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Sound Frontiers: Music About Music

Composer of the WeekOliver Knussen (1952-)
Episode 4 of 5

Composer Oliver Knussen explains to Donald Macleod drives him to write music, as well as the kinds of ideas that inspire him.

As part of Radio 3 live at Southbank Centre, London, Donald Macleod presents special editions of the long-running series that began life just three years before the launch of the 'Third Programme' in 1946. Donald invites celebrated British composer Oliver Knussen to join him live at the Radio 3 pop-up studio to discuss a life and career that spans nearly all of Radio 3's seven decades.

Knussen has said about his music "I don't set out to express myself". Today, Donald asks him what it is that drives him to compose, and about the kinds of ideas that inspire him.

Flourish with Fireworks, Op 22
City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Sir Simon Rattle, conductor

Music for a Puppet Court, Op.11
London Sinfonietta
Oliver Knussen, conductor

Two Organa, Op 27
London Sinfonietta
Oliver Knussen, conductor

Horn Concerto, Op 28
Barry Tuckwell, horn
London Sinfonietta
Oliver Knussen, conductor.

1 hour

Last on

Thu 29 Sep 201612:00
BBC Radio 3

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Sound Frontiers: Working with Maurice SendakOliver Knussen (1952-)

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Sound Frontiers: CommemorationsOliver Knussen (1952-)

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Music Played

  • Oliver Knussen

    Variations on 'Sumer is icumen in'

    Conductor: Jac van Steen. Performer: BBC S O..
    • NMC.
    • nmcd-062.

  • Oliver Knussen

    Flourish with fireworks Op.22

    Orchestra: City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Sir Simon Rattle.
    • EMI : 697-5882.
    • EMI.
    • 19.

  • Oliver Knussen

    Music for a puppet court Op.11

    Orchestra: London Sinfonietta. Conductor: Oliver Knussen.
    • DEUTSCHE GRAMMOP : 449-572-2.
    • DEUTSCHE GRAMMOP.
    • 11.

  • Oliver Knussen

    Two Organa Op.27

    Ensemble: London Sinfonietta. Conductor: Oliver Knussen.
    • DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON : 474-322 2.
    • DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON.
    • 5.

  • Oliver Knussen

    Concerto for Horn and Orchestra Op.28

    Performer: Barry Tuckwell. Orchestra: London Sinfonietta. Conductor: Oliver Knussen.
    • DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON : DG-4743222.
    • DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON.
    • 8.

  • Oliver Knussen

    ...Upon one note

    Performer: Clio Gould. Performer: Michael Collins. Performer: John Constable. Performer: Christopher van Kampen. Performer: Paul Silverthorne.
    • DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON : 474-322 2.
    • DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON.
    • 19.

Broadcast

  • Thu 29 Sep 201612:00
    BBC Radio 3

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