BBC Radio Podcasts from Composer of the Week
Mozart's Last Years
Donald Macleod charts the highs and lows of Mozart’s last five years
Carl Nielsen (1865-1931)
Donald Macleod explores Danish composer, Carl Nielsen, through his temperaments
Gustav Mahler (1860-1911)
Kate Molleson navigates through the personal and professional struggles of Gustav Mahler
Ruth Crawford Seeger (1901-1953)
Between new sounds and old songs, Kate Molleson shares the story of Ruth Crawford-Seeger
Maurice Ravel (1875-1937)
Donald Macleod delves into the life and music of Maurice Ravel
The Turkish Five
Donald Macleod delves into the lives and music of The Turkish Five
Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)
Donald Macleod explores the early years in Benjamin Britten's creative story
Giacomo Meyerbeer (1791-1864)
Curtain-up on the life of 19th-century opera star Giacomo Meyerbeer, with Donald Macleod
Voices of Terezin
Donald Macleod shares music of composers interned in the concentration camp at Terezin
Imogen Holst (1907-1984)
Donald Macleod delves into the life and music of Imogen Holst
Michel Legrand (1932-2019)
Donald Macleod delves into the life and music of Michel Legrand
Schubert and Vienna
Donald Macleod explores Vienna in the company of Franz Schubert
Christmas in Latvia
Donald Macleod visits Riga to experience seasonal music & Christmas traditions in Latvia
A Latin American Christmas
Kate Molleson journeys through the Christmas season across Latin America
Luise Adolpha Le Beau (1850-1927)
Donald Macleod delves into the life of Luise Adolpha Le Beau
Henry Purcell (1659-1695)
Donald Macleod explores Henry Purcell’s London
Bud Powell (1924-1966)
Kate Molleson explores the life and work of the amazing Bud Powell
Ballroom Blockbusters
Donald Macleod puts on his dancing shoes and heads to the ballroom
Franz Liszt (1811-1886)
Donald Macleod uncovers key aspects of Liszt’s soul and identity
Margaret Bonds (1913-1972)
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of African American composer Margaret Bonds
Charles Ives (1874-1954)
Kate Molleson delves into the life and music of the “Yankee Maverick”, Charles Ives
Dorothy Howell (1898-1982)
Donald Macleod and Leah Broad survey the life and work of British composer Dorothy Howell
Christoph Willibald Gluck (1714-1787)
Donald Macleod showcases the life and music of Christoph Willibald Gluck
Gustav Holst (1874-1934)
Donald Macleod charts Holst’s interplanetary expedition
Arnold Schoenberg (1874-1951)
Kate Molleson explores the twists and turns of Schoenberg’s life
Anton Bruckner (1824-1896)
Donald Macleod examines Bruckner’s struggle to become the great composer we know today
Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-George (1745-1799)
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of the 18th century composer Joseph Bologne
Ethel Smyth (1858-1944)
Donald Macleod explores the world of Ethel Smyth through five love affairs
Silvestre Revueltas (1899-1940)
Kate Molleson sheds light on the forgotten composer, Silvestre Revueltas
Thomas Linley Jnr (1756-1778)
Donald Macleod shines a light on charming and often enigmatic composer, Thomas Linley Jnr
Richard Strauss (1864-1949)
Donald Macleod explores key figures in Richard Strauss’s life
Lou Harrison (1917-2003)
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of American composer, Lou Harrison
Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904
Kate Molleson explores five windows onto Dvořák’s soul
Orlando Gibbons (1583-1625)
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Orlando Gibbons
Amanda Maier-Röntgen (1853-1894)
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of violinist and composer, Amanda Maier
Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908)
Donald Macleod surveys the life and music of Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
Elizabeth Maconchy (1907-1994)
Kate Molleson shows us why Elizabeth Maconchy deserves much more of our attention
CPE Bach (1714-1788)
Donald Macleod follows CPE Bach’s story, using the composer’s own account as his guide
Claude Debussy (1862-1918)
Donald Macleod tracks the scandalous life of Achille-Claude Debussy
Edvard Grieg (1843-1907)
Donald Macleod explores the key influences on the music of Edvard Greig
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
Kate Molleson focuses on the life of Johannes Brahms at home
Mozart's Grand Tour
Donald Macleod follows Mozart and his family on an ambitious European adventure
Charles Villiers Stanford (1852-1924)
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Charles Villiers Stanford
Andrea and Giovanni Gabrieli
Donald Macleod explores the lives of uncle and nephew, Andrea and Giovanni Gabrieli
Ennio Morricone (1928-2020)
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Ennio Morricone
Johanna Senfter (1879-1961)
Kate Molleson & Nastasha Loges explore the life and music of Johanna Senfter
Maddalena Sirmen and her World
Donald Macleod delves into the world of Venetian composer, Maddalena Sirmen
Karl Jenkins
Donald Macleod talks to composer Sir Karl Jenkins ahead of his 80th birthday
Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971)
Kate Molleson explores the legends and lore of Igor Stravinsky
Jacques Offenbach (1819-1880)
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Jacques Offenbach
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
Donald Macleod explores Mendelssohn’s experiences in the British Isles
Caroline Shaw
Kate Molleson talks to Pulitzer Prize winning composer, Caroline Shaw
Greatest Showstoppers
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of four 19th century ‘showstoppers’
A Vaughan Williams Christmas
Kate Molleson explores Vaughan Williams’s experiences of Christmas across his life
Engelbert Humperdinck (1854-1921)
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of German composer Engelbert Humperdinck
A Medieval Christmas
Donald Macleod marks the beginning of Advent with the music from the Middle Ages
Ned Rorem (1923-2022)
Donald Macleod reflects on the life and music of American composer and writer, Ned Rorem
John and Alice Coltrane
Kate Molleson and Kevin Le Gendre dive into the lives and music of John & Alice Coltrane
Berlioz and Shakespeare
Donald Macleod surveys the spell Shakespeare cast on Berlioz's life and music
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Donald Macleod explores Beethoven’s life through his most iconic works
Edouard Lalo (1823-1892)
Donald Macleod surveys the life and music of the elusive French composer, Edouard Lalo
José Maurício Nunes Garcia (1767-1830)
Kate Molleson explores the life and music of José Maurício Nunes Garcia
Anniversary Special: A Welsh Quintet
Donald Macleod marks Composer of the Week's 80th anniversary
Anniversary Special: A Welsh Quintet live from Cardiff
Donald Macleod marks Composer of the Week's 80th anniversary with the BBC Singers
Girolamo Frescobaldi (1583-1643)
Donald Macleod surveys the life of Girolamo Frescobaldi and the musical spectacle of Rome
Carlos Chávez (1899-1978)
Donald Macleod is joined by Odaline de la Martinez to explore the works of Carlos Chavez
George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
Kate Molleson shares stories of Handel’s music at summer soirees across the British Isles
Icons of British Light Music
Donald Macleod explores how the rise and fall of Light Music in Britain
Anniversary Special: Composers in Conversation - Part 2
Donald Macleod celebrates the programme’s 80th anniversary with interview highlights
Anniversary Special: Composers in Conversation - Part 1
Donald Macleod celebrates the programme’s 80th anniversary with interview highlights
Germaine Tailleferre (1892-1983)
Kate Molleson explores the spry and subtly surprising music of Germaine Tailleferre
Samuel Barber (1910-1981)
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Samuel Barber
William Byrd (1543-1623)
Donald Macleod marks the 400th anniversary of the death of William Byrd
George Gershwin (1898-1937)
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of George Gershwin
Johann Christian Bach (1735-1782)
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of the ‘English Bach’
Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868)
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Gioachino Rossini
Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757)
Kate Molleson explores the life and music of Domenico Scarlatti
György Ligeti (1923-2006)
Kate Molleson explores the life of György Ligeti with guest, Danny Driver
Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)
Donald Macleod explores Tchaikovsky's music with Sir Matthew Bourne and Dame Monica Mason
William Walton (1902-1983)
Donald Macleod explores the life of William Walton from Oldham to Buckingham Palace.
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
Donald Macleod paints a picture of Joseph Haydn through the lens of his relationships.
Francis Poulenc (1899 – 1963)
Donald Macleod explores the many contradictions of Francis Poulenc’s life.
Arthur Sullivan (1842-1900)
Donald Macleod explores the high-society life of Sir Arthur Sullivan.
Hildegard of Bingen and Isabella Leonarda
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Hildegard of Bingen and Isabella Leonarda.
Sergei Rachmaninov (1873 – 1943)
Donald Macleod explores the music of Rachmaninov on the 150th anniversary of his birth.
Georges Bizet (1838 – 1875)
Donald Macleod explores the music of Georges Bizet.
Johanna Müller-Hermann (1868-1941)
Donald Macleod explores the music of Johanna Müller-Hermann.
Barbara Strozzi (1619 – 1677)
Donald Macleod explores the music of Barbara Strozzi.
Thomas Tallis (1505 – 1585)
Donald Macleod explores the music of Thomas Tallis.
Bedřich Smetana (1824 – 1884)
Donald Macleod explores how Smetana captured the Czech identity in his music.
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)
Donald Macleod explores the life of Antonio Vivaldi.
Mel Bonis (1858 – 1937)
Donald Macleod surveys the life of nineteenth century French composer Mel Bonis.
Dmitry Shostakovich (1906-1975)
Donald Macleod explores the turbulent life of Dmitry Shostakovich.
Max Richter (b 1966)
Donald Macleod chats to Max Richter, one of the world’s most in-demand composers.
More One Hit Wonders: Part 2
Donald Macleod with another selection of composers who are most famous for a single work.
More One Hit Wonders: Part 1
Donald Macleod with another selection of composers who are most famous for a single work.
JS Bach at Christmas
Donald Macleod visits Bach and his family during the Christmas season.
Leokadiya Kashperova (1872-1940)
Donald Macleod explores the recently unearthed life and works of Leokadiya Kashperova.
César Franck (1822-1890)
Donald Macleod explores how Cesar Franck became a leading figure of French musical life.
Fryderyk Chopin (1810-1849)
Donald Macleod explores Chopin and his relationship with novelist George Sand.
Doreen Carwithen (1922-2003)
Donald Macleod explores the life of 20th century British composer Doreen Carwithen.
The Harlem Renaissance
Donald Macleod explores the cultural revolution that took place in Harlem.
Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901)
Donald Macleod explores the relationship between Verdi and the city of Milan.
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875-1912)
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor.
Robert Schumann (1810-1856)
Donald Macleod delves into the life and works of Robert Schumann during the 1840s.
Adolphus Hailstork (1941)
Donald Macleod journeys into the varied musical landscape of Adolphus Hailstork.
Carl Maria von Weber (1786-1826)
Donald Macleod explores Carl Maria von Weber’s city lives.
Anton Bruckner (1824-1896)
This week Donald Macleod lifts the lid on the life and music of Anton Bruckner.
Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
Donald Macleod explores the work of Franz Schubert, focusing on five phases in his life.
Dietrich Buxtehude (c1637 – 1707)
Donald Macleod explores the life and works of organist and composer Dietrich Buxtehude.
Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643)
Donald explores Claudio Monteverdi, a key figure in the development of Western music.
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Donald Macleod explores Beethoven’s life as a set of themes and variations.
Maurice Ravel (1875-1937)
Donald Macleod explores Ravel’s meteoric rise to fame.
Hélène de Montgeroult (1764-1836)
Donald explores the revolutionary French composer Hélène de Montgeroult.
Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683-1764)
Donald Macleod marks the 'Tour de France' cycle race with French composers during July.
Tomás Luis de Victoria (1548-1611)
Donald Macleod surveys famed Spanish composer Tomás Luis de Victoria.
Dvořák and America
Donald Macleod explores Dvořák’s American years and uncovers what he achieved there.
Handel and the Crown
Donald Macleod explores Handel’s crucial relationship with the British monarchy.
Vaughan Williams Today 4/4
Donald Macleod returns for the final week of Vaughan Williams Today.
Vaughan Williams Today 3/4
Donald continues his four-week exploration of composer Ralph Vaughan Williams.
Vaughan Williams Today 2/4
Donald chronicles Vaughan Williams’ life through the years 1914 to 1930.
Vaughan Williams Today 1/4
Donald Macleod takes a fresh look at composer Ralph Vaughan Williams.
One Hit Wonders
Donald Macleod explores some of the greatest “one-hit wonders” in classical music.
Elmer Bernstein (1992 – 2004)
Donald Macleod talks to Peter and Emilie Bernstein about film composer Elmer Bernstein.
Claude Debussy (1862-1918)
Donald Macleod explores Debussy's life as he approaches his thirties.
Henriette Bosmans (1895-1952)
Donald Macleod explores Henriëtte Bosmans' rise to fame as both a pianist and a composer.
Ottorino Respighi (1879-1936)
Donald Macleod explores the richly evocative musical landscape of Ottorino Respighi
Edward Gregson (b 1945) and Alan Bush (1900-1995)
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Edward Gregson and Alan Bush
Edward Elgar (1857-1934)
Donald Macleod explores Elgar's own belief that he was an outsider from British society
Marianna Martines (1744-1812)
Donald Macleod lifts the veil on neglected yet prolific composer, Marianna Martines
Franz Liszt (1811-1886)
Donald Macleod reflects on Franz Liszt's Hungarian story
Jean-Baptiste Lully (1632-1687)
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Jean-Baptiste Lully
Errollyn Wallen
Donald Macleod chats to composer Errollyn Wallen about her life and work
Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924)
Donald Macleod delves into the operas of Giacomo Puccini
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Donald Macleod explores Mozart’s prolific final years.
Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921)
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Camille Saint-Saëns
Mark-Anthony Turnage (b 1960)
Donald Macleod is joined by the composer Mark-Anthony Turnage
Stephen Sondheim (1930-2021)
Composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim joins Donald Macleod to discuss his life and work
Jean Sibelius (1865-1957)
Donald Macleod explores a crucial decade in Sibelius’s life
Carla Bley (b 1936)
Donald Macleod and guest, Kevin Le Gendre follow the jazz adventures of Carla Bley
Luigi Cherubini (1760-1842)
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of composer, Luigi Cherubini
Sofia Gubaidulina (b 1931)
Donald Macleod and guest, Gerard McBurney mark Sofia Gubaidulina’s 90th birthday
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Donald Macleod tries to get to the heart of JS Bach’s character, warts and all.
Julius Eastman (1940-1990)
Donald Macleod unravels the enigmatic, remarkable story of New Yorker, Julius Eastman.
Richard Wagner (1813-1883)
Donald Macleod follows Wagner's journey towards building the Bayreuth Festival
Béla Bartók (1881-1945)
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Béla Bartók
Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767)
Donald Macleod explores some of the challenges Telemann faced as he struggled for success
Sergey Rachmaninov (1873-1943)
Donald Macleod turns his attention to Rachmaninov’s great choral works
Josquin and Art
Donald Macleod and Andrew Graham-Dixon build a picture of music and art in Josquin's time
Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904)
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Antonín Dvořák
Jennifer Higdon (born 1962)
Donald Macleod in conversation with award winning American composer Jennifer Higdon.
Manuel de Falla (1876-1946)
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Manuel de Falla
Hector Berlioz (1803-1869)
Donald Macleod pulls back the curtain on Berlioz’s greatest obsession
Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)
Donald Macleod explores the musical life of Benjamin Britten
Henry Purcell (1659-1695)
Donald Macleod explores Purcell’s work in the context of the times in which he lived.
Pauline Viardot and her Circle
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of the multi-talented Pauline Viardot
Robert Simpson (1921-97)
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Robert Simpson, in his centenary year
Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924)
Donald Macleod explores some of the many turning points in Gabriel Fauré’s career
Robert Schumann (1810-1856)
Donald Macleod explores the life of Schumann and his most notable piano works
Aaron Copland (1900-1990)
Donald Macleod explores Aaron Copland’s most productive decade, the 1940s.
Erik Satie (1866-1925)
Donald Macleod explores five aspects of Satie
Fryderyk Chopin (1810-1849)
Donald Macleod explores Chopin’s time in Britain
Joseph Haydn
Donald Macleod surveys the string quartets of Joseph Haydn
Maurice Ravel (1875-1937)
Donald Macleod drops five pins on the map of Ravel’s life story
George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
Donald Macleod looks at Handel’s life and work during the 1730s
Ruth Gipps (1921-1999)
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of the English composer Ruth Gipps.
Richard Strauss (1864-1949)
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of the young Richard Strauss
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
Donald Macleod focuses on the final five years of Mendelssohn’s life
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Donald Macleod finds connections between Mozart’s operas and the composer’s own life
Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Ralph Vaughan Williams
Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
Donald Macleod explores Schubert’s chamber music and the stories behind five key works
Joseph Martin Kraus (1756-1792)
Donald Macleod surveys the life and music of Joseph Martin Kraus
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)
Donald Macleod reflects on five aspects of Tchaikovsky
Edvard Grieg (1843-1907)
Donald Macleod explores Grieg's music through the places from which he took inspiration
Beethoven Unleashed: In Perspective
Donald Macleod introduces personal highlights of his year-long celebration of Beethoven
George Benjamin (b 1960)
Donald Macleod is joined by Sir George Benjamin to discuss his musical influences
Beethoven Unleashed: Pain and Persistence
Donald Macleod reaches the final chapters of his year-long biography of Beethoven
Beethoven Unleashed: Freedom and Joy
Conductor Sir John Eliot Gardiner, joins Donald Mcleod to discuss Beethoven’s symphonies
James Price Johnson
Donald Macleod explores the life of composer and pianist, James Price Johnson
Beethoven Unleashed: Titan
Donald Macleod explores Beethoven through the years 1822-1824
Desmarets and Boismortier
Donald Macleod steps into the French baroque with Desmarets and Boismortier
Beethoven Unleashed: Piano Sonatas
Donald Macleod and pianist Angela Hewitt discuss 5 aspects Beethoven’s piano sonatas
Kaija Saariaho (b 1952)
Donald Macleod talks to Kaija Saariaho about five contrasting aspects of her music.
Beethoven Unleashed: Withdrawal
Donald Macleod follows Ludwig van Beethoven through the years of 1816-1821
Beethoven Unleashed: Spirit of the Age
Donald Macleod is joined by five guests to explore Beethoven’s wider world.
Beethoven Unleashed: Phoenix Rising
Donald Macleod explores Beethoven's life and music through the years 1813-1815.
Marie Jaëll
Donald Macleod delves into the life and career of the piano prodigy Marie Jaëll
Beethoven Unleashed: How to Play Beethoven
Donald Macleod meets professional musicians to get the performer’s eye view of Beethoven
Beethoven Unleashed: Creating the Myth
Donald Macleod follows Beethoven through the years 1810-1812
Beethoven Unleashed: In His Own Words
Donald Macleod explores Ludwig van Beethoven's varied and rich correspondence.
Johann Sebastian Bach
Donald Macleod journeys through Johann Sebastian Bach’s relationship with the organ
Beethoven Unleashed: Restless Spirit
Donald Macleod follows Ludwig van Beethoven through the years 1807-1809.
Holmes and Duparc
Donald Macleod explores the lives and music of Augusta Holmès and Henri Duparc.
Beethoven Unleashed: Private Papers
Donald Macleod examines Beethoven’s documents to see what they reveal about him
Beethoven Unleashed: Hero
Donald Macleod explores the triumphs, friends and foes of Beethoven’s ‘heroic’ phase.
Beethoven Unleashed: Return to Form
Donald Macleod explores the enduring power of Beethoven’s late string quartets
Beethoven Unleashed: New Pathways
Donald Macleod continues his journey through the life of Ludwig van Beethoven.
Beethoven Unleashed: Beethoven and the Voice
Donald Macleod explores Beethoven’s vocal music with Iain Burnside and Simone Young
Beethoven Unleashed: Fate
Donald Macleod continues his journey through the life of Ludwig van Beethoven.
Beethoven Unleashed: At the Keyboard
Pianist Jonathan Biss shares the wonder of Beethoven's piano sonatas with Donald Macleod.
Beethoven Unleashed: The Drawing Room Demon
Donald Macleod follows Beethoven’s progress as he seeks out wealthy Viennese patrons
Beethoven Unleashed: At Home
Donald Macleod uncovers some of Beethoven’s personal possessions at his home in Bonn.
Florence Price
Donald Macleod uncovers the story and prolific output of American composer Florence Price
Ludwig van Beethoven: Making His Way
Donald Macleod follows Beethoven as he sets himself up in his new home of Vienna
Claudio Monteverdi
Donald Macleod looks at five themes in Monteverdi's life through the letters he wrote.
Ludwig van Beethoven: Conversations with Friends
Donald Macleod and his guests discuss Beethoven’s early chamber music..
Samuel Wesley
Donald Macleod delves into the life and work of Samuel Wesley
Ludwig van Beethoven: Making a Man
Donald Macleod on Beethoven’s childhood clues that point to the great man he would become
Karol Szymanowski
Donald Macleod explores the myriad influences on the life’s work of Karol Szymanowski
Ludwig van Beethoven: Why Beethoven?
Donald Macleod, Marin Alsop and Simon Schama discuss why Beethoven still matters today
George Walker
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of George Walker, with his son Gregory
Arcangelo Corelli
Donald Macleod delves into the international successes of Arcangelo Corelli.
Johannes Brahms
Donald Macleod explores the music of Johannes Brahms through his close relationships.
Percy Grainger
Donald Macleod surveys the life, music and quirks of Australian composer, Percy Grainger.
Leoš Janáček
Donald Macleod illustrates Leos Janacek’s inner tensions through five key relationships
Mary Lou Williams
Donald Macleod charts the life of composer & jazz pianist Mary Lou Williams
Malcolm Arnold
Donald Macleod journeys through some of the contrasting sides and work of Malcolm Arnold
Antonín Dvořák
Donald Macleod explores the life, music and perseverance of Antonín Dvořák.
Harrison Birtwistle
Donald Macleod talks to Sir Harrison Birtwistle about his life, inspiration and music
Muzio Clementi
Donald Macleod delves into the life and work of piano prodigy Muzio Clementi.
Sergei Prokofiev
Donald Macleod explores the music of Sergei Prokofiev and the story of his American dream
Gustav Mahler
Donald Macleod explores the music and life of Gustav Mahler through five key themes.
Henry Purcell
Donald Macleod explores the music and life of Henry Purcell
Franz Schubert
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Franz Schubert.
Guillaume Dufay
Donald Macleod is joined by William Lyons to explore Guillaume Dufay's life and music.
Edward Elgar
Donald Macleod explores Edward Elgar’s music through the locations that inspired him.
Antonio Vivaldi
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Antonio Vivaldi.
James MacMillan
Donald Macleod talks to composer James MacMillan as he celebrates his 60th birthday
Carl Nielsen
Donald Macleod explores Carl Nielsen’s worldview through his music.
CPE Bach
Donald Macleod tells the story of the loss - and later rediscovery - of CPE Bach’s music
Fryderyk Chopin
Donald Macleod explores “the poet of the piano”, Fryderyk Chopin.
Jacques Offenbach
Donald Macleod on Jacques Offenbach - maestro of the Cancan and much more besides.
England's Golden Age
Donald Macleod introduces six composers who flourished under the rule of Elizabeth I
Dmitry Shostakovich
Donald Macleod explores Dmitry Shostakovich through the lens of his family life
Igor Stravinsky
Donald Macleod surveys the life and music of Russian-born composer Igor Stravinsky
Amy Beach
Donald Macleod follows Amy Beach’s quest to create a uniquely American sound in her music
Handel, Messiah and Dublin
Donald Macleod tells the real story behind one of music's most popular masterpieces
Alban Berg
Donald Macleod surveys the life, loves and music of Alban Berg
Joseph Haydn
Donald Macleod explores the prolific life of Joseph Haydn, with a spotlight on his masses
Francis Poulenc
Donald Macleod surveys the life and work of Francis Poulenc, a man full of contradictions
Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber
Donald Macleod explores the music and mysterious life of Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber
Astor Piazzolla
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Astor Piazzolla through five key locations
Hector Berlioz
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Hector Berlioz
Debbie Wiseman
Donald Macleod visits Debbie Wiseman at home to discuss her long and varied career
Johann Sebastian Bach
Donald Macleod travels alongside J S Bach as he moves between cities throughout his life
Max Bruch
Donald Macleod explores Max Bruch’s violin works
William Grant Still
Donald Macleod explores the life of African-American composer William Grant Still
Michael Tippett
Donald Macleod and Oliver Soden explore Michael Tippett's life through his relationships
Franz Liszt
Donald Macleod delves into the life and work of Franz Liszt through five striking images
Jean-Philippe Rameau
Donald Macleod explores the operas of Jean-Phillipe Rameau
Felix Mendelssohn
Donald Macleod journeys through the life of Felix Mendelssohn
George Gershwin
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of George Gershwin
Heinrich Schütz
Donald Macleod journeys through Christmas week in the company of Heinrich Schutz
Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
Donald Macleod surveys the life and work of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
Camille Saint-Saëns
Donald Macleod delves into the character and music of Camille Saint-Saëns
Billy Strayhorn
Donald Macleod takes five places that shaped Strayhorn's personal and musical trajectory
Gioachino Rossini
Donald Macleod presents five takes on the life and music of Gioachino Rossini
François Couperin
Donald Macleod marks the 350th anniversary of dazzling French talent, François Couperin
Anton Bruckner
Donald Macleod explores five personality traits of the strange genius Anton Bruckner
Dora Pejačević
Donald Macleod introduces the rebellious Croatian Countess, Dora Pejačević.
Hubert Parry
In this centenary year, Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Hubert Parry
Thea Musgrave
Donald Macleod is in conversation with Thea Musgrave as she celebrates her 90th birthday
Sergei Rachmaninov
Donald Macleod explores Sergei Rachmaninov’s years in America.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Donald Macleod explores tensions and mysteries in the life of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
Ernest Chausson
Donald Macleod explores the friendships, influences and struggles of Ernest Chausson.
Leonard Bernstein
Donald Macleod and Marin Alsop look back at the hectic life of Leonard Bernstein
Alfred Schnittke
Donald Macleod explores the strange, brilliant and nightmarish world of Alfred Schnittke.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of undisputed master, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Josquin des Prez
Donald Macleod and Jeremy Summerly discuss elusive Renaissance master, Josquin des Prez.
Ralph Vaughan Williams
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams
Luciano Berio
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Italian experimental composer, Luciano Berio
Carl Maria von Weber
Donald Macleod examines the life and work of German composer Carl Maria von Weber
Charles Gounod
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of French composer Charles Gounod
Giovanni Gabrieli
Donald Macleod delves into the life and work of Giovanni Gabrieli
Maurice Ravel
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of French composer Maurice Ravel.
Johannes Brahms
Donald Macleod explores the friendship between Brahms and violinist Joseph Joachim
Lili Boulanger
Donald Macleod explores the life of French composer Lili Boulanger
Aaron Copland
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of American composer Aaron Copland
Giuseppe Verdi
Donald Macleod pieces together the truths as he traces Verdi's life and music.
Johann Pachelbel
Donald Macleod unravels the legacy of a composer known almost exclusively for one work.
Carlo Gesualdo
Donald Macleod looks at the life and music of Carlo Gesualdo, Prince of Venosa.
Claude Debussy
Donald Macleod looks at the development of Debussy's career against his personal life
Joseph Haydn
Donald Macleod explores a hugely successful episode in Haydn's life, his London years.
Rachel Portman
Donald Macleod joins the Oscar winning film composer Rachel Portman.
Richard Strauss
Donald Macleod introduces the life and music of Richard Strauss.
John Dowland
Donald Macleod introduces John Dowland, and those influenced by his exquisite melodies.
Jean Sibelius
Donald Macleod delves into the life and work of Jean Sibelius.
Toru Takemitsu
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of the Japanese composer Toru Takemitsu.
Handel
Donald Macleod introduces a variety of music across the whole of Handel's life
Lutoslawski
Donald Macleod is joined by Dr Nicholas Reyland to explore Witold Lutoslawski's life
Beethoven
Donald Macleod explores Beethoven the pianist and composer for the piano.
Schubert
Donald focuses on five years through Franz Schubert's short life.
J S Bach
Donald Macleod traces J S Bach's early life from Eisenach through to his first marriage.
Tchaikovsky
Donald Macleod explores the rich vein of fairy tale and fantasy in Tchaikovsky's music
21st Century Opera
Paul Griffiths joins Donald Macleod to give opera a health check in the 21st century.
Thelonious Monk
Donald Macleod and Brian Priestley celebrate the centenary of jazz legend Thelonious Monk
Breaking Free: A Century of Russian Culture: Soviet Russia (1953-1991)
Donald and Marina Frolova-Walker look at the lives and masterpieces of the musicians.
Breaking Free: A Century of Russian Culture: Soviet Russia (1917-1953)
Donald and Marina Frolova-Walker look at the lives and masterpieces of the musicians.
Elgar
Donald Macleod explores the life and career of Edward Elgar through the lens of his muses
Puccini
Donald Macleod and Sir Antonio Pappano trace the developmental line of Puccini's heroines
Vivaldi's operas
A look behind the curtain and onto the stage to explore the world of Vivaldi's operas
Mussorgsky
Donald Macleod explores Mussorgsky's music, with the spotlight on his songs
Purcell
Donald Macleod explores the music of English composer Henry Purcell.
Alexander Goehr - Part 2
Donald Macleod in conversation with composer Alexander Goehr at his home near Cambridge
Alexander Goehr - Part 1
Donald Macleod in conversation with composer Alexander Goehr at his home near Cambridge
Mozart
Donald Macleod explores the miraculous chamber music of Mozart's Vienna years
Grieg
Donald Macleod looks at the multi-talented Norwegian composer, pianist and conductor
Birth of Polyphony
Donald Macleod takes a close look at the change from pure monophony to complex polyphony.
Mathias
Donald Macleod explores Mathias's student days in Aberystwyth and London
Haydn
Donald Macleod explores Haydn's often overlooked piano sonatas.
Messiaen
Donald Macleod explores the organ music of Olivier Messiaen.
Charpentier
Donald Macleod explores the music of Marc-Antoine Charpentier.
Mahler
Donald Macleod explores the relationship between Gustav and Alma Mahler
Bizet
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Georges Bizet
Chopin
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Fryderyk Chopin
Rebecca Clarke
Donald Macleod looks at life of Rebecca Clarke with Christopher Johnson and Ian Jones.
Monteverdi
Donald Macleod recounts Monteverdi's rise from humble beginnings in Cremona.
Praetorius
Donald Macleod focuses on Praetorius's final years and works.
LeFanu
British composer Nicola LeFanu discusses her life and music with Donald Macleod.
LeFanu
Donald Macleod talks to British composer Nicola LeFanu in the year of her 70th birthday
Schumann
Donald Macleod explores Schumann's Dusseldorf years.
Dvorak
Donald explores the critical period in the late 1870s when Dvorak first made his name.
Joplin
Donald Macleod looks at the African-American composer Scott Joplin.
Zemlinsky
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Alexander Zemlinsky
Maxwell Davies
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Peter Maxwell Davies.
The Women of Renaissance Ferrara
Donald with Laurie Stras explore the work of the female composers of Renaissance Ferrara.
Gade
Donald Macleod is joined by Dr Colin Roth to explore the life and work of Niels Gade.
Ravel
Donald Macleod explores the enigmatic personality and vibrant music of Maurice Ravel.
Mackenzie
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Alexander Mackenzie.
Britten
Donald Macleod explores the music of Benjamin Britten's formative years.
Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges.
Schoenberg
Donald Macleod explores Schoenberg's life from five different viewpoints
Novello
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Ivor Novello.
Prokofiev
Donald Macleod explores Prokofiev's triumphant and ultimately tragic return to the USSR.
Caccini
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Francesca Caccini and her circle.
Handel
Donald Macleod focuses on Handel the organist.
Faure
Donald Macleod follows the dramatic thread running through Gabriel Faure's musical output
Schubert
Donald Macleod explores the remarkable and prolific final year of Schubert's life.
Meredith Monk
Donald Macleod talks to Meredith Monk about her remarkable life and unique music
Michael Haydn
Michael Haydn. He was a composer admired and respected by Mozart and revered by Schubert
Martinu
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Bohuslav Martinu.
Daniel Kidane
Donald is in conversation with Composer Daniel Kidane .
Anna Meredith
Donald Macleod talks to acoustic and electronic music composer Anna Meredith.
Helen Grime
Donald Macleod speaks to British composer Helen Grime about her work.
Gwilym Simcock
Donald's joined by composer and jazz pianist Gwilym Simcock .
Anoushka Shankar
Donald is joined by composer and sitar player Anoushka Shankar.
Oliver Knussen
Donald Macleod invites composer Oliver Knussen to join him to discuss his life and career
Rubbra
Donald is joined by Edmund Rubbra's sons Benedict and Adrian, who discuss their father.
Rimsky-Korsakov
Donald Macleod explores Rimsky-Korsakov's final years.
Mendelssohn
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of composers.
Janacek
Donald looks at Janacek's life through his instrumental and small-scale compositions.
Villa Lobos
Donald explores the music and life of Villa-Lobos with musicologist Manoel Correa do Lago
Butterworth
Donald Macleod explores the music of George Butterworth and four of his contemporaries
Brahms
Looking at the life and work of Johannes Brahms and some of his larger orchestral works
Mozart
Donald explores Mozart's relationship with his home city of Salzburg.
Bernard Stevens
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of neglected British composer Bernard Stevens
Stravinsky and the Symphony
Donald Macleod explores Igor Stravinsky's life through his symphonies.
Johann Strauss I and II
Donald Macleod explores the lives of and music of Johann Strauss I and his son, Johann
Gershwin
Donald explores the colourful life and music of George Gershwin, a pianist and composer.
Clara Schumann and Her Circle
Clara Schumann and the extraordinary circle of composers and musicians she moved in
Satie
Satie the Onion: his surreal life viewed in reverse.
Dussek
Donald Macleod explores Dussek’s early years traveling through Europe.
Purcell
Henry Purcell, a musical revolutionary remembered as Britain's 'musical Shakespeare'
Byrd
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of William Byrd.
Sterndale Bennett
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of William Sterndale Bennett.
Vaughan Williams
Donald Macleod charts the long life and career of Vaughan Williams.
Telemann
Donald Macleod explores who the real Telemann was.
Granados
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Spanish composer-pianist Enrique Granados.
Women of the MacDowell Colony
Donald explores the work of the many female composers who have visited MacDowell colony.
Strozzi
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Barbara Strozzi, with Dr Sara Pecknold
Haydn
Donald Macleod explores Haydn's final works.
Debussy
Donald Macleod discusses the fruits of a number of Debussy's important friendships
Cimarosa
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Domenico Cimarosa
Ponce
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Mexican composer Manuel Ponce.
Rubinstein
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Anton Rubinstein.
Dvorak
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Dvorak
Dutilleux
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of French composer Henri Dutilleux
Coulthard
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Canadian composer Jean Coulthard
Stockhausen
Donald Macleod and Robert Worby explore the life and music of Karlheinz Stockhausen
Berwald
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Franz Berwald,
Sibelius
Donald explores how Sibelius's music helped bring the nation of Finland into being
CPE Bach
Donald Macleod explores the life of CPE Bach, the second son of Johann Sebastian
Handel
Donald Macleod explores Handel's early years
Hoagy Carmichael
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Hoagy Carmichael.
Chabrier
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Emmanuel Chabrier.
Farrenc
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of 19th-century French composer Louise Farrenc
Nielsen
Carl Nielsen's early life in rural Denmark in the aftermath of the 1864 war with Prussia
Cowell
A profile of US composer and pianist Henry Cowell
Kapralova
A profile of Czech composer and conductor Vitezslava Kapralova
Rachmaninov
Donald Macleod explores Rachmaninov the pianist-composer.
Vanhal
Donald Macleod explores the work of Vanhal.
Bellini
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Italian composer Vincenzo Bellini
Shostakovich
Donald Macleod views Dmitry Shostakovich through the prism of his string quartets
Elgar
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Edward Elgar.
Walton
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of English composer William Walton
Three Choirs
Donald Macleod explores the 300-year history of the Three Choirs Festival.
Poulenc
Donald Macleod charts some of Francis Poulenc's important musical friendships
Arvo Part
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Estonian composer Arvo Part.
Bach
Donald Macleod explores Bach's vocal music.
Kodaly
In conversation with David Vinden, Donald Macleod evaluates the life Zoltán Kodály.
Bacewicz
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of composer and violinist Grazyna Bacewicz
Schutz
Donald Macleod explores the early years of the man described as the "father of German...
Widor
Dr John Near joins Donald Macleod to journey through the world of Widor, looking his...
Mozart
As part of Young Artists Day on Radio 3, Martin James Bartlett, BBC Young Musician of...
Scriabin
Donald Macleod explores the life and career of the virtuoso pianist and composer as of...
Tailleferre
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Germaine Tailleferre, whose published a...
Chopin
Donald Macleod explores the music and life of Chopin, zooming in on five key places on...
Judith Weir
Donald Macleod is joined by composer Judith Weir to discuss her life and work.
Holst
Donald Macleod explores the life and career of English composer Gustav Holst
Weber
Donald Macleod explores works by Carl Maria von Weber
Five Under 35
Donald Macleod speaks to five members of a new generation of British composers about a...
Jacquet de la Guerre
Hailed by scholars as one of the most successful women in the history of French music,...
Verdi
Donald Macleod explores Giuseppe Verdi’s middle period.
Purcell
Henry Purcell's stageworks: William and Mary's accession heralds a change in direction...
Schubert
Donald Macleod explores music written in a critical time in Schubert's life, following...
Bartok
Donald Macleod explores the life and career of composer Bela Bartok (1881-1945), one...
Haydn
Exploring Haydn's time at the Hungarian palace of Eszterhaza, the composer's primary a...
Lassus
Donald Macleod surveys the life and music of Orlande de Lassus, a cosmopolitan who so...
Liszt
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Franz Liszt with a rare opportunity to 13...
Chabrier
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Emmanuel Chabrier, a composer whose is...
Vivaldi
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Antonio Vivaldi, a Venetian priest, in...
Previn
In conversation with Donald Macleod, celebrated conductor, composer, jazz performer...
Schumann
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Robert Schumann, focusing on the that...
Lord Berners
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of the colourful and eccentric British Lord...
Falla
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Spanish composer Manuel de Falla
Mozart
Donald Macleod explores five key years of Mozart's life and presents five of his works...
Stradella
Donald Macleod on the music of Alessandro Stradella. Highly respected and successful,...
Khachaturian
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Aram Khachaturian, a composer whose led...
Debussy
Donald Macleod explores a less celebrated, but important, area of Debussy's output -...
Brahms Experience- Johannes Brahms
Exploring the friendship between Johannes Brahms and Clara Schumann, who would become...
Dyson
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of George Dyson, celebrated composer, and...
Panufnik
Donald Macleod celebrates the life and music of Warsaw-born composer Andrzej Panufnik
Donizetti
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Gaetano Donizetti, who composed almost 70...
Rameau
Donald Macleod is joined by Professor Graham Sadler to celebrate the work of one of in...
Dvorak
Donald Macleod explores Dvorak's relationship with the British Isles, which he visited...
Stravinsky
Donald Macleod explores Igor Stravinsky's life and work up to the end of World War I,...
Cole Porter
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Cole Porter, one of the most famous of...
Janacek
Donald Macleod celebrates the life and music of Leos Janacek. Known primarily as a and...
Dittersdorf
Donald Macleod on the life and music of Carl Ditters von Dittersdorf, a composer whose...
Buxtehude
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Danish organist and composer Dietrich...
Gurney
Donald Macleod is joined by Dr Kate Kennedy to explore the life and work of Ivor Gurney.
Strauss
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Richard Strauss
Weinberg
Donald Macleod and Martin Anderson explore the life and work of Mieczyslaw Weinberg
Berlioz
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of quintessential romantic, Hector Berlioz
Monteverdi
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Claudio Monteverdi
Grieg
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Edvard Grieg, including five key works...
Hans Gal
Donald Macleod is joined by conductor, cellist and Gal expert Kenneth Woods to explore...
Handel
Donald Macleod explores the music Handel composed for Kings George I and II and to in...
Locatelli
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Pietro Locatelli. He became famous for of...
Leopold Mozart
Donald Macleod is joined by Prof Cliff Eisen to explore the life and work of Wolfgang...
Mendelssohn
Donald Macleod explores Mendelssohn's formative years and the musical treasures they...
Franck
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Belgian composer Cesar Franck
Rossini
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Gioachino Rossini, most successful of...
Mahler
Donald Macleod explores Mahler's childhood in Bohemia, where he was inspired by the of...
Taneyev
Donald Macleod is joined by Dr Anastasia Belina-Johnson to explore the life and music...
Massenet
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of one of France's most spectaular operatic...
Schubert
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Franz Schubert
Vienna on the Brink
Donald Macleod explores the music of Vienna, the most exciting cultural city in the in...
The Sammartini Brothers
Donald Macleod explores the lives and music of Giuseppe and Giovanni Sammartini
Beethoven
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Ludwig van Beethoven, focusing on how he...
70th Anniversary Special - Louise Farrenc
Donald Macleod marks Composer of the Week's 70th birthday by featuring a composer by 3...
Iceland
Donald Macleod explores the landscapes and vistas of Iceland, to discover its unique...
Pietro Mascagni
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Mascagni, who triumphed in his early with...
Saint-Saens
Donald Macleod explores the charming and eccentric variety of later works by Camille...
Britten 100
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Benjamin Benjamin Britten for the 100th...
Bill Evans
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Bill Evans, the 'poet of the piano' and...
Ethel Smyth
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of composer, author and women's rights Ethel...
Franz Joseph Haydn
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Haydn through another musical form apart...
Lully
Donald Macleod explores the work of Lully, the pre-eminent composer of the French in a...
Chaminade and Holmes
Donald Macleod, with the help of experts Marcia Citron of Rice University and Karen of...
Verdi 200
Donald Macleod explores Verdi's later life and music when, after years of honing his...
British Film Music
Donald Macleod is joined by writer and film music expert John Huckvale to explore film...
Golden Age of Hollywood
"Sound of Cinema" continues as Donald Macleod explores the soundtrack of The Golden of...
Gluck
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Christoph Willibald Gluck, seen as opera...
Dvorak
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Antonin Dvorak.
Sibelius
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, from his...
200 Years of the Royal Philharmonic Society
Donald Macleod recalls the story of the Royal Philharmonic Society - and the roll-call...
Robert Schumann
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Robert Schumann, who drew his as much of...
Tchaikovsky
Donald Macleod explores the life and works of Russia's most popular Romatic composer.
Ravel and His World
Donald Macleod explores Ravel's life and music in context with his friends in the Les...
George Lloyd
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of George Lloyd, the English Romantic who of...
Elgar
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of the 'quintessentially English' Edward a...
Vaughan Williams
Donald Macleod reflects on Vaughan Williams's highly productive later years
Faure
Donald Macleod charts the life and work of Gabriel Faure. He's joined by the Jessica...
Wagner and His World
Donald Macleod explores the connections and relationships that helped establish Wagner...
Hummel
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Hummel, regarded by Chopin as one of the...
Copland
Donald Macleod explores Copland's life and work through the places he lived, visited,...
Meyerbeer
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Giacomo Meyerbeer in conversation with of...
Gordon Jacob and Joseph Horovitz
Donald is joined by Joseph Horovitz,to talk about his own career and that of Gordon Jacob
Gordon Jacob and Joseph Horovitz
Donald Macleod is joined by composer Joseph Horovitz, who not only talks about his own...
Giacomo Puccini
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Giacomo Puccini
J S Bach
As part of Baroque Spring, a month-long season of Baroque music and culture, Donald of...
Vivaldi
As part of Baroque Spring, Radio 3's season celebrating Baroque music and culture, the...
Purcell
For Radio 3's Baroque Spring season, Donald Macleod explores the life and music of the...
Handel
For Radio 3's Baroque Spring season, Donald Macleod explores Handel's years spent in...
Gounod
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Charles Gounod, known today for little...
WF Bach
Donald Macleod presents a rare glimpse of WF Bach's life and legacy in conversation...
Avison and Stanley
Donald Macleod explores the lives and music of two composers who were 18th-century but...
Bruckner
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Anton Bruckner, now celebrated as one of...
Jommelli
Donald Macleod surveys the life and music of Niccolo Jommelli, who was once dubbed new...
John Williams
To mark the composer's 80th birthday year, Donald Macleod is joined by John Williams...
Prokofiev
Donald Macleod explores Prokofiev's life and music during his time as an emigre in in...
Respighi
Donald Macleod explores the lesser-known masterpieces of popular and controversial...
Offenbach
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Jacques Offenbach.
Brahms
Donald Macleod presents an exploration of the life and vocal music of Johannes Brahms.
Marais and Delalande
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Marin Marais and Michel-Richard to Lully...
Napoleon's Music
As part of BBC Radio 3's Napoleon season, marking 200 years since his historic retreat...
Glazunov
Donald Macleod explore the life and work of Russian composer Aleksandr Glazunov, who...
Telemann
Donald Macleod reviews the life and work of Telemann, most prolific composer of the in...
Big Band
Donald Macleod is joined by jazz trumpeter, composer and conductor Guy Barker to the...
Koechlin
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Charles Koechlin, an out-of-favour, as...
Rachmaninov and Medtner
For the BBC's piano season, Donald Macleod explores the intersections between the of...
Granados and Albeniz
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Spanish composers Enrique Granados and...
Debussy
Donald Macleod focuses on French composer and pianist Claude Debussy, examining his...
Liszt and his world
Donald Macleod explores Liszt's extraordinary contribution to the piano repertoire, of...
Field and Chopin
Donald Macleod is joined by pianist Miceal O'Rourke to explore the work of Romantic of...
Muzio Clementi
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of the Italian-born composer Muzio Clementi,...
Coleridge-Taylor
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Anglo-African composer Samuel an figure...
Adams
Donald Macleod talks to America's most frequently performed living composer, John his...
English Pastoralists
Donald Macleod explores the lives and works of the English Pastoralist composers.
Berlioz
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of the great musical innovator Hector Berlioz
J S Bach
Donald Macleod explores the music of Bach's final years in Leipzig
Beethoven
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Beethoven, taking a snapshot view the of...
Handel
Donald Macleod explores the music of Handel through five key 'years in the life' of...
Nyman
Donald Macleod presents an exclusive week of interview with Michael Nyman.
Paganini
Donald Macleod unmasks the real Paganini, with the help of biographer Andrew McGee
Mozart
Donald Macleod explores Mozart's work as a musician away from home, from his earliest...
Poulenc
Donald Macleod explores Francis Poulenc's unique musical voice - and sometimes - a of...
Haydn
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Joseph Haydn through a genre of music he...
Irving Berlin
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Irving Berlin, a composer whose career to...
Grieg
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of multi-talented Norwegian composer, and...
Chapel Royal
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of five itinerant musicians of the British...
Strauss Portraits
Donald Macleod and guest Professor Julian Johnson from Royal Holloway, University of...
Skalkottas
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Greek composer Nikos Skalkottas, who died...
Andrea and Giovanni Gabrieli
Donald Macleod explores the work of Andrea and nephew Giovanni Gabrieli, who presided...
Delius
Celebrating the 150th year since the composer's birth, Donald Macleod is joined by and...
Verdi
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Giuseppe Verdi, a leading figure in opera...
Franz Schubert
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Franz Schubert, as part of a season of to...
Franz Schubert
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Franz Schubert, as part of a season of to...
Glass
Prolific, influential and controversial composer Philip Glass joins Donald Macleod to...
Bizet
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Georges Bizet, a pianist and composer,...
Boccherini
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Luigi Boccherini, a composer who spent...
Sally Beamish
Donald Macleod visits Sally Beamish in her home near Loch Lomond to learn about her...
Parry
Donald Macleod explore the life and music of Hubert Parry, regarded as Britain's...
Walton
Donald Macleod follows William Walton through the distinct eras of his life and the to...
Vaughan Williams
Donald Macleod surveys Vaughan Williams's operas, a neglected area of his work
Couperin
Donald Macleod with biographer and musician Olivier Baumont explore the life and work...
Robert Schumann
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Robert Schumann. He uses the fascinating...
Lehar
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Ferencz Lehar, a naturally gifted and and...
Handel
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Handel, the German-born composer who in...
Ludwig van Beethoven
Donald Macleod introduces the life and music of Beethoven during the turbulent years...
Le Concert Spirituel
Donald Macleod explores the 18th century's longest-running concert series, Le Concert...
Smetana
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Bedrich Smetana, a composer credited with...
Percy Grainger
Donald Macleod explores the unconventional life and music of Australian-born composer,...
Bebop
Donald Macleod is joined by writer and broadcaster Geoffrey Smith to explore the jazz...
Elgar
Donald Macleod and Terry Charman from the Imperial War Museum explore the life and of...
Alessandro Scarlatti
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Alessandro Scarlatti, who is seen as the...
Finnish Composers
Donald Macleod is joined by Finnish music expert Tim Howell, to explore the work of as...
Herold, Adam and Delibes
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Ferdinand Herold, Adolphe Adam and Leo in...
Szymanowsi
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Karol Szymanowski
William Schuman
Donald Macleod introduces the life and career of William Schuman - one of the most and...
Vivaldi
Donald Macleod begins his story of an unconventional priest, who wrote The Four and of...
Nielsen
Donald Macleod considers the reasons behind the differing opinions of Nielsen's music...
Grechaninov
Donald Macleod traces the life and music of Aleksandr Grechaninov, a composer who was...
Weber
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Carl Maria von Weber, a German composer,...
Barber 2nd September 2011
Donald Macleod tells the story of the real Samuel Barber
Victoria
Victoria's life and music burned with religious fervour. Swept up by the Catholic of...
Brahms
Donald Macleod explores in detail five calendar years in the life and work of Brahms.
Arensky
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Anton Arensky
Bridge
Examining the life and works of composer Frank Bridge, who for the last century has to...
Liszt
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Franz Liszt, including his early life,...
Cavalli
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of unsung baroque hero Francesco Cavalli,...
Saint-Saens
The life and work of Camille Saint-Saëns, who started out as a child prodigy and but...
Menotti
Donald Macleod introduces the music of Gian Carlo Menotti - a composer who stood apart...
Schubert
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Franz Schubert, introducing music from of...
British Light Music
To accompany Light Fantastic, Radio 3's celebration of light music, Donald Macleod the...
Svendsen
Donald Macleod marks the centenary of Johan Svendsen, who became a Norwegian cultural...
Satie
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Erik Satie, arguably one of the most and...
Mahler
Donald Macleod explores the last decade of Mahler's life, known as the 'Alma' years.
Carl Philipp Emmanuel Bach
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of CPE Bach, and discovers that there is to...
George Gershwin
Donald Macleod presents an overview of some of George Gershwin's greatest works, from...
Purcell
Donald Macleod explores Henry Purcell's music for the theatre, from songs he wrote for...
Tchaikovsky
Donald Macleod investigates a little-known 'lost decade' in Tchaikovsky's life - a the...
Holst
Donald Macleod tells the story of one of our most celebrated English composers, Gustav...
Mendelssohn
Donald Macleod explores Felix Mendelssohn's last seven years, starting with his in to...
Granados
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Catalan composer and pianist Enrique...
Rachmaninov
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of the Russian composer, pianist and Sergei...
Music at Versailles
Donald Macleod explores the music that was performed at the Palace of Versailles the...
Monteverdi
Donald Macleod follows Monteverdi on the road to stardom at the court of Mantua.
Stravinsky
Donald Macleod explores the final part of Stravinsky's life, considering the impact of...
Bruch
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of German Romantic composer and conductor...
Dukas
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Paul Dukas. An influential voice in he as...
Geminiani
Donald Macleod surveys the life and music of Francesco Geminiani (1687-1762), now but...
Balakirev
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Mily Balakirev, a pivotal member of the...
Paisiello
Donald Macleod introduces the life and music of the Italian composer whose comic were...
Paisiello
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Giovanni Paisiello.
Shostakovich
Donald Macleod explores Shostakovich's brilliant youth - and the work of five lost -...
Cherubini 28th January 20011
Donald Macleod investigates the life and work Luigi Cherubini, a composer often spoken...
Sibelius
Donald Macleod explores the myths and mysteries behind Sibelius's last, so-called...
Handel
Donald Macleod and Suzanne Aspden of Oxford University focus on Handel the borrower of...
Donald Macleod's Mozart
Donald Macleod maps out Mozart's life story, plays many of his favourite works and to...
Donald Macleod's Mozart
Donald Macleod maps out Mozart's life story, plays many of his favourite works and to...
Russian Opera
As part of the BBC's focus on opera in 2010, Donald Macleod explores the rich of from...
Bach in Cothen
Donald Macleod explores Bach's six years in service at the court of Cothen.
The MacDowell Colony
The MacDowell Colony was founded in 1907 by the American composer Edward MacDowell and...
Campra
Donald Macleod and musicologist, harpsichordist and conductor William Christie explore...
Moeran
Donald Macleod explores the work of Moeran, who was a pioneer in the collecting of...
Drottningholm
Donald Macleod explores the history and music connected with the Drottningholm Opera...
Britten
Donald Macleod explores Benjamin Britten's music in the light of two enduring - his of...
Haydn
Donald Macleod investigates many aspects of Haydn's turbulent personality, including...
Vaughan Williams
Donald Macleod surveys Vaughan Williams's operas, a neglected area of his work
Steve Reich
Donald Macleod talks exclusively to one of the world's most celebrated living Steve...
Milhaud
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of French composer Darius Milhaud.
Tchaikovsky
Donald Macleod explores rarities from a 'lost decade' in Tchaikovsky's life.
Wagner
Donald Macleod explores the life and controversial work of Richard Wagner.
Tallis
Tallis - musical genius of the English Tudor age: Donald Macleod presents highlights...
Albéniz
Albéniz: Piano music - in its original form and a variety of other guises.
Ole Bull
Highlights of Donald Macleod's visit to Anglesey for a celebration of Ole Bull: and of...
Leonard Bernstein
Donald Macleod explores the extraordinary life of Leonard Bernstein; inexhaustible and...
Brahms
Brahms: Chamber and Instrumental works. Highlights from five Composer of the Week by...
Arne
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Thomas Arne.
JC Bach
Donald Macleod introduces music and stories from the life of Johann Christian Bach.