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Composer of the Week: Daily Summaries Delivered
by BBC Radio 3
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.
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- 3 days ago1h 1m
Franz Schubert - The Final Years
Kate Molleson explores the last five years of Franz Schubert’s life.Music featured: Octet in F, D. 803 Hungarian Melody in B minor, D. 817 Rosamunde, D797 String Quartet No. 13 in A minor, D. 804 Ave Maria, D. 839 Piano Sonata in A minor, D. 845 Symphony No. 9 in C, D. 944 Mass in C, D. 452 Der Graf von Gleichen, D. 918 String Quartet in G, D. 887 Piano Sonata in G, D. 894 Winterreise, D. 911 Ständchen, D. 920 Fantasie in F minor, D. 940 Tantum ergo, D.962 String Quintet in C, D. 956 Piano Sonata in B flat, D. 960 Piano Quintet in A, D. 667 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 Schubert - The Final Years: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00317d0And 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-zProduced by Luke Whitlock
- 6 days ago1h 7m
Stephen Sondheim (1930-2021)
Donald Macleod reflects back on the life and work of a Titan of Musical Theatre.
- 3 weeks ago1h 38m
Sally Beamish
Donald Macleod joins Sally Beamish at her home on the south coast of England to celebrate her 70th birthday. Across a lifetime in music, Beamish has combined careers as performer and composer, drawing inspiration from places, people and collaborations along the way. From a musical childhood in post-war London and her early years as a violist, to a transformative move to Scotland and a growing international reputation as a composer, Beamish reflects on the experiences that have shaped her creative life. Folk traditions, landscape, birdsong and long-standing creative relationships all play a part, as she looks back on a remarkable career and ahead to new projects.Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio WalesMusic featured includes: April Crescent The Wise Maid Gerropaedie Partita The Naming of Birds: III. Carduelis Cannabina, Emberiza Calendra Seavaigers Cello Sonata: II. Scherzo-Allegro Trance The Day Dawn Stone, Salt and Sky: Processional Gala Water Piobaireachd The Singing First Peace Viola Concerto No. 1 City Stanzas (Piano Concerto No. 3): Burlesque Bridging the Day Trinculo Sally's Tune Prelude and Canon Night Songs Pavan Caliban Spinal ChordsFor 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 Sally Beamish: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00309fvAnd 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
- Aug 21, 20261h 13m
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
Kate Molleson follows Felix Mendelssohn's journeys across Europe, tracing how travel shaped one of the nineteenth century's most gifted musical minds. From a privileged upbringing in Berlin and early encounters with Goethe, through concert tours in Britain and adventures in Scotland and Italy, Mendelssohn absorbed new landscapes, cultures and ideas wherever he went. Alongside artistic inspiration came professional opportunities, influential friendships and the challenge of establishing himself as a composer on his own terms. Returning to Germany after years on the road, he channelled these experiences into some of his most celebrated music while helping to shape the country's musical life through his work in Leipzig.Presented by Kate Molleson Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio WalesMusic featured includes:Symphony No. 4 in A major "Italian", Op. 90 Rondo capriccioso in E major, Op. 14 Overture to A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 21 Piano Quartet in F minor, Op. 2: Adagio Octet in E flat major, Op. 20: Allegro moderato Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 11 (1829 London Version): Scherzo Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage, Op. 27 Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 11: Allegro di molto Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten Piano Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25: I & II Symphony No. 3 in A minor, Op. 56 "Scottish": II. Vivace non troppo and IV. Allegro vivacissimo – Allegro maestoso assai Hebrides Overture, Op. 26 Fantasia in F sharp minor, Op. 28 "Scottish Sonata" Three Fantasies (or Caprices), Op. 16 Venetian Gondola Song Ave Maria Symphony No. 5 in D major "Reformation", Op. 107: IV. Chorale "Ein feste Burg" Psalm 115, Nicht unserm Namen, Herr, Op. 31 Symphony No. 4 in A major "Italian", Op. 90: III & IV String Quintet No. 1 in A major, Op. 18: III. Adagio e lento Songs Without Words, Book I, Op. 19b Trumpet Overture, Op. 101 Paulus, Op. 36, Part I: "Herr! Der du bist der Gott" Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64: I. Allegro molto appassionatoFor 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 Felix Mendelssohn: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m003029dAnd 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
- Aug 7, 20261h 4m
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Kate Molleson tells Mozart’s story through five of the relationships that shaped the composer and his music - from his friends and family to a mentor and a supposed rival.Symphony no. 35, K385 ‘Haffner’ Violin Concerto No. 1 in B flat, K207 Concerto for Flute Harp and orchestra in C, K299 Symphony no. 31 D major, K297 'Paris' Idomeneo Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor, K466 Concerto for Two pianos no. 10 in E flat major, K365 Exsultate Jubilate Symphony No. 29 in A major, K201 Vespers sollennes de confessore in C, K339 Sonata for Piano Four hands in D major, K381 String Quartet no. 20 in D Major, K499 ‘Hoffmeister’ Symphony no. 36, K425 ‘Linz’ String Quartet no. 19 in C major, K465 ‘Dissonance’ Fantasia in C minor, K475 Symphony no. 41 in C Major, K551 'Jupiter' Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serail - Overture Der Schauspieldirektor, K486: Da Schlägt die Abschiedsstunde Piano Concerto no. 24 in C minor, K491 Così fan tutte Chamber Orchestra of Europe Clarinet concerto in A major, K622 Masonic funeral music in C minor, K477 Trio in E flat for clarinet viola and piano, K498 'Kegelstatt' The Magic Flute: Overture The Magic Flute: Finale Requiem in D minor. K626Presented by Kate Molleson Produced by Megan Jones for BBC Wales AudioFor 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 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791): https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002ztshAnd 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.
- Jul 31, 20261h 2m
Alice Mary Smith (1839-1884)
Donald Macleod journeys through the life and work of Alice Mary Smith, with guests Ian Graham-Jones and Leanne Langley.Music featured: Symphony in C minor Weep no more! Rondo: The Vale of Tempe Lover’s melancholy The First Snowfall Out of the Deep (Psalm 130) Overture ‘Lalla Rookh’ String Quartet ‘Tubal-Cain’ Six Short Pieces Overture ‘Endymion No 2’ Impromptu in D minor Overture ‘Vivien’ By the Waters of Babylon Andante for Clarinet and Orchestra Melody and Scherzo O that we two were maying Queen of love Symphony in A minor Overture ‘The Masque of Pandora’ L’ange et l’enfant Overture ‘Jason, or the Argonauts and the Sirens’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 Alice Mary Smith: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002z6mrAnd 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
- Jul 24, 20261h 15m
George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of George Frideric Handel through the patrons, employers and institutions that helped shape his career. From the aristocratic circles of Italy and the court of Hanover to royal favour in Britain and the charitable culture of Dublin, Handel proved adept at navigating the worlds on which composers depended. Yet he remained unusually independent, moving between courts, theatres and concert halls while steadily building a career on his own terms. Along the way, patronage could offer opportunity, security and prestige, but it also brought rivalries, competing loyalties and political complications. Through sacred music, opera, anthem and oratorio, this podcast traces how Handel responded to the people and places that supported his work.Music featured includes extracts from:Dixit Dominus, HWV 232 Tu fedel? Tu costante?, HWV 171a: Recitative and aria Rodrigo, HWV 5: Overture; recitative and aria Il trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno, HWV 46a: Overture Il trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno, HWV 46a: "Pure del cielo" La Resurrezione, HWV 47 Eternal Source of Light Divine, HWV 74 Nine German Arias, HWV 202–210: No. 6, "In den angenehmen Büschen" Rinaldo, HWV 7a: Overture Silla, HWV 10: Overture Il pastor fido, HWV 8a: "Sol nel mezzo risona del core" Water Music Suite No. 2 in D major, HWV 349 Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a: "Love sounds th'alarm" As Pants the Hart, HWV 251b Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a: Sinfonia Esther, HWV 50a Coronation Anthem: Zadok the Priest, HWV 258 Coronation Anthem: My Heart Is Inditing, HWV 261 Riccardo Primo, HWV 23: Act III Chorus Atalanta, HWV 35: Overture Alexander's Feast, HWV 75 Funeral Anthem for Queen Caroline, HWV 264 Messiah, HWV 56: Sinfonia L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55: "Sweet Bird" Imeneo, HWV 41 Messiah, HWV 56: Part III Foundling Hospital Anthem, HWV 268Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio WalesFor 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 George Frideric Handel (1685-1759): https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002yxkn.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.
- Jul 10, 20261h 33m
Fela Sowande and the Art Music of Nigeria
Donald Macleod explores the development of Nigerian art music through the lives and work of some of its most influential composers. Joined by Alexander Douglas, he traces the emergence of a musical tradition shaped by European missionary education, church music and indigenous cultural practices, beginning with Fela Sowande’s pioneering synthesis of Yoruba and Western traditions. From Sowande's early years in Lagos and London to the work of later figures including Ayo Bankole, Akin Euba, Samuel Akpabot and Nkeiru Okoye, the podcast follows a continuing conversation about identity, heritage and musical innovation. Along the way, we hear how generations of composers drew on local traditions while creating new forms of concert music, and how their legacy continues to evolve today.Fela Sowande: High Life Joshua Uzoigwe: Talking Drums Fela Sowande: Go Down Moses Josiah Ransome-Kuti: Obángíjì Iwo Lo to Sìn Fela Sowande: African Suite Fela Sowande: 2 Preludes on Yoruba Sacred Folk Melodies – No. 1 K’A Mura Fela Sowande: Yoruba Lament Fela Sowande: Night and Day Fela Sowande: Sunset Fela Sowande: Obangiji Ayo Bankole: Egun Variations in G major Ayo Bankole: Variations for Little Ayo Ayo Bankole: Nigerian Suite Ayo Bankole: Three Yoruba Songs Ayo Bankole: Ya Orule Ayo Bankole: Piano Sonata No. 2 in C major “The Passion” Akin Euba: Three Yoruba Songs Without Words Akin Euba: Scenes from Traditional Life Akin Euba: Six Yoruba Folk Songs Akin Euba: Study in African Jazz 3 Akin Euba: Igba Kerin Akin Euba: Igba Kinni Akin Euba: Wakar Duru Joshua Uzoigwe: Nigerian Dance No. 1 Samuel Akpabot: Scenes from Nigeria – Pastorale Samuel Akpabot: Three Nigerian Dances Nkeiru Okoye: African Sketches Nkeiru Okoye: Breaking Bread Nkeiru Okoye: Songs of Harriet Tubman – I Am Harriet Tubman, Free WomanPresented by Donald Macleod with Alexander Douglas Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio WalesFor 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 Fela Sowande and the Art Music of Nigeria https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002y62n.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.
About Composer of the Week
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.
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