featured: L’Elisir d’amore Gloria (from Messa di Gloria) String Quartet No 5 in E minor Waltz in G major Zoraida Amor marinaro L’Esule di Roma Lucrezia Borgia Lucia di Lammermoor String Quartet No 16 Maria Stuarda Messa di Requiem ll sogno “Nostre misere menti” Il sospiro “Donna felice, stanca d’amore” Poliuto La fille du regiment Les Martyrs La fille du regiment Maria Padilla Trovatella “Sovra il campo della vita” Don Pasquale String Quartet No 18 Dom Sebastien: Seul sur la terre Requiem: Offertorio – Lux AeternaProduced by Amelia Parker for BBC Audio Wales and 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 Gaetano Donizetti (1797-1848): https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002sd9nAnd 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
Transcribe →New Zealand Composers
Mar 1301:12:12Tap to summarizeDonald Macleod explores five classical composers from the land of the long white cloud, New Zealand: Douglas Lilburn, Jenny McLeod, Dame Gillian Whitehead, John Psathas, and Gareth Farr.Music featured:Douglas Lilburn: Symphony No 1 Aotearoa Elegy Sings Harry Symphony No 3 Three Inscapes, No 1 17 Pieces for Guitar Symphony No 2Jenny McLeod: Rock Concerto Hear the Great Ocean (from Childhood, No 4) 24 Tone Clock Dolly Bird (Music for Four) Nā Kui ki a Tama: Te Pūroto Kōpua Three celebrationsDame Gillian Whitehead: Hineaukatauri Tōrua Alice Pūhake ki te Rangi Lullaby for Matthew KarohirohiJohn Psathas: RealBadNow – V Craving the World Voices at the End (Mitote) Three Psalms (No 3, Sergei Bk. Ch. 1) Songs for Simon (No 1, His Second Time) Helix (No 3, Tarantismo) The All-Seeing Sky Gareth Farr: Pukul The Horizon from Owhiro Bay Tentang Cara Gamelan Waipoua Headrush Te Papa Kembang Suling Nga Tai Hurihuri From the Depths Sound the Great Sea Gongs (The Invocation of the Sea)Presented by Donald Macleod. 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 New Zealand Composers: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002s3nmAnd 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
Transcribe →Jean Sibelius (1865-1957)
Mar 601:05:19Tap to summarizeThis week, Kate Molleson traces the development of Jean Sibelius’s symphonies. Set against Finland’s changing political climate and Sibelius’s own, turbulent personal circumstances, the podcast explores what shaped each symphony’s character – from the nationalism surrounding Nos. 1 and 2, to the renewed sense of form in the Third, the more inward Fourth, and the reworked Fifth. The week concludes with the distinctive Sixth and the single‑movement Seventh, composed during a period of uncertainty both for Finland and Sibelius himself.Music featured includes: Symphony No 2 in D, Op 43 Song of my Heart, Op 18 No 6 Symphony No 1 in E minor, Op 39 The Diamond on the March Snow, Op 36 No 6 Sunrise, Op 37 No 1 Kyllikki, Op 41 No 3 Symphony No 3 in C, Op 52 The Captive Queen, Op 48 Erloschen String Quartet in D minor, Op 56 ‘Voces Intimae’ Des Abends, Op 58 No 5 Symphony No 4 in A minor, Op 63 Spring’s Spell, Op 61 No 8 Romance, Op 78 No 2 The Oceanides, Op 73 The Echo Nymph, Op 72 No 4 Symphony No 5 in E flat, Op 82 Jokamies, Op 83 Autrefois, Op 96b Symphony No 6 in D minor, Op 104 Danses Champêtres, Op 106 No 1 Symphony No 7 in C, Op 105Presented by Kate Molleson 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 Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002rr2jAnd 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
Transcribe →Amy Beach (1867-1944)
Feb 2700:55:46Tap to summarizeDonald Macleod explores how Amy Beach railed against the sexism of her time to journey from a child piano prodigy to a respected composer.Young Birches Valse – Caprice, op.4 3 Songs, Op 2 no 3 - Empress of Night Eilende Wolken, segler der Lufte, Op. 18 Violin Sonata, Op.34 - I. Allegro Moderato Quartet for Strings in One Movement The Lark Quartet Romance for violin and piano, op.23 Ecstasy, Op.19 no 2 Symphony in E Flat, Op.32 'Gaelic' Peace I leave with you Dreaming (4 Sketches, Op.15) Piano Quintet in F sharp minor, Op.67 Deus Misereatur, Op.78 no 2 Jephthah’s Daughter, Op.53 A Hermit Thrush At Morn, Op.92, no.2 Piano Concerto, Op. 45 From Grandmother’s Garden - V. Honeysuckle By the still waters, Op.114 (arr. Lewin for 2 guitars) Hermit Thrush At Eve, Op.92, no.1 (1922) 3 Piano pieces, Op. 128 (I. Scherzino) Ses Yeux, Op. 66 Piano Trio in A minor, Op. 150 Cabildo, Op. 149 “Ah, love is a jasmine vine” Canticle of the Sun Scottish Legend, Op. 54, No 1For 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 Amy Beach (1867-1944): https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002rf45And 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-zProducer: Steven Rajam / Sam Phillips
Transcribe →Heinrich Schutz (1585-1672)
Feb 1701:07:24Tap to summarizeDonald Macleod delves into the life of the great German composer Heinrich Schütz.Music featured: Wohl denen, die ohne Wandel leben, SWV 482 Tugend ist der beste Freund, SWV 442 O primavera, SWV 1 Wohl dem der ein tugendsam Weib hat, SWV 20 Zion spricht, der Herr hat mich verlassen, SWV 46 En novus Elysiis, SWV 49 (Syncharma Musicum) Ich heb mein Augen sehnlich auf, SWV 226 (Becker Psalter) Mit dem Amphion zwar mein Orgel und mein Harfe, SWV 501 Auferstehungshistorie, SWV 50 Fili mi, Absalon, SWV 269 Ich hab mein Sach Gott heimgestellt, SWV 305 Erhöre mich, wenn dich ich rufe, SWV 289 O der grossen Wundertaten, SWV 278 Musikalische Exequien, SWV 279 Ich werde nicht sterben, SWV 346 (Symphoniarum sacrarum II) Die mit Tränen säen, SWV 378 (Geistliche Chormusik) Haus und Güter erbet man von Eltern, SWV 21 Teutoniam dudum belli, SWV 338 Was betrübst du dich, SWV 353 (Symphoniarum sacrarum II) Die Himmel erzählen die Ehre Gottes, SWV 386 Seid barmherzig, SWV 409 (Symphoniarum sacrarum III) Herr, nun lässest du deinen Diener, SWV 432 Schütz: Die Erde trinkt für sich, SWV 438 Saul, Saul, was verfolgst du mich, SWV 415 (Symphoniarum sacrarum III) St Matthew Passion, SWV 479 Vater Abraham, erbarme dich mein, SWV477 Ich rufe von ganzem Herzen, SWV 491For 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 Heinrich Schutz (1585-1672): https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002qqryAnd 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
Transcribe →Erik Chisholm (1904-1965)
Feb 601:36:01Tap to summarizeThis week, Kate Molleson, joined by Dr John Purser, explores the life and music of Erik Chisholm – one of Scotland’s most original and adventurous composers. From his early fascination with folk melody and the piano in Glasgow, through his championing of new music and his wide‑ranging artistic friendships, to his bold ventures in opera, ballet and international musical life, Chisholm’s story is one of restless curiosity and invention. We follow his journey from Scotland to India, Singapore and South Africa, tracing the ideas, collaborations and passions that shaped his distinctive voice.Music featured includes: Airs from the Patrick MacDonald Collection: Nos. 18, 23–26 Piano Sonatina No. 1 Straloch Suite: Nos. 1–2 Piano Concerto No. 1 “Piobaireachd”: I & IV Violin Concerto: II. Allegro scherzando The Three Worthies; Dirge for Summer; Snail, Snail, Shoot Out Your Horn Dance Suite for Orchestra: III. March; IV. Reel Piobaireachd: Nos. 1–4 Piano Concerto No. 2 “Hindustani”: III. Rondo burlesca Pictures from Dante (After Doré): I. Inferno; II. Paradisio Poems of Love Symphony No. 2 “Ossian”: Prelude; Allegro animado; Epilogue Piano Sonata in A major “a Rhiobain Dearg”: IV. Allegro moderato Tango Scottish Airs for Children: Nos. 6–12 From the True Edge of the Great World: Preludes 1, 8, 9 Ceol Mòr Dances: Nos. 1–2 Night Song of the Bards: Bard 3; Bard 4 Simoon: excerpts Dance Suite for Orchestra and Piano: I. Allegro energico; II. PiobaireachdPresented by Kate Molleson.Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio Wales and 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 Erik Chisholm (1904-1965) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002qh44.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.
Transcribe →Franz Xaver Wolfgang Mozart (1791-1844)
Jan 3001:12:02Tap to summarizeDonald Macleod takes a tour of the life of Franz Xaver Mozart, son of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, with guest Professor Cliff Eisen.Music featured: Piano Concerto No 1 in C, Op 14 (excerpt) Das Finden, Op 27 No 2 (Drei Deutsche Lieder) Variations on a Minuet from W. A. Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Op 2 Piano Quartet in G minor Op 1 Variation 28 for Anton Diabelli’s Waltz Piano Concerto No 1 in C, Op 14 (Allegro maestoso) Rondo in F, Op 4 (excerpt) Nein! (Sechs Lieder, No 3) Violin Sonata in B flat, Op 7 Piano Concerto No 1 in C, Op 14 (Adagio) Polonaise mélancolique No 5 in F minor, Op 17 Piano Concerto No 1 in C, Op 14 (Allegretto) Violin Sonata in F, Op 15 (excerpt) Sinfonia in D Das liebende Mädchen (Sechs Lieder, No 1) An spröde Schönen (Sechs Lieder, No 2) Piano Sonata in G Violin Sonata in F, Op 15 (Polonaise) In der Väter Hallen ruht, Op 12 Piano Concerto No 2 in E flat, Op 25 (excerpt) Variations on a Theme of an Ukrainian Folk Song, Op 18 An Emma, Op 24 Grand Sonata for piano and cello in E, Op 19 Polonaise mélancolique, Op 22 No 1 (Risoluto) Piano Concerto No 2 in E flat, Op 25 (Allegro con brio) Engel Gottes künden Rondo in E minor Polonaise mélancolique, Op 22 No 2-4 An den Abendstern, Op 27 No 1 Piano Concerto No 2 in E flat, Op 25 (excerpt)Presented by Donald Macleod 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 Franz Xaver Wolfgang Mozart (1791-1844): https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002q4m1And 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
Transcribe →Aaron Copland (1900-1990)
Jan 1301:13:47Tap to summarizeThis week, Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Aaron Copland, one of the most distinctive voices in 20th-century American music. From his Brooklyn childhood and formative studies in Paris to his return home with bold new ideas, Copland’s career charts a path through modernism, jazz, and the search for an unmistakably American sound. We hear music that captures the spirit of a nation – from Billy the Kid and Lincoln Portrait to his Fanfare for the Common Man, before he made the move from composer to conductor. Music featured includes: 4 Dance Episodes from Rodeo: iv. Hoe Down Two Preludes for violin and piano Four Early Songs: i. Night; ii. A Summer Vacation; iii. My Heart is in the East; iv. Alone Four Motets: iii. Have Mercy on Us, O My Lord Three Moods: i. Embittered; ii. Wistful; iii. Jazzy Symphony for Organ and Orchestra: ii. Scherzo; iii. Finale: Lento The Cat and the Mouse Old Poem; Pastorale Music for the Theater: i. Prologue; ii. Dance Piano Concerto Vitebsk (trio for violin, cello and piano) Hear Ye! Hear Ye! – ballet in one act: Scene i (Prelude) Piano Variations Short Symphony (Symphony No. 2): i. Incisivo; ii. Espressivo; iii. Presto e ritmico El Salón México Billy the Kid Suite: i. Introduction: The Open Prairie; ii. Street in a Frontier Town; iii. Mexican Dance and Finale Letter from Home Appalachian Spring Suite: v. Solo Dance; vi. Meno mosso; vii. Variation on a Shaker Hymn Clarinet Concerto Lincoln Portrait Fanfare for the Common Man Two Pieces for String Quartet: No. 2. Allegro Moderato Piano Quartet: iii. Non troppo lento Music for a Great City: i. SkylinePresented by Donald Macleod Produced by Elizabeth Ajao 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 Aaron Copland (1900-1990): https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002p75g 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
Transcribe →A Georgian Christmas
Dec 2601:02:23Tap to summarizeDonald Macleod visits the home of Jane Austen with historian Amanda Vickery to discover some of the seasonal customs and Christmas music of late-Georgian Britain.Music featured: Thomas Clark: While Shepherds Watched William Matthews: How beauteous are their feet Anon: The Holly and the Ivy Viotti: Violin Concerto No 13 in A Major Handel: Messiah Cimarosa: L'Olimpiade: Sinfonia Thomas Wilson: Wellington's Triumph Thomas Straight: Trip to Vauxhall, Sailor Laddie Weber (orch Berlioz): Aufforderung zum Tanz Trad (arr. Townsend): Arise and Hail the Joyful Day Trad.: Awake, and join the cheerful choir Attrib. Wade (arr. Vincent Novello): O come, all ye faithful Arr. Thomas Butts: Hark! how all the welkin rings Attwood: O God, Who by the Leading of a Star Mendelssohn: The Evening Bell Jarman: There were shepherds abiding John Wainwright: Christians, awake, salute the happy morn Pleyel: Symphony No.12 in E flat Kalmar Wesley: Rondo on God Rest You Merry Gentlemen Trad: The First Nowell Anon: Remember The Poor John Hill: The people that walked in darkness Richard Charke: Harlequin Restor'd John Frederick Lampe: The Dragon of Wantley, Overture Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Chris Taylor 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 Georgian Christmas: 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
Transcribe →