Composer Of The Week

Donald Macleod showcases the life and music of Christoph Willibald Gluck Christoph Willibald Gluck (1714-1787) arguably did more to transform opera than any composer of his generation: thinking deeply about how text and music should work together, and trying to strip away fripperies to ensure it was urgent, powerful and arresting. His radical approaches made him one of the most influential composers in history - and yet today, he’s known in the concert hall almost exclusively for one work: his masterpiece “Orpheus and Eurydice”. This week, Donald Macleod puts that right: showcasing Gluck’s dazzling and enchanting music from across his life - whilst also showing off his most famous work.Music Featured: Dance of the Blessed Spirits (Orfeo ed Eurydice) Non hai cor per un'impresa (Ipermestra, Wq 7) Sperai vicino il lido (Demofoonte, Wq 3) Se in campo armato (La Sofonisba, Wq 5) Nobil onda (La Sofonisba, Wq 5) Orfeo ed Euridice (excerpts) M'opprime, m'affanna (La Sofonisba, Wq 5) Qual ira intempestiva … Oggi per m