In this programme
Maxim Shostakovich
One of the most controversial composers of the twentieth century, Dmitri Shostakovich found himself bound up with the politics of his Russian homeland. His eldest son, Maxim Shostakovich, for whom Dmitri Shostakovich wrote his 2nd piano concerto, has been performing and conducting his father's music for many years and has a very personal understanding of its significance. Tom met up with Maxim when he was in London recently conducting his father's Seventh Symphony, the Leningrad, to ask him about the political significance of this piece and about his memories of Dmitri both as a father and an artist.
CUKAS
Music colleges are ranked as amongst the least inclusive amongst the UK's higher education institutions. So what can they do to dispel this elitist image? Conservatoires UK, which represents seven of the nine colleges, has just announced a scheme to simplify the applications procedure in an attempt to make the process more transparent and to attract a different group of students. CUKAS (Conservatories UK Application Service) is designed along the lines of the current Universities and College Admissions Service (UCAS).
Tom asks Edward Gregson, the Principal of the Royal Northern College of Music and Chairman of Conservatoires UK, to explain the initiative.
Peter Warlock
Peter Warlock: brilliant writer, devastating wit and one of the most talented English composers of the early twentieth century. Born Philip Heseltine he wrote hundreds of letters throughout the course of his tragically short life. These letters have been edited by Barry Smith in a four volume collection, revealing a dark side to Warlock's musical and literary virtuosity. His life long battle against manic depression and drink culminated in his eventual suicide at the age of 36. Barry Smith tells Tom about the conflicting forces in Warlock's life, writer and broadcaster Stephen Johnson reviews the letters, and Samuel West is the voice of Warlock.
The Collected Letters of Peter Warlock, edited by Barry Smith and published by Boydell & Brewer Ltd.
Hardback ISBN: 1843830809. Published April 2005. £200.00
Arvo Pärt
Estonian composer Arvo Pärt's music is recognisable for its stillness, concentration and timeless quality. However, when he started out as a composer his music was modernist, complex and dissonant. The change was brought about by a period of spiritual contemplation. To mark his 70th birthday year Tom talks to Russian music scholar Elizabeth Wilson, critic of the Spectator Michael Tanner, Paul Hillier, chief conductor of the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and, the general manager of the choir, Anneli Unt, to create a picture of Pärt's life and music.
Pärt is a featured artist at this year's BBC Proms
The Estonian Chamber Choir give concerts in Manchester, Edinburgh and Salisbury at the end of May.
Music
Arvo Pärt
Passio Domini Nostri Jesu Christi secundum Joannem
The Hilliard Ensemble, Paul Hillier
ECM 1370
Tr1
Arvo Pärt
Arbos
The Hilliard Ensemble
ECM 1325
Tr 1
Arvo Pärt
Summa
The Hilliard Ensemble
ECM 1325
Tr 1
Arvo Pärt
Nekrolog
Royal Stockhom Philharmonic Orchestra, Paave Järvi
Virgin Classics 7243 5 45212 2 5
Tr2
Arvo Pärt
Symphony No.2 - Third Movement
Bamberg Symphony Orchestra, Neeme Järvi
Bis CD 434
Tr 9
Arvo Pärt
Credo
Boris Berman, Philharmonia Orchestra & Chorus, Neeme Järvi
Chandos CHAN 9134
Tr 11
Arvo Pärt
Pro et Contra for cello and orchestra
Frans Helmerson, Bamberg Symphony Orchestra, Neeme Järvi
Naxos 8.558182-83
CD2 Tr 5
Arvo Pärt
Passio 'Et ex illa hora accepit eam discipulus in sua'
Tonus Peregrinus/ Anthony Pitts
Naxos 8.558182-83
CD2 Tr 15
Arvo Pärt
Tabula Rasa
Gidon Kremer, Tatjana Grindenko, Alfred Schnittke, Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra, Saulus Sondeckis
ECM New Series 817 764 2
Tr4
Peter Warlock
Capriol Suite: Basse-Danse
English Sinfonia, Nevel Dilkes
EMI 7243 5 65101 2 8
Tr1
Peter Warlock
Capriol Suite: Pavane
English Sinfonia, Nevel Dilkes
EMI 7243 5 65101 2 8
Tr2
Peter Warlock
The Curlew: I cried when the moon.
Ian Partridge, Music Group of London
EMI 7243 5 65101 2 8
Tr 10
Peter Warlock
Bethlehem Down
Choir of Guilford Cathedral, Barry Rose
EMI 7243 5 65101 2 8
Tr 12
Peter Warlock
Serenade (to Frederick Delius on his 60th birthday)
Bournemouth Sinfonietta, Norman Del Mar
EMI 7243 5 65101 2 8
Tr 7
Shostakovich
Symphony No.5, 1st Movement
USSR Symphony Orchestra, Maxim Shostakovich
BMG 74321 32041 2
Tr1
Shostakovich
Symphony No.5, 2nd Movement
USSR Symphony Orchestra, Maxim Shostakovich
BMG 74321 32041 2
Tr 2
Shostakovich
Symphony No.15, Last Movement
London Symphony Orchestra, Maxim Shostakovich
Collins Classics: 12062
Tr13
Shostakovich
Symphony No.7 'Leningrad', allegretto
London Symphony Orchestra, Maxim Shostakovich
Collins Classics: 70292
Tr1
Peter Warlock
Sleep
Ian and Jennifer Partridge
Etcetera Records KTC 1078
Tr5
