BBC Radio Podcasts from Composer of the Week

Composer of the Week

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.