An informative and accessible guide to composers' lives and their music.
Radio 3,·24 episodes
The Courtless Musician
Kate Molleson explores Monteverdi’s early life and music.
08 Jun 2026,·59 mins
Fin de 16th siècle
Monteverdi arrives in Mantua and pushes musical boundaries. With Kate Molleson.
09 Jun 2026,·59 mins
Centre Stage
Monteverdi takes to the stage with L’Orfeo. With Kate Molleson.
10 Jun 2026,·59 mins
Troubles and trials
Monteverdi leaves Mantua and begins a new chapter in Venice. With Kate Molleson.
11 Jun 2026,·59 mins
Sorrows, Prayers
Monteverdi’s final years and the rise of public opera. With Kate Molleson
12 Jun 2026,·59 mins
Creativity and Conflict
Donald Macleod with biographer Paul Spicer journey into the early life of Arthur Bliss.
01 Jun 2026,·59 mins
Travels and Trudy
Donald Macleod with biographer Paul Spicer, delve into Arthur Bliss's Colour Symphony.
02 Jun 2026,·59 mins
Domestic Bliss
Donald Macleod with biographer Paul Spicer explore the early years of marriage for Bliss.
03 Jun 2026,·59 mins
A Pillar of British Music
Donald Macleod with biographer Paul Spicer delve into Bliss’s music during WWII and after.
04 Jun 2026,·59 mins
The Elder Statesman
Donald Macleod with biographer Paul Spicer explore the final decades for Sir Arthur Bliss.
05 Jun 2026,·59 mins
Birth of the Cool
Kate Molleson explores the life and work of a cultural icon: Miles Davis.
25 May 2026,·59 mins
Kind of Blue
Kate Molleson and Nate Chinen discuss Miles Davis's golden period during the 1950s.
26 May 2026,·59 mins
The Second Great Quintet
Kate Molleson and Nate Chinen discuss the Miles Davis sound of the 1960s.
27 May 2026,·59 mins
On the Corner
Kate Molleson and Nate Chinen explore a pivotal period in the story of Miles Davis.
28 May 2026,·59 mins
Rebirth
Kate Molleson and Nate Chinen discuss the last chapter in the life and work of Miles Davis
29 May 2026,·59 mins
Rome, Here I Come
Donald Macleod investigates the life of a Renaissance genius, Giovanni da Palestrina.
16 Jun 2025,·59 mins
What a Mass
Palestrina composes a major piece that will mark a turning point in music history.
17 Jun 2025,·59 mins
Saving Music
Close to the Pope's ear, Palestrina helps define the new rules of music writing.
18 Jun 2025,·59 mins
Father of the Chapel
After hard times, a celebrated composer Palestrina is thinking about entering priesthood.
19 Jun 2025,·59 mins
Crowning Gloria
Palestrina joins a collective, gets tempting job offers and even becomes a businessman.
20 Jun 2025,·59 mins
All the World's Fair's a stage
Florence Price steps onto a national stage. With Kate Molleson and Samantha Ege.
14 May 2026,·59 mins
More than a woman
Kate Molleson and Samantha Ege discuss the growing legacy of Florence Price.
15 May 2026,·59 mins
Mary Lou Williams
Donald Macleod charts the extraordinary life of jazz composer & pianist Mary Lou Williams
22 Nov 2019,·67 mins
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach
Donald Macleod tells the story of the loss and later rediscovery of CPE Bach’s music
28 Jun 2019,·64 mins
