Episode 4
With Donald Macleod. Another dispute over his outspoken views and absenteeism forces Wesley to move from Leeds to Winchester, where a relatively harmonious period followed.
Forget Samuel Sebastian Wesley as a pillar of the Anglican Cathedral world - he was an eccentric, inconsistent and irascible character - Donald Macleod marks the bicentenary of Wesley's birth, surveying the composer's life and music.
Although the city of Leeds was sad to see Wesley leave, he had again fallen out with the clergy over his outspoken views, and absenteeism. Wesley now took a new post at Winchester Cathedral, and for a period, worked harmoniously with the Precentor there - that is until a new Precentor arrived introducing his own music into the services.
In today's programme Donald Macleod charts Wesley's move from Leeds to Winchester, including a new enterprise for the composer into the realm of hymnody, and his most famous hymn tune - Aurelia. Also, the BBC Singers perform an anthem not heard since 1854 - By the word of the Lord.
Last on
Music Played
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Samuel Sebastian Wesley
Cast me not away from Thy presence (1848)
Performers: Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson (conductor)
- Naxos 8.570318.
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Samuel Sebastian Wesley
Jeux d'esprit, quadrilles a la Herz (1847)
Performer: Tom Poster, piano
- BBC Recording.
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Samuel Sebastian Wesley
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace (c.1850)
Performers: Winchester College Chapel Choir, Paul Provost (organ), Malcolm Archer (director)
- Regent REGCD331.
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Samuel Sebastian Wesley
O Lord my God (c.1850) 2.56
Performers: Choir of Worchester Cathedral, Adrian Partington (organ), Donald Hunt (conductor)
- Hyperion, CDA66469.
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Samuel Sebastian Wesley
Andante Cantabile in G major (1864)
Performer: James McVinnie (organ)
- Naxos 8570410.
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Samuel Sebastian Wesley
The Church's one foundation
Performers: The Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge, Richard Marlow (organ and director)
- GMN GMNC0107.
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Samuel Sebastian Wesley
By the word of the Lord (1854)
Performers: Olivia Robinson (soprano), Lynette Alcántara (mezzo-soprano), Robert Johnston (tenor), Andrew Rupp (bass), BBC Singers, Richard Pearce (organ), Paul Brough (conductor)
- BBC Recording.
Broadcast
- Thu 19 Aug 201012:00BBC Radio 3
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