Episode 2
Donald Macleod explores Spohr's work in Vienna, where he composed a wide range of fine works, struck out on a concert tour of Europe and befriended Beethoven.
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Louis Spohr.
Before he had reached the age of 30, Spohr's considerable talent was the talk of Europe. He had left his hometown in provincial Germany and secured a plum job in Vienna, then the centre of the musical universe. Once there, he composed a wide range of fine works, struck out on a concert tour of Europe and founded a great friendship with a chap by the name of Beethoven.
Last on
Music Played
![]()
Louis Spohr
Vanitas! Vanitatum Vanitas, op 41 no6 (1815)
Performer: Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau (baritone) Performer: Hartmut Höll (piano)
- Orfeo C103 841A.
![]()
Louis Spohr
Overture to Faust (1813)
Performer: Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra Performer: Christian Frölich (conductor)
- CPO 999 093-2.
![]()
Louis Spohr
Octet in E major op 32 (1814)
Performer: The Gaudier Ensemble
- Hyperion CDA66699.
![]()
Louis Spohr
String Quartet no 12 in C major, op 45 no1 (1818) 3rd and last movements: Andante Grazioso
Performer: New Budapest Quartet
- Marco Polo 8.223257.
Broadcasts
- Tue 15 Dec 200912:00BBC Radio 3
- Tue 15 Dec 200922:00BBC Radio 3
Beethoven Unleashed – the box set
The complete set of Radio 3 Beethoven Unleashed podcasts, with Donald Macleod.
What was really wrong with Beethoven?
Georgia Mann and neurosurgeon Henry Marsh examine the composer's numerous health problems
Composers A to Z
Visit the extensive audio archive of Radio 3 programmes about Composers and their works.
Who knew? Five eye-opening stories from Composer of the Week
The production team reflects on 5 of Donald Macleod’s best stories from the last 20 years
Five reasons why we love Parry's Jerusalem
What is the strange power of Jerusalem which makes strong men weep?
A man out of time – why Parry's music and ideas were at odds with his image...
The composer of Jerusalem was very far from the conservative figure his image suggests.
Composer Help Page
Find resources and contacts for composers from within the classical music industry.
