
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.

This week, Kate Molleson explores the life and music of Sergey Prokofiev – a composer whose imagination shaped some of the most vivid music of the 20th century. From childhood stories in rural Ukraine to bold experiments at the St Petersburg Conservatory, from revolutionary Russia to the bright lights of New York, and finally to his dramatic homecoming, Prokofiev’s journey is full of ambition, upheaval and colour. We hear music that tells tales – fairytales, fantasies and fragments of real life – revealing a composer who never stopped dreaming.Troika (from Lieutenant Kijé Suite, Op. 60) Cinderella Suite, Op. 87 The Winter Bonfire, Op. 122: IV–VIII Music for Children, Op. 65: Nos. 1–9 Peter and the Wolf, Op. 67 Four Études, Op. 2 Autumnal Sketch Piano Concerto No. 1 in D flat major, Op. 10 The Ugly Duckling, Op. 18 Cinderella Suite No. 1, Op. 107: IV. Fairy Godmother and Winter Fairy Symphony No. 1 in D major, Op. 25 'Classical' Seven, They Are Seven, Op. 30 Scythian Suite, Op. 20: I–II Old Grandmother’s Tales, Op. 31: Nos. 1–4 Overture on Hebrew Themes The Love of Three Oranges: Suite Five Songs Without Words Violin Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 63: II. Andante assai Le Pas d’acier Suite, Op 41a: I, II The Prodigal Son, Op. 46, Scene 1: IV–VIII Romeo and Juliet: Dance of the KnightsPresented by Kate Molleson Produced by Ellie Ajao 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 Sergey Prokofiev (1891-1953) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002n9nvAnd 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

This week, Donald Macleod visits Sir John Rutter at his Cambridgeshire home to celebrate his 80th birthday and explore the twists and turns of his extraordinary career. One of the most influential choral composers of the 20th and 21st centuries – and for many, the sound of Christmas – Rutter is also an international conductor, arranger, editor and producer, describing himself as a musical “magpie.” Across the week, we hear hallmark carols alongside music shaped by his life’s milestones: from childhood in London and formative years in Cambridge, to his long association with America, his response to personal tragedy, and his latest creative ventures. Music featured: Nativity Carol 4 Orchestral Miniatures: Dance to Your Daddy London Town: A Choral Celebration Shepherd’s Pipe Carol The Lord Bless You and Keep You Visions Cityscapes: Flower of Cities All Banquet Fugue (from The Reluctant Dragon) A Clare Benediction Reflections: Prelude What Sweeter Music Wind in the Willows (Extract – Opening) Somerset Wassail Candlelight Carol I’ll Make Me a World Gloria Cityscapes: Big Apple Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit Lord Make me an Instrument (arr. for orchestra) Requiem: Lux Aeterna Mass of the Children: Sanctus and Benedictus The Gift of Life: The Gift of Each Day There is a flower When Icicles Hang: Good Ale Bird Songs: If I were an Owl Dancing Tree (In My Garden) Celebration Overture All the Stars Looked Down Carol of the Magi Presented by Donald Macleod. 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 John Rutter (b 1945) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002mk0y. 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.

This week, Kate Molleson explores the life and work of a musical giant – drummer and composer Max Roach – in the company of writer and broadcaster Kevin Le Gendre. Together they trace Roach’s extraordinary journey: from his early days at the heart of bebop alongside Bud Powell, Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker, through his pioneering role as a bandleader, his political activism during the civil rights era, and his later innovations in percussion and collaboration. Roach’s story is one of constant reinvention as performer, composer and activist, shaping jazz and beyond for more than half a century.Music includes: Dr Free-Zee (from Max Roach +4) Joy Spring (from Clifford Brown and Max Roach) Bu Dee Daht (from Coleman Hawkins: Rainbow Mist) Salt Peanuts (from Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker: Town Hall, New York City, June 22, 1945) Ko-Ko (from Charlie Parker: The Complete Savoy and Dial Master Takes) Bird Gets the Worm (from Charlie Parker: The Complete Savoy and Dial Master Takes) Move (from Miles Davis: The Complete Birth of the Cool) Cherokee (from Jazz at Massey Hall) Cou Manchi-Cou (from Max Roach Quartet, featuring Hank Mobley) Maximum (from In the Beginning) Daahoud (from Clifford Brown and Max Roach) Sandu (from Study in Brown) Take the A Train (from Study in Brown) Fleurette Africain (from Money Jungle) Driva’man (from We Insist! Max Roach’s Freedom Now Suite) Freedom Day (from We Insist! Max Roach’s Freedom Now Suite) Garvey’s Ghost (from Percussion Bitter Sweet) Lonesome Lover (from It’s Time: Max Roach, his Chorus and Orchestra) The Drum Also Waltzes (from Drums Unlimited) Libra (from Members Don’t Git Weary) Let Thy People Go (from Lift Every Voice and Sing) Joshua (from Lift Every Voice and Sing) A Quiet Place (from Collage) Double Delight (from Bright Moments) Spirit Possession (from Birth and Rebirth) Love is a Many Splendored Thing (from Clifford Brown and Max Roach at Basin Street) 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 Max Roach (1924-2007) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002mb7w. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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