Composer of the Week - Erik Chisholm (1904-1965)

Download Erik Chisholm (1904-1965)

This week, Kate Molleson, joined by Dr John Purser, explores the life and music of Erik Chisholm – one of Scotland’s most original and adventurous composers. From his early fascination with folk melody and the piano in Glasgow, through his championing of new music and his wide‑ranging artistic friendships, to his bold ventures in opera, ballet and international musical life, Chisholm’s story is one of restless curiosity and invention. We follow his journey from Scotland to India, Singapore and South Africa, tracing the ideas, collaborations and passions that shaped his distinctive voice.

Music featured includes:
Airs from the Patrick MacDonald Collection: Nos. 18, 23–26
Piano Sonatina No. 1
Straloch Suite: Nos. 1–2
Piano Concerto No. 1 “Piobaireachd”: I & IV
Violin Concerto: II. Allegro scherzando
The Three Worthies; Dirge for Summer; Snail, Snail, Shoot Out Your Horn
Dance Suite for Orchestra: III. March; IV. Reel
Piobaireachd: Nos. 1–4
Piano Concerto No. 2 “Hindustani”: III. Rondo burlesca
Pictures from Dante (After Doré): I. Inferno; II. Paradisio
Poems of Love
Symphony No. 2 “Ossian”: Prelude; Allegro animado; Epilogue
Piano Sonata in A major “a Rhiobain Dearg”: IV. Allegro moderato
Tango
Scottish Airs for Children: Nos. 6–12
From the True Edge of the Great World: Preludes 1, 8, 9
Ceol Mòr Dances: Nos. 1–2
Night Song of the Bards: Bard 3; Bard 4
Simoon: excerpts
Dance Suite for Orchestra and Piano: I. Allegro energico; II. Piobaireachd

Presented by Kate Molleson.

Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio Wales and West.

For full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Erik Chisholm (1904-1965) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002qh44.

And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we’ve featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z.

Published on Friday, 6th February 2026.

Available Podcasts from Composer of the Week

Subscribe to Composer of the Week

We are not the BBC, we only list available podcasts. To find out more about the programme including episodes available on BBC iPlayer, go to the Composer of the Week webpage.