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Composer of the WeekEpisodes

  1. Today16:00
    BBC Radio 3
    On air

    Helping HandsLeonard Bernstein (1918-1990)

    1/5Donald Macleod explores Bernstein’s early years and the influential contacts he made.

  2. Tomorrow16:00
    BBC Radio 3

    Wartime successLeonard Bernstein (1918-1990)

    2/5Donald Macleod explores Bernstein’s meteoric rise to fame as America goes to war.

  3. Wednesday16:00
    BBC Radio 3

    MarriageLeonard Bernstein (1918-1990)

    3/5Donald Macleod finds Bernstein beginning married life.

  4. Thursday16:00
    BBC Radio 3

    “A Double Man”Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990)

    4/5Donald Macleod explores as cracks appear in Bernstein's personal life.

  5. Friday16:00
    BBC Radio 3

    Final years - hubris and charityLeonard Bernstein (1918-1990)

    5/5Donald Macleod explores the final years in the life of Leonard Bernstein.

  6. Next Monday16:00
    BBC Radio 3

    The British are Coming!Fela Sowande and the Art Music of Nigeria

    1/5Donald Macleod explores the origins of Nigerian art music with Alexander Douglas.

  7. Next Tuesday16:00
    BBC Radio 3

    Fela's Quiet RhythmFela Sowande and the Art Music of Nigeria

    2/5Donald Macleod traces Fela Sowande’s early musical life with Alexander Douglas.

  8. Wed 8 Jul 202616:00
    BBC Radio 3

    The Life and Legacy of Little Ayo BankoleFela Sowande and the Art Music of Nigeria

    3/5Donald Macleod explores Ayo Bankole’s life and music with Alexander Douglas.

  9. Thu 9 Jul 202616:00
    BBC Radio 3

    African Pianism ManFela Sowande and the Art Music of Nigeria

    4/5Donald Macleod explores Akin Euba and unpicks African pianism with Alexander Douglas.

  10. Fri 10 Jul 202616:00
    BBC Radio 3

    Past, Present, FutureFela Sowande and the Art Music of Nigeria

    5/5Donald Macleod and Alexander Douglas explore Nigerian art music past, present and future.

  11. Mon 13 Jul 202616:00
    BBC Radio 3

    Adagio for StringsSamuel Barber (1910-1981)

    1/5Donald Macleod journeys into Samuel Barber’s early career.(R)

  12. Tue 14 Jul 202616:00
    BBC Radio 3

    Barber joins the ArmySamuel Barber (1910-1981)

    2/5Donald Macleod delves into Barber’s time during and after the Second World War.(R)

  13. Wed 15 Jul 202616:00
    BBC Radio 3

    Barber’s operatic failureSamuel Barber (1910-1981)

    4/5Donald Macleod journeys through the 1960s, when Barber composes an Egyptian opera.(R)

  14. Thu 16 Jul 202616:00
    BBC Radio 3

    Relationships under strainSamuel Barber (1910-1981)

    5/5Donald Macleod delves into Samuel Barber’s final years of emotional turmoil.(R)

  15. Mon 20 Jul 202616:00
    BBC Radio 3

    The Art of Procuring a PatronGeorge Frideric Handel (1685-1759)

    1/5Donald Macleod traces Handel’s early search for patronage.

  16. Tue 21 Jul 202616:00
    BBC Radio 3

    The Elector and/or the KingGeorge Frideric Handel (1685-1759)

    2/5Donald Macleod follows Handel as he travels from Hanover to London.

  17. Wed 22 Jul 202616:00
    BBC Radio 3

    The Rise and Fall of the Duke of ChandosGeorge Frideric Handel (1685-1759)

    3/5Donald Macleod explores Handel’s time with the Duke of Chandos.

  18. Thu 23 Jul 202616:00
    BBC Radio 3

    Fit for a King, Queen, Princess and PrinceGeorge Frideric Handel (1685-1759)

    4/5Donald Macleod explores Handel's life at the royal court.

  19. Fri 24 Jul 202616:00
    BBC Radio 3

    All for a Good CauseGeorge Frideric Handel (1685-1759)

    5/5Handel turns music into a public good, away from patronage. With Donald Macleod.