Greatest Showstoppers
The 19th century was an exciting time for classical musicians. Urban centres across Europe and the New World were expanding rapidly, creating a profitable music circuit for touring performers – partic...
29 Des 20231h 5min
A Vaughan Williams Christmas
“I’ve always loved carols,” Vaughan Williams wrote to Cecil Sharp in 1911. Despite being called a “most determined atheist” by Bertrand Russell at University, and in later life “a cheerful agnostic”, ...
22 Des 20231h 18min
Engelbert Humperdinck (1854-1921)
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of German composer Engelbert Humperdinck German composer, Engelbert Humperdinck, became an international celebrity with his music for the stage. His lasting ...
15 Des 20231h 2min
A Medieval Christmas
This week, Donald Macleod marks the beginning of the season of Advent by exploring Christmas music and stories from the Middle Ages. Christmas celebrations encompassed a great variety of colourful tra...
8 Des 20231h 17min
Ned Rorem (1923-2022)
Ned Rorem was an American composer and writer, and was hailed by some as the greatest art-song composer of his time. Writing over 500 songs, his music has been described as Neoromantic, leaning at tim...
1 Des 20231h 5min
John and Alice Coltrane
Kate Molleson and Kevin Le Gendre dive into the lives and music of John & Alice ColtraneColtrane is a name you’re likely to have heard, even if you know little to nothing about jazz. More than half a ...
17 Nov 20231h 22min
Berlioz and Shakespeare
Donald Macleod surveys the spell Shakespeare cast on Berlioz's life and musicBerlioz burst onto the musical stage of 19th century Paris determined to break the mould of France’s elegant and refined cl...
10 Nov 20231h 5min
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Donald Macleod explores Beethoven’s life through his most iconic works Beethoven remains one of the most lauded composers in history, famed for both his music, and for his personal triumph as a musici...
3 Nov 20231h 8min
