Composer of the Week

BBC Radio 3

2.0 (229)
MUSIC
UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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.

6D AGO

Sergey Prokofiev (1891-1953)

This week, Kate Molleson explores the life and music of Sergey Prokofiev – a composer whose imagination shaped some of the most vivid music of the 20th century. From childhood stories in rural Ukraine to bold experiments at the St Petersburg Conservatory, from revolutionary Russia to the bright lights of New York, and finally to his dramatic homecoming, Prokofiev’s journey is full of ambition, upheaval and colour. We hear music that tells tales – fairytales, fantasies and fragments of real life – revealing a composer who never stopped dreaming. Troika (from Lieutenant Kijé Suite, Op. 60) Cinderella Suite, Op. 87 The Winter Bonfire, Op. 122: IV–VIII Music for Children, Op. 65: Nos. 1–9 Peter and the Wolf, Op. 67 Four Études, Op. 2 Autumnal Sketch Piano Concerto No. 1 in D flat major, Op. 10 The Ugly Duckling, Op. 18 Cinderella Suite No. 1, Op. 107: IV. Fairy Godmother and Winter Fairy Symphony No. 1 in D major, Op. 25 'Classical' Seven, They Are Seven, Op. 30 Scythian Suite, Op. 20: I–II Old Grandmother’s Tales, Op. 31: Nos. 1–4 Overture on Hebrew Themes The Love of Three Oranges: Suite Five Songs Without Words Violin Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 63: II. Andante assai Le Pas d’acier Suite, Op 41a: I, II The Prodigal Son, Op. 46, Scene 1: IV–VIII Romeo and Juliet: Dance of the Knights Presented by Kate Molleson Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio Wales & West 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 Sergey Prokofiev (1891-1953) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002n9nv 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

1h 7m
DEC 5

John Rutter (born 1945)

This week, Donald Macleod visits Sir John Rutter at his Cambridgeshire home to celebrate his 80th birthday and explore the twists and turns of his extraordinary career. One of the most influential choral composers of the 20th and 21st centuries – and for many, the sound of Christmas – Rutter is also an international conductor, arranger, editor and producer, describing himself as a musical “magpie.” Across the week, we hear hallmark carols alongside music shaped by his life’s milestones: from childhood in London and formative years in Cambridge, to his long association with America, his response to personal tragedy, and his latest creative ventures. Music featured: Nativity Carol 4 Orchestral Miniatures: Dance to Your Daddy London Town: A Choral Celebration Shepherd’s Pipe Carol The Lord Bless You and Keep You Visions Cityscapes: Flower of Cities All Banquet Fugue (from The Reluctant Dragon) A Clare Benediction Reflections: Prelude What Sweeter Music Wind in the Willows (Extract – Opening) Somerset Wassail Candlelight Carol I’ll Make Me a World Gloria Cityscapes: Big Apple Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit Lord Make me an Instrument (arr. for orchestra) Requiem: Lux Aeterna Mass of the Children: Sanctus and Benedictus The Gift of Life: The Gift of Each Day There is a flower When Icicles Hang: Good Ale Bird Songs: If I were an Owl Dancing Tree (In My Garden) Celebration Overture All the Stars Looked Down Carol of the Magi Presented by Donald Macleod. Produced by Amelia Parker for BBC Audio Wales & West. 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 John Rutter (b 1945) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002mk0y. 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.

1h 45m
NOV 28

Max Roach (1924-2007)

This week, Kate Molleson explores the life and work of a musical giant – drummer and composer Max Roach – in the company of writer and broadcaster Kevin Le Gendre. Together they trace Roach’s extraordinary journey: from his early days at the heart of bebop alongside Bud Powell, Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker, through his pioneering role as a bandleader, his political activism during the civil rights era, and his later innovations in percussion and collaboration. Roach’s story is one of constant reinvention as performer, composer and activist, shaping jazz and beyond for more than half a century. Music includes: Dr Free-Zee (from Max Roach +4) Joy Spring (from Clifford Brown and Max Roach) Bu Dee Daht (from Coleman Hawkins: Rainbow Mist) Salt Peanuts (from Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker: Town Hall, New York City, June 22, 1945) Ko-Ko (from Charlie Parker: The Complete Savoy and Dial Master Takes) Bird Gets the Worm (from Charlie Parker: The Complete Savoy and Dial Master Takes) Move (from Miles Davis: The Complete Birth of the Cool) Cherokee (from Jazz at Massey Hall) Cou Manchi-Cou (from Max Roach Quartet, featuring Hank Mobley) Maximum (from In the Beginning) Daahoud (from Clifford Brown and Max Roach) Sandu (from Study in Brown) Take the A Train (from Study in Brown) Fleurette Africain (from Money Jungle) Driva’man (from We Insist! Max Roach’s Freedom Now Suite) Freedom Day (from We Insist! Max Roach’s Freedom Now Suite) Garvey’s Ghost (from Percussion Bitter Sweet) Lonesome Lover (from It’s Time: Max Roach, his Chorus and Orchestra) The Drum Also Waltzes (from Drums Unlimited) Libra (from Members Don’t Git Weary) Let Thy People Go (from Lift Every Voice and Sing) Joshua (from Lift Every Voice and Sing) A Quiet Place (from Collage) Double Delight (from Bright Moments) Spirit Possession (from Birth and Rebirth) Love is a Many Splendored Thing (from Clifford Brown and Max Roach at Basin Street) Presented by Kate Molleson. Produced by Martin Williams for BBC Audio Wales & West. 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 Max Roach (1924-2007) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002mb7w. 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.

1h 46m
NOV 21

Richard Wagner (1813-1883)

This week, Donald Macleod explores Wagner’s world of dreams – musical, romantic and revolutionary. Wagner didn’t just write operas; he imagined entire worlds, reshaping reality to fit his ideals. His stories blur fact and fantasy, turning myth into truth and politics into drama. From youthful ambitions and radical uprisings to scandal, patronage and the creation of Bayreuth, we follow a composer whose dreams were as grand as his music. Götterdämmerung, Act III: Siegfried’s Funeral March Die Feen, Act II: Weh uns, weh!; O musst du, Hoffnung, schwinden Piano Sonata in B-flat Major, WWV 21, Op. 1 (ii. Larghetto) Lohengrin, Act III: Prelude and Bridal Chorus Das Liebesverbot, Act 1: Kennst du das Leid der Elternlosen; Herbei, betrognes Volk The Flying Dutchman, Extract from Act III Rienzi, Overture Das Rheingold, Prelude and Scene 1 Tristan und Isolde, Act 3: Isoldes Liebestod Albumblatt (arr. August Wilhelmj) Huldigungsmarsch Lohengrin, Act III: In fernem Land “Grail Narration” Tristan und Isolde, Extract from Act II Siegfried, Love duet from Act III Scene 3 Parsifal, Act III Suite, ed. Abbado: Good Friday Music Siegfried, extract from Act II Scene 1 Kinder-Katechismus Die Walküre, Act III Scene 3: Wotan’s Farewell and Magic Fire Music Presented by Donald Macleod. Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio Wales & West. 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 Richard Wagner: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002m0kk. 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.

1h 1m
NOV 14

Elfrida Andrée (1841-1929)

Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Elfrida Andrée, a Swedish composer and organist who fought for women’s rights in classical music. Featuring guests Anastasia Belina and Jonas Lundblad. Music Featured: Fritiof Suite Summer memories from Bjurslätt Piano Sonata in A, Op 3 An angel walks through the room Symphony No 1 Romance No 2 Serenade String Quartet in A major Chorale with variations in D minor Piano Quintet in E minor Andante quasi recitativo Swedish Mass No 1 Symphony No 2 Four Piano Pieces Symphony No 2 Piano Trio in G minor Organ Symphony No 1 in B minor Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Luke Whitlock for BBC Audio Wales & West 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 Elfrida Andrée (1841-1929): https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002lnpf 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

1h 5m
NOV 8

Michael Haydn (1737-1806)

This week, Donald Macleod explores the life and music of the often overlooked younger Haydn brother, Michael. From his early years in Vienna to his long tenure in Salzburg, Michael Haydn’s career was shaped by family ties, shifting patronage, and ecclesiastical politics. His relationship with the Mozart family ranged from friendly collaboration to bitter rivalry, and his music—both sacred and secular—reflected the changing demands of the church and court. As he aged, Michael faced new opportunities and challenges, including a long-awaited reunion with his brother Joseph and a prestigious job offer that stirred unexpected doubts. Requiem in C minor pro defuncto Archiepiscopo Sigismund, MH 155 Symphony No 32 in D Major, P 23 Missa Sancti Aloysii, MH 257 Concerto for Harpsichord and Viola in C major, MH 41 Missa Sanctae Crucis, MH 56 Symphony in B flat major, MH 82 Trumpet Concerto in C major, MH 60 Die Hochzeit auf der Alm Notturno in F major, MH 185 Missa Sancti Hieronymi Symphony No 24 in A major, P 15 Tenuisti manum, MH 695 Missa Quadragesimalis, MH 552 Divertimento in C major, P 98 Ninfe inbelli Missa Sancta Theresiae Der Obersulzer Wein, MH 697 Abendlied, MH 784 Trinklied im Freien, MH 790 Flute Concerto in D Major MH 81 Divertimento in C, MH 600 Missa sub titulo Sancti Leopoldi, MH 837 Endimione: Vado per un momento Presented by Donald Macleod. Produced by Chris Taylor for BBC Audio Wales & West. 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 Michael Haydn https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002lcjr. 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.

55 min
OCT 31

Luciano Berio (1925-2003)

To celebrate the centenary of his birth, Kate Molleson explores the life and music of one of most influential figures in all of modern music – Luciano Berio. Berio’s music is lyrical and expressive, while never ignoring the most advanced techniques and technologies of his time. He worked with many key figures in 20th Century music while always following his own, very individual path, both through life and in his music, where he constantly pushed at and broke the boundaries he encountered. Music featured: Folk Différences Petite Suite Coro Sequenza IV Canzonetta for piano 4 hands Sequenza III Chamber Music No 1 “Strings in the Earth and Air” Visage Beatles Songs - “Yesterday” Requies Cinque variazioni Calmo (in memorium Bruno Maderna) Thema - Omaggio a Joyce Chemins I (su sequenza II) for harp and orchestra Folk Songs Sequenza V Laborintus II Sinfonia E si fussi pisci Sequenza IX Rendering (2nd mvt, Andante) Altra voce Presented by Kate Molleson Produced by Sam Phillips for BBC Audio Wales & West 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 Luciano Berio (1925-2003): https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002kz1p 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

55 min
OCT 17

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

Johann Sebastian Bach is a towering cultural icon, a composer who might be seen as the poster boy for “serious music” and spent most of his career in the service of the church. But he played many roles in the course of his life, and could be funny, sassy, conniving, obstinate, and rebellious. Donald Macleod dives into Bach's secular music, and follows his trail as he makes his way in the world, from courts to coffee houses, building a family, two-timing his bosses, and even a stint behind bars. Featured music: Brandenburg Concerto No 5, BWV1050 (i. Allegro) Flute Sonata in E minor, BWV1034 Capriccio in honorem Johann Christoph Bach BWV993 Partita for solo violin No. 2 in D minor, BWV1004 (v. Chaconne) Organ Sonata No 4, BWV528 Lute Suite No 1 in E minor, BWV996 Partita for Solo Violin in E major, BWV1006 (IV. Menuet) Fugue in G minor for violin and basso continuo, BWV1026 Trio Sonata No 2 in C minor, BWV 526 Concerto after Vivaldi in A minor, BWV593 (i. Allegro) Cantata BWV208 'Was mir behagt, ist nur die muntre Jagd!' (excerpt) Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV565 Prelude and Fugue in F minor Prelude in D minor, BWV851 Brandenburg Concerto No 5, BWV1050 (iii. Allegro) Cantata BWV134a ‘Die Zeit, die Tag und Jahre macht’: Ergetzet auf Erden Bach Collegium Japan Cello Suite No 2 in D minor, BWV1008 (Sarabande and minuets) French Suite No 4 in E-flat major, BWV815 (1st-4th movements) Brandenburg Concerto No 4 in G major, BWV1049 Harpsichord Concerto BWV 1054 (iii. Allegro) Double Violin Concerto, BWV1043 (1st movement) Cantata, BWV214 “'Tönet, ihr Pauken'” (opening chorus) Orchestral Suite No 2, BWV1067 (3rd – 7th movements) Cantata BWV211 'Schweigt stille, plaudert nicht' (Coffee Cantata) “Peasant” Cantata – Mer hahn ein neue Oberkeet, BWV212: “Wir gehn nun wo der Dudelsak” Double Violin Concerto, BWV1043 (2nd movement) Orchestral Suite No 3, BWV1068 (iii. Gavotte to v. Gigue) Goldberg Variations, BWV988 (Aria and Variations 1-5) Musical Offering, BWV1079: Ricercar a 6 The Contest Between Phoebus and Pan, BWV201 (“Pan ist Meister”….end) Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Amelia Parker for BBC Audio Wales & West 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 Johann Sebastian Bach: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002kdkg 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

1h 7m

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out of 5

229 Ratings

Doesn’t work!

11/19/2022

Kreestalle

The podcast itself is good (thus 2 stars) but only on those rare moments it works! Older episodes often don’t charge and overall it’s a lot of hassle to get to listen to it. When you can, it’s great. Can anyone fix the problems please?
Good content but it is unavailable

Apr 20

Sallenicar

Please fix this.
“This episode in unavailable” NONE OF THEM ARE AVAILABLE.

06/21/2024

P1Day1

They won’t play so no way to know if they are good.
Can’t listen

08/12/2023

miso328

Please fix. I can’t hear anything

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.