Composer Of The Week

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

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 The

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/m00288r

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 t

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

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

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

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 Hil

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

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

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 i

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 A

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 (excer

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 s

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

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

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. Magni

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 Ke

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 v

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