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Donald Macleod explores why, as he approached his 50th birthday, Elgar took up cycling and started work on a major new choral project.

As Elgar headed towards his 50th birthday, he took up cycling and started work on a major new choral project. Presented by Donald Macleod.

Elgar emerged onto the scene at a time when Britain was still described as 'a land without music'. He played a central role in reviving this country's musical reputation, and his success won him fame, honours and a place at the heart of the cultural establishment. Nevertheless, he cast himself as an outsider throughout his long career.

Cockaigne (in London town), Op. 40
English Symphony Orchestra
William Boughton, conductor

The Apostles: (Excerpt from Part 2)
Rebecca Evans, soprano
Alice Coote, mezzo-soprano
Paul Groves, tenor
Jacques Imbrailo, baritone
David Kempster, baritone
Brindley Sherratt, bass
The Halle Orchestra, Choir and Youth Choir
Sir Mark Elder, conductor

In the South "Alassio"
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Richard Hickox, conductor

Love, Op18, No 2
The Finzi Singers
Paul Spicer, director.

1 hour

Last on

Thu 10 Sep 201518:00
BBC Radio 3

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Music Played

  • Edward Elgar

    Cockaigne (In London Town) - Overture Op.40

    Orchestra: English String Orchestra. Conductor: William Boughton.
    • NIMBUS : NI-1769.
    • NIMBUS.
    • 1.

  • Edward Elgar

    Cockaigne (In London Town) - Overture Op.40

    Orchestra: English String Orchestra. Conductor: William Boughton.
    • NIMBUS : NI-1769.
    • NIMBUS.
    • 1.

  • Edward Elgar

    Cockaigne (In London Town) - Overture Op.40

    Orchestra: English String Orchestra. Conductor: William Boughton.
    • NIMBUS : NI-1769.
    • NIMBUS.
    • 1.

  • Edward Elgar

    The Apostles Op.49

    Singer: Rebecca Evans. Singer: Paul Groves. Singer: Jacques Imbrailo. Singer: David Kempster. Singer: Brindley Sherratt. Choir: Hallé Youth Choir. Choir: Hallé Choir. Orchestra: Hallé. Conductor: Sir Mark Elder.
    • HALLE : CDHLD-7534.
    • HALLE.
    • 7.

  • Edward Elgar

    The Apostles Op.49

    Singer: Rebecca Evans. Singer: Paul Groves. Singer: Jacques Imbrailo. Singer: David Kempster. Singer: Brindley Sherratt. Choir: Hallé Youth Choir. Choir: Hallé Choir. Orchestra: Hallé. Conductor: Sir Mark Elder.
    • HALLE : CDHLD-7534.
    • HALLE.
    • 7.

  • Edward Elgar

    The Apostles Op.49

    Singer: Rebecca Evans. Singer: Paul Groves. Singer: Jacques Imbrailo. Singer: David Kempster. Singer: Brindley Sherratt. Choir: Hallé Youth Choir. Choir: Hallé Choir. Orchestra: Hallé. Conductor: Sir Mark Elder.
    • HALLE : CDHLD-7534.
    • HALLE.
    • 7.

  • Edward Elgar

    In The South (Alassio) - Overture Op.50

    Orchestra: BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Conductor: Richard Hickox.
    • CHANDOS : CHSA-5038.
    • CHANDOS.
    • 1.

  • Edward Elgar

    In The South (Alassio) - Overture Op.50

    Orchestra: BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Conductor: Richard Hickox.
    • CHANDOS : CHSA-5038.
    • CHANDOS.
    • 1.

  • Edward Elgar

    3 Partsongs Op.18 - no.2; Love

    Choir: Finzi Singers. Conductor: Paul Spicer.
    • CHANDOS : CHAN 9269-.
    • CHANDOS.
    • 2.

  • Edward Elgar

    3 Partsongs Op.18 - i. no.2; Love

    Choir: Finzi Singers. Conductor: Paul Spicer.
    • CHANDOS : CHAN 9269-.
    • CHANDOS.
    • 2.

  • Edward Elgar

    3 Partsongs Op.18 - no.2; Love

    Choir: Finzi Singers. Conductor: Paul Spicer.
    • CHANDOS : CHAN 9269-.
    • CHANDOS.
    • 2.

Broadcasts

  • Thu 10 Sep 201512:00
    BBC Radio 3
  • Thu 10 Sep 201518:00
    BBC Radio 3

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