The Manchester Years

Edward Gregson the talks to Donald Macleod about a new role with new responsibilities.

All this week, Donald Macleod is in conversation with British composer, Edward Gregson, who offers a fascinating window into his own story and also the life and work of his mentor, Alan Bush. We’ll see how both composers have made significant contributions to Britain’s musical story, and we explore the events that led to the very different trajectories of their careers.

Edward Gregson knew that classical music would be his life after encountering Brahms’s music as a teenager. He studied composition with Alan Bush, and his natural instinct for melody and brilliant orchestral colour have made him a popular choice with audiences and performers across the world. He also prides himself in rising to a challenge, including taking on the leadership of one of Britain’s major musical conservatoires.

In the early part of the 20th century, Alan Bush seemed destined to become of the regular stalwarts of Britain’s music scene, alongside his contemporaries William Walton and Michael Tippett. It was not to be. Bush's conversion to communism put him at odds with the British establishment and sent his career in a very different direction. His story is intriguing and frustrating in equal measure but, Edward argues, Bush’s ever-present political agenda shouldn’t detract from the intrinsic quality of his music.

Today we return our focus to the music of Edward Gregson. Donald talks to the composer about his move to Manchester, as principal of the Royal Northern College of Music, and a trip to China that nearly ended in disaster. Plus, they discuss Edward’s fascination for writing concertos.

Gregson: Stepping Out
BBC Concert Orchestra
Bramwell Tovey, conductor

Gregson: Violin Concerto (2nd mvt)
Olivier Charlier, violin
BBC Philharmonic
Martyn Brabbins, conductor

Gregson: Shadow of Paradise
Melinda Maxwell, oboe
Richard Benjafield, percussion

Gregson: Make a Joyful Noise
East London Chorus
Paul Ayres, organ
Locke Brass Consort
Michael Kibblewhite, conductor

Gregson: Clarinet Concerto (Part 1)
Michael Collins, clarinet
BBC Philharmonic
Martyn Brabbins, conductor