Composer of the Week Podcast

Donald Macleod asks how ‘The Mighty Handful’ of composers changed Russian music forever in the 19th century.The Mighty Handful, who collaborated between 1856 and 1881, changed the direction of Russian music, permanently freeing it from Germanic influences, and setting the scene for the country’s ground-breaking music in the 20th century.Who were these five composers? What was the dynamic between them, and what conditions fomented their musical iconoclasm?Featured music: Balakirev: Octet for Winds, Strings and Piano Balakirev: In Bohemia, Symphonic Poem Glinka: A Life for the Tsar - Overture Mussorgsky: A Night on the Bare Mountain Balakirev: Overture on Russian Themes No.1 Rimsky Korsakov: The Sea and Sinbad's Ship from Scheherazade Balakirev: Islamey Rimsky Korsakov: Symphony No. 1 in E minor, Op. 1 Borodin: Piano Quintet in C minor Mussorgsky: Souvenir d’Enfance Borodin: Symphony No. 1 in E flat Traditional: Nikita Romanovich Balakirev: Extracts from 30 Russian Folk Songs Rimsky-Korsakov: “Antar” Symphonic Suite Op. 9 Balakirev: Symphony No. 1 in C major Borodin: Symphony No. 2 in B minor Balakirev: Mazurka No. 2 in C sharp minor Mussorgsky: Boris Godunov Prologue Scene 1 Mussorgsky: Boris Godunov: Coronation Scene Mussorgsky: Mlada: Festival March Rimsky Korsakov: The Maid of Pskov Borodin: Prince Igor Mussorgsky: Boris Godunov - extracts from final scene Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition, Promenade v and Cum mortuis in lingua mortua Mussorgsky: Song of the Flea Mussorgsky: Khovanshschina Rimsky Korsakov: The Snow Maiden Borodin: In the Steppes of Central Asia Balakirev: TamaraFor 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 The Mighty Handful: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0033fk8And 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 meets the friends (and foes) of composer Clara Schumann.Clara Schumann is considered one of the most talented composer-pianists of the Romantic era. Put to work by her domineering father from an early age, as a touring performer she soon drew the admiration of her peers - and made friends who would remain important presences in her life until the end. As an adult, she spent several hours every day writing and replying to their letters. This week, Donald Macleod explores some of those relationships: her husband and fellow composer Robert, who was entranced from the moment he first heard her play; her peer and fierce rival, Franz Liszt; her mysteriously close companion Johannes Brahms; composer Felix Mendelssohn and violinist Joseph Joachim, who supported her through difficult times; and the women who Clara influenced and was influenced by. Music featured includes: Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 7: II. Romanze. Andante non troppo con grazia 4 Polonaises, Op. 1 3 Romances, Op. 11: III. Moderato Robert Schumann: Études symphoniques, Op. 13 Clara and Robert Schumann: Zwölf Gedichte aus Liebesfrühling Op. 37 (excerpt) Souvenir de Vienne, Op 9 Liszt: Hexaméron, Grandes variations de concert sur un thême des "Puritains", S654 Liszt: Sonata in B minor: I. Lento assai Brahms: Wiegenlied, Op. 49 No. 4 (Lullaby) Brahms: Piano Trio No. 2 in C Major, Op. 87: I. Allegro 3 Romances, Op. 21 Brahms: Serenade, Op. 16, arr. by Clara Schumann Brahms: Vier ernste Gesänge, Op. 121 Mendelssohn: Songs without Words, Book 5 (6), Op. 62 3 Romances Op.22 3 Lieder Op. 12 6 Lieder, Op. 13 Lehmann, L: The Daisy-Chain Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 17Produced 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 Clara Schumann and Her Circle: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m003437yAnd 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 music of Giuseppe Verdi, following the rebellious streak that carried him from a small village in northern Italy to the centre of the operatic world. Supported by mentors but determined to follow his own path, Verdi overcame early setbacks, personal tragedy and professional uncertainty to become one of the defining voices of nineteenth-century music. As success brought fame, he continued to challenge convention, confronting censors, testing the boundaries of opera and refusing to bend easily to public expectations. Along the way, his music became closely entwined with the story of a changing Italy, turning a provincial composer into a cultural figure of national significance.Presented by Kate MollesonProduced 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 Giuseppe Verdi: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0032s5w/episodes/guideAnd 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-zMusic featured includes:Nabucco: "Va, pensiero"Romanza senza paroleMessa di GloriaPater NosterOberto, conte di San Bonifacio: "Oh patria terra, alfine io ti rivedo"Aida: Grand MarchSei Romanze (1838): Nos. 1Oberto, conte di San Bonifacio: OvertureUn giorno di regno: SinfoniaRequiem: Lux aeterna; Libera meAttila: PreludeUn giorno di regno: "Pietoso al lungo pianto"Nabucco: Sinfonia; "Gli arredi festivi"Ernani: Act I scenesMacbeth: Prelude; Act I scenesRigoletto: "La donna è mobile"Rigoletto: Act I scenesLuisa Miller: "Ti desta, Luisa"Stiffelio: OvertureLa traviata: Act I scenesLa traviata: "Libiamo ne' lieti calici"La battaglia di Legnano: scenesSimon Boccanegra: "Plebe! Patrizi!"Don Carlo: Act III scenesRequiem: Dies irae

Kate Molleson explores the life and music of Tania León in conversation with the composer herself. Born in Cuba and later settling in the United States, León has built an international career as a composer, conductor, educator and advocate for new music. From her early musical experiences in Havana and the influence of Cuban culture, to her work in New York's dance community and collaborations with performers around the world, León reflects on the people, places and ideas that have shaped her creative life. Along the way, she discusses encounters with figures including Nelson Mandela, Marian Anderson, Leonard Bernstein and Conlon Nancarrow, as well as the experiences that have informed a body of work spanning orchestral, chamber, vocal and stage music.Presented by Kate MollesonProduced by Luke Whitlock 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 Tania León: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0032fwyAnd 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-zMusic featured includes: Parajota Delaté Rituál Haiku Chan Chan Batá Homage to Prokofiev Batéy Journey Ajiaco Carabalí Oh Yemanja (Mother's Prayer) from Scourge of Hyacinths Singin' Sepia (Five Songs on Poems by Rita Dove) Saóko Horizons De Memorias Tumbao Esencia Rondó a la Criolla Alma Inura (Understanding) A tres voces Bailarín Pasajes Zero Plus Anything Homenatge Stride Elegia a Paul Robeson Raíces (Origins)

Donald Macleod explores the rise and fall of the Venetian School, the group of composers who helped make sixteenth-century Venice one of the musical capitals of Europe. As the Republic's political and commercial influence began to wane, its cultural life flourished. Music spilled out from churches, confraternities, publishing houses and civic celebrations, while St Mark's Basilica became the focal point of a distinctive and influential musical tradition. From the arrival of Adrian Willaert to the contributions of Cipriano de Rore, Andrea Gabrieli, Giovanni Gabrieli and their contemporaries, Donald traces a period of extraordinary innovation, rivalry and artistic ambition, set against the ceremonies, politics and myths of the Most Serene Republic.Presented by Donald MacleodProduced by Sam Phillips 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 The Venetian School: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00320zwAnd 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-zMusic featured includes:Giovanni Gabrieli: O Magnum MysteriumClaudio Merulo: Benedicam DominumFrancesco Canova da Milano: Fantasia No. 19 "Bellissima"Adrian Willaert: Vecchie LetroseAdrian Willaert: Infelix egoClaudio Merulo: Toccata VIIIAdrian Willaert: Veni Sancte SpiritusAdrian Willaert: Lauda Jerusalem DominumClaudio Merulo: Cumque beatissimus Marcus EvangelistaAdrian Willaert: Vespro della Beata Vergine: Dixit DominusCipriano de Rore: De le belle contrade d'orienteJacques Buus: RicercareGiovanni Bassano: Deus qui beatum MarcumGiovanni Bassano: La rose (after Willaert)Cipriano de Rore: Missa Praeter rerum seriem – Credo; Sanctus & BenedictusAndrea Gabrieli: Asia felice hor ben posso chiamarmiCipriano de Rore: Descendi in Hortum MeumGioseffo Zarlino: Modulationes per Philippum de MonteAndrea Gabrieli: Missa Vexilla Regis – Gloria & CredoAndrea Gabrieli: Ricercar VIIBaldassare Donato: Chi la gagliardaGioseffo Zarlino: Adiuro vos, filiaeGiovanni Gabrieli: Sacrae Symphoniae – Canzon III a 4Andrea Gabrieli: Egredimini videteGiovanni Gabrieli: Canzon duodecimi toniAndrea Gabrieli: Ecco Vinegia bellaGioseffo Zarlino: Pater noster, Ave MariaAndrea Gabrieli: Gloria a 16Giovanni Gabrieli: Magnificat, C75Baldassare Donato: Viva sempreGiovanni Croce: In spiritu humilitatisGiovanni Gabrieli: Deus qui beatum MarcumGiovanni Gabrieli: Sonata XX a 22Giovanni Croce: Quaeramus cum pastoribusGiovanni Bassano: Tota pulchra esGiovanni Gabrieli: KyrieGiovanni Gabrieli: O quam suavisGiulio Cesare Martinengo: Regum MundiGiovanni Gabrieli: Litaniae Beatae Mariae Virginis, C63

Donald Macleod explores the life of Cyril Scott.Music featured: Lotus Land, Op 47 No 1 Lullaby, Op 57 No 2 Water Wagtail, Op. 71 No. 3 Paradise-Birds (Five Poems, No 5) Symphony No 1 in G (excerpt) Etude, Op 4 No 3 Piano Quartet in E minor, Op 16 Three Symphonic Dances, Op 22 (Allegro con brio – Vivace) Aubade, Op 77 Violin Sonata No 1, Op 59 (excerpt) Lullaby, Op 57 No 2 Pierrot triste, Op 35 No 1 (Two Pierrot Pieces) Piano Concerto No 1 (Allegro maestoso) Soirée japonaise, Op 67 No 4 Piano Trio No 1 (Rondo giocoso) Ballad of Fair Helen of Kirkonnel, Op 8 Piano Quintet in C, No 1 (excerpt) Guitar Sonatina (Finale) Violin Concerto (excerpt) Spanish Dance Neptune – poem of the sea (excerpt) Symphony No 3 (Erato: Muse of Love and Poetry) Fantasie orientale Concerto for oboe and string orchestra (excerpt) Victorian Waltz Trio in B flat, for clarinet, cello and piano (Rondo capriccioso) Symphony No 4 (Adagio) Piano Sonata No 3 (Molto tranquillo) String Quartet No 2 (excerpt) Piano Concerto No 2For 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 Cyril Scott (1879-1970): https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0031pymAnd 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

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

Donald Macleod reflects back on the life and work of a Titan of Musical Theatre.

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

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