Powerful and moving, Lili Boulanger’s cry From the Bottom of the Abyss (Psalm No.130) shows her deep commitment to her faith, and to her music-writing, in the face of illness. Diana Ambache, long-time champion of women composers, joins me to talk about Boulanger’s short life, major talent and this subtle masterpiece for huge choir and orchestra.… Listen
The intensity, joy, heartbreak and thrills of great sporting moments are almost unmatchable… except by those in great music. The magic of the Olympics is transformed by the alchemist John Williams into four minutes of musical, life-affirming perfection. Olympic Fanfare and Theme is one of my favourite Williams pieces, and that’s really saying something! (Listening time 11′)… Listen
Even more irresistible than the Italian football team and their ace national anthem is Verdi’s overture to Nabucco. It’s rousing and joyous and simply one of my favourite things. [13 minute listen]… Listen
How Scottish do you have to be to be worthy of the name? If you’re going to write a Scottish Symphony should it contain Scottish music? Does Mendelssohn pass the test? Regardless, his Symphony No.3 is brilliant, moving and surprising… (29 mins)… Listen
Every time I hear it, I’m amazed by the power and emotion in Mendelssohn’s music. Inspired by a trip to Scotland, his Symphony No.3 delights and surprises, without resorting to bagpipes! Listening time: 32 mins (Podcast 12′, music 20′)… Listen
Come on the fantastic – and fantastical – musical adventure that is Anna Clyne’s This Midnight Hour. You’ll be thrilled, excited, maybe a bit scared, ultimately consoled… or maybe not! What does this great music do to you? (Listening time 19 mins)… Listen
Exhilarating and fun, Beethoven’s fourth symphony is like one of the best days out. This is Beethoven in the best of moods and relishing what’s possible. It’s a joyful ride! (Listening time 43′)… Listen
Why is Beethoven – perhaps – the greatest composer of them all? One thing he does is expand everything – the volume goes up to 11 and down to almost nothing. Also, he cared deeply, about music and humanity. In his Coriolan Overture he makes us care about an obscure Roman general intent on [self-]destruction… and it’s fab. (14 mins)… Listen
After three years ‘vegetating’ in New York, Béla Bartók produced a handful of late great pieces. A dying man’s birthday gift to his wife, his often easygoing and playful last piano concerto is, perhaps, my favourite concerto of all time… Listening time 35 mins.… Listen