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The Elder Statesman

Donald Macleod with biographer Paul Spicer journey into the final decades for Sir Arthur Bliss, including an Indian Summer of creativity.

Donald Macleod with biographer Paul Spicer journey into the final decades for Sir Arthur Bliss, including an Indian Summer of creativity. Macleod explores how although Bliss was still highly active as a composer, his musical language was now being overshadowed by other composers such as Britten and Tippett. The series ends with a work Bliss wanted to be remembered for, his Mediations on a Theme of John Blow.

Triptych (Capriccio)
Philip Fowke, piano

The Belmont Variations
Besses o' th' Barn Band
Roy Newsome, conductor

The Beatitudes (excerpt)
Emily Birsan, soprano
Ben Johnson, tenor
BBC Symphony Chorus
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Andrew Davis, conductor

Concerto for Cello and Orchestra (Larghetto)
Arto Noras, cello
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
Paavo Berglund, conductor

Shield of Faith (An Essay on Man)
Finzi Singers
Andrew Lumsden, organ
Paul Spicer, conductor

Meditations on a Theme of John Blow (Interlude & Finale)
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Andrew Davis, conductor

Produced by Luke Whitlock

Release date:

59 minutes

On radio

Fri 5 Jun 202616:00

Broadcast

  • Fri 5 Jun 202616:00

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