Episode 1

Presented by Louise Fryer.

Radio 3 pays tribute to Vernon 'Tod' Handley, who died in late 2008. A great friend of Arthur Bliss, a huge admirer of Arnold Bax, Handley recorded and broadcast music by British composers which most conductors ignored. Some of that comparatively unknown repertoire features in performances given by the BBC orchestras, with whom Handley had an enduring relationship.

All performances conducted by Vernon Handley.

Bax: Symphony No 3 in C
BBC Philharmonic

Bliss: Metamorphic variations for orchestra
BBC Symphony Orchestra

3.20pm
Rubbra: Soliloquy for cello and orchestra, Op 57
Raphael Wallfisch (cello)
BBC Concert Orchestra

Brahms: Tragic overture, Op 81
Ulster Orchestra

3.50pm
Elgar: Symphony No 2 in E flat, Op 63
BBC National Orchestra of Wales

Coates: Knightsbridge March (London Suite)
BBC Concert Orchestra