Episodes
| Title | First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edward Elgar | 20201221 | Catholic composer Sir James MacMillan considers Sir Edward Elgar's complex life and religious faith as an English composer living through times of great distress and turmoil.
Following the somewhat disastrous premiere of his oratorio, The Dream of Gerontius, Elgar complained, "I always said God was against art and I still believe it. I have allowed my heart to open once - it is now shut against every religious feeling and every soft, gentle impulse forever."
James talks with Em Marshall-Luck, Stephen Johnson and Joanna Bullivant about Elgar's religious upbringing and the triumphs and tragedies of his life which were reflected in his attitude towards faith and religion.
Over the centuries, composers have created musical masterpieces which many listeners have come to regard as spiritual touchstones. For example, Tallis's motet Spem in alium, Wagner's opera Parsifal, Elgar's oratorio The Dream of Gerontius, Bernstein's Mass. But what did these composers actually believe about God, faith, compassion, an afterlife and redemption? And do we need to share these beliefs in any way, to have a spiritual experience as listeners to their music?
Answers to these questions are complex, fascinating and challenging.
Produced by Rosie Boulton
James MacMillan considers composer Edward Elgar's complex life and religious faith. Composer Sir James MacMillan considers the faith lives of composers over the centuries. | |
| Edward Elgar | 20201221 | 20221211 (R4) | Catholic composer Sir James MacMillan considers Sir Edward Elgar's complex life and religious faith as an English composer living through times of great distress and turmoil. Following the somewhat disastrous premiere of his oratorio, The Dream of Gerontius, Elgar complained, 'I always said God was against art and I still believe it. I have allowed my heart to open once - it is now shut against every religious feeling and every soft, gentle impulse forever. James talks with Em Marshall-Luck, Stephen Johnson and Joanna Bullivant about Elgar's religious upbringing and the triumphs and tragedies of his life which were reflected in his attitude towards faith and religion. Over the centuries, composers have created musical masterpieces which many listeners have come to regard as spiritual touchstones. For example, Tallis's motet Spem in alium, Wagner's opera Parsifal, Elgar's oratorio The Dream of Gerontius, Bernstein's Mass. But what did these composers actually believe about God, faith, compassion, an afterlife and redemption? And do we need to share these beliefs in any way, to have a spiritual experience as listeners to their music? Answers to these questions are complex, fascinating and challenging. Produced by Rosie Boulton A Must Try Softer production for BBC Radio 4 James MacMillan considers composer Edward Elgar's complex life and religious faith. Composer Sir James MacMillan considers the faith lives of composers over the centuries. |
| Gustav Mahler | 20211223 | Scottish, Catholic composer Sir James MacMillan considers the faith lives of three very different composers. In this programme, he considers Gustav Mahler's complex faith life at a time of anti-Semitism and great personal tragedy.
Over the centuries, composers have created musical masterpieces that many listeners have come to regard as spiritual touchstones. For example, Mozart's Requiem, Mahler's 2nd Symphony, Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis. But what did these composers actually believe about God, faith, judgement, an afterlife and redemption? And do we need to share these beliefs in any way in order to have a spiritual experience as listeners to their music? Answers to these questions are complex, fascinating and challenging.
In order to take up the directorship of the Vienna State Opera, Gustav Mahler was required to convert from Judaism to Christianity. Was this a purely pragmatic conversion or was there more to this life-changing decision than meets the eye? His Symphonies catalogue his faith journey from some fairly widely accepted Christian views contained in the earlier works through to Buddhist influences and a possible view of reincarnation in his last works. The conductor Bruno Walter said, "Bruckner found his God, but Mahler was always looking"
James MacMillan talks with Mahler scholars - composer David Matthews, writer and musicologist Stephen Johnson and Professor Marilyn McCoy.
Produced by Rosie Boulton
Mahler Music played:
Mahler 1st Symphony, 1st Movement
Mahler 2nd Symphony, last movement
Mahler 3rd Symphony
Mahler 9th Symphony, 4th Movement
Mahler 10th Symphony, 1st Movement
Mahler 10th Symphony, 5th Movement
Mahler's Rückert-Lieder Op.44 - Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen
Sir James MacMillan considers composer Mahler\u2019s complex faith life. Composer Sir James MacMillan considers the faith lives of composers over the centuries. | |
| Gustav Mahler | 20211223 | 20211227 (R4) | Scottish, Catholic composer Sir James MacMillan considers the faith lives of three very different composers. In this programme, he considers Gustav Mahler's complex faith life at a time of anti-Semitism and great personal tragedy.
Over the centuries, composers have created musical masterpieces that many listeners have come to regard as spiritual touchstones. For example, Mozart's Requiem, Mahler's 2nd Symphony, Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis. But what did these composers actually believe about God, faith, judgement, an afterlife and redemption? And do we need to share these beliefs in any way in order to have a spiritual experience as listeners to their music? Answers to these questions are complex, fascinating and challenging.
In order to take up the directorship of the Vienna State Opera, Gustav Mahler was required to convert from Judaism to Christianity. Was this a purely pragmatic conversion or was there more to this life-changing decision than meets the eye? His Symphonies catalogue his faith journey from some fairly widely accepted Christian views contained in the earlier works through to Buddhist influences and a possible view of reincarnation in his last works. The conductor Bruno Walter said, "Bruckner found his God, but Mahler was always looking"
James MacMillan talks with Mahler scholars - composer David Matthews, writer and musicologist Stephen Johnson and Professor Marilyn McCoy.
Produced by Rosie Boulton
Mahler Music played:
Mahler 1st Symphony, 1st Movement
Mahler 2nd Symphony, last movement
Mahler 3rd Symphony
Mahler 9th Symphony, 4th Movement
Mahler 10th Symphony, 1st Movement
Mahler 10th Symphony, 5th Movement
Mahler's Rückert-Lieder Op.44 - Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen
Sir James MacMillan considers composer Mahler\u2019s complex faith life. Composer Sir James MacMillan considers the faith lives of composers over the centuries. |
| Leonard Bernstein | 20201228 | Catholic composer Sir James MacMillan considers Leonard Bernstein's complex faith life and religious roots as a 20th-century composer living at a time of great change in the USA.
Marin Alsop once wrote: "The question of faith is woven through every Bernstein piece - even when there is no obvious religious component. For Bernstein, the crisis of the 20th century was a crisis of faith".
James talks with conductor Marin Alsop who was a student of Bernstein's. Also to Joshua R. Jacobson, one of the foremost authorities on Jewish choral music and Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Northeastern University. And to Bernstein biographer Humphrey Burton.
Over the centuries, composers have created musical masterpieces which many listeners have come to regard as spiritual touchstones. For example, Tallis's motet Spem in alium; Wagner's opera Parsifal; Elgar's oratorio The Dream of Gerontius; Bernstein's Mass. But what did these composers actually believe about God, faith, compassion, an afterlife and redemption? And do we need to in any way share these beliefs in order to have a spiritual experience as listeners to their music? Answers to these questions are complex, fascinating and challenging.
Producer: Rosie Boulton
James MacMillan considers Leonard Bernstein\u2019s complex faith life and religious roots. Composer Sir James MacMillan considers the faith lives of composers over the centuries. | |
| Leonard Bernstein | 20201228 | 20221218 (R4) | Catholic composer Sir James MacMillan considers Leonard Bernstein's complex faith life and religious roots as a 20th-century composer living at a time of great change in the USA. Marin Alsop once wrote: 'The question of faith is woven through every Bernstein piece - even when there is no obvious religious component. For Bernstein, the crisis of the 20th century was a crisis of faith'. James talks with conductor Marin Alsop who was a student of Bernstein's. Also to Joshua R. Jacobson, one of the foremost authorities on Jewish choral music and Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Northeastern University. And to Bernstein biographer Humphrey Burton. Over the centuries, composers have created musical masterpieces which many listeners have come to regard as spiritual touchstones. For example, Tallis's motet Spem in alium; Wagner's opera Parsifal; Elgar's oratorio The Dream of Gerontius; Bernstein's Mass. But what did these composers actually believe about God, faith, compassion, an afterlife and redemption? And do we need to in any way share these beliefs in order to have a spiritual experience as listeners to their music? Answers to these questions are complex, fascinating and challenging. Producer: Rosie Boulton A Must Try Softer Production James MacMillan considers Leonard Bernstein's complex faith life and religious roots. Composer Sir James MacMillan considers the faith lives of composers over the centuries. |
| Ralph Vaughan Williams | 20211230 | Scottish, Catholic composer Sir James MacMillan considers the faith lives of three very different composers. In this programme, he explores Vaughan Williams' complex faith life as someone who lived through both World Wars and witnessed close up great suffering and destruction.
Over the centuries, composers have created musical masterpieces that many listeners have come to regard as spiritual touchstones. For example, Mozart's Requiem, Mahler's 2nd Symphony, Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis. But what did these composers actually believe about God, faith, judgement, an afterlife and redemption? And do we need to share these beliefs in any way in order to have a spiritual experience as listeners to their music? Answers to these questions are complex, fascinating and challenging.
The son of a Gloucestershire vicar, Vaughan Williams was once described as a Christian Agnostic. He spent the First World War in the Ambulance Corps, picking up bits of bodies blown apart in the trenches. During the Second World War, he cleaned public lavatories and became a rag-and-bone man. Much of his music is a cry of horror at the human condition and yet he was constantly drawn back to the Anglican liturgy, Latin Mass, Bible, Pilgrim's Progress and old hymn tunes.
James talks with scholars and musicologists Em Marshall-Luck, Stephen Johnson and conductor Sir Andrew Davis about Vaughan Williams' religious upbringing and the experiences of his life which were reflected in his attitude towards faith and religion.
Produced by Rosie Boulton
Vaughan Williams Music included in this programme:
Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis
Come Down O Love Divine
1st Movement of 6th Symphony
Love Bade Me Welcome from Five Mystical Songs
Valiant for Truth
Last Movement of 9th Symphony
Composer Sir James MacMillan considers Vaughan Williams\u2019 complex faith life. Composer Sir James MacMillan considers the faith lives of composers over the centuries. | |
| Ralph Vaughan Williams | 20211230 | 20220103 (R4) | Scottish, Catholic composer Sir James MacMillan considers the faith lives of three very different composers. In this programme, he explores Vaughan Williams' complex faith life as someone who lived through both World Wars and witnessed close up great suffering and destruction.
Over the centuries, composers have created musical masterpieces that many listeners have come to regard as spiritual touchstones. For example, Mozart's Requiem, Mahler's 2nd Symphony, Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis. But what did these composers actually believe about God, faith, judgement, an afterlife and redemption? And do we need to share these beliefs in any way in order to have a spiritual experience as listeners to their music? Answers to these questions are complex, fascinating and challenging.
The son of a Gloucestershire vicar, Vaughan Williams was once described as a Christian Agnostic. He spent the First World War in the Ambulance Corps, picking up bits of bodies blown apart in the trenches. During the Second World War, he cleaned public lavatories and became a rag-and-bone man. Much of his music is a cry of horror at the human condition and yet he was constantly drawn back to the Anglican liturgy, Latin Mass, Bible, Pilgrim's Progress and old hymn tunes.
James talks with scholars and musicologists Em Marshall-Luck, Stephen Johnson and conductor Sir Andrew Davis about Vaughan Williams' religious upbringing and the experiences of his life which were reflected in his attitude towards faith and religion.
Produced by Rosie Boulton
Vaughan Williams Music included in this programme:
Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis
Come Down O Love Divine
1st Movement of 6th Symphony
Love Bade Me Welcome from Five Mystical Songs
Valiant for Truth
Last Movement of 9th Symphony
Composer Sir James MacMillan considers Vaughan Williams\u2019 complex faith life. Composer Sir James MacMillan considers the faith lives of composers over the centuries. |
| Richard Wagner | 20201214 | Catholic composer Sir James MacMillan considers the faith lives of four very different composers.
James talks with Professor Richard Bell, Barbara Eichner and Stephen Johnson. They discuss ways in which Richard Wagner's religious upbringing, political experiences and wide reading of philosophy and theology informed and imbued his colossal music dramas.
And James reveals his own obsession with Wagner, which began in teenage years, and describes ways in which Wagner has influenced his own compositions.
Over the centuries, composers have created musical masterpieces which many listeners have come to regard as spiritual touchstones. For example, Tallis's motet Spem in alium, Wagner's opera Parsifal, Elgar's oratorio The Dream of Gerontius, Bernstein's Mass. But what did these composers actually believe about God, faith, compassion, an afterlife and redemption? And do we need to share these beliefs in any way, to have a spiritual experience as listeners to their music?
Answers to these questions are complex, fascinating and challenging.
Produced by Rosie Boulton
James MacMillan considers composer Richard Wagner's complex life and religious faith. Composer Sir James MacMillan considers the faith lives of composers over the centuries. | |
| Richard Wagner | 20201214 | 20221204 (R4) | Catholic composer Sir James MacMillan considers the faith lives of four very different composers. James talks with Professor Richard Bell, Barbara Eichner and Stephen Johnson. They discuss ways in which Richard Wagner's religious upbringing, political experiences and wide reading of philosophy and theology informed and imbued his colossal music dramas. And James reveals his own obsession with Wagner, which began in teenage years, and describes ways in which Wagner has influenced his own compositions. Over the centuries, composers have created musical masterpieces which many listeners have come to regard as spiritual touchstones. For example, Tallis's motet Spem in alium, Wagner's opera Parsifal, Elgar's oratorio The Dream of Gerontius, Bernstein's Mass. But what did these composers actually believe about God, faith, compassion, an afterlife and redemption? And do we need to share these beliefs in any way, to have a spiritual experience as listeners to their music? Answers to these questions are complex, fascinating and challenging. Produced by Rosie Boulton A Must Try Softer production for BBC Radio 4 James MacMillan considers composer Richard Wagner's complex life and religious faith. Composer Sir James MacMillan considers the faith lives of composers over the centuries. |
| Thomas Tallis | 20201207 | Catholic composer Sir James MacMillan considers the faith lives of four very different composers.
Over the centuries, composers have created musical masterpieces which many listeners have come to regard as spiritual touchstones. For example, Tallis's motet Spem in alium, Wagner's opera Parsifal, Elgar's oratorio The Dream of Gerontius, Bernstein's Mass. But what did these composers actually believe about God, faith, compassion, an afterlife and redemption? And do we need to share these beliefs in any way, to have a spiritual experience as listeners to their music?
Answers to these questions are complex, fascinating and challenging.
Thomas Tallis witnessed England's faith switch four times in his life, yet he cleverly survived without persecution to live into his 80s. He composed through the reign of Henry VIII, who broke away from Rome to create the Church of England. Then, he had to totally switch his compositional style to please Edward VI. Mary I was a Catholic, which signalled a return to earlier techniques. And finally, Protestant Elizabeth I required a different type of religious music again.
James MacMillan talks with conductors Harry Christophers, Peter Phillips and Suzi Digby about the sort of man Thomas Tallis must have been to not only survive the religious and political upheavals that he witnessed throughout his life, but also to compose some of the most magnificent English choral music ever written.
The programme features the following music by Tallis:
Plus: O Radiant Dawn by James MacMillan
Produced by Rosie Boulton
James MacMillan considers composer Thomas Tallis's complex life and religious faith. Composer Sir James MacMillan considers the faith lives of composers over the centuries. | |
| Thomas Tallis | 20201207 | 20221127 (R4) | Catholic composer Sir James MacMillan considers the faith lives of four very different composers.
Over the centuries, composers have created musical masterpieces which many listeners have come to regard as spiritual touchstones. For example, Tallis's motet Spem in alium, Wagner's opera Parsifal, Elgar's oratorio The Dream of Gerontius, Bernstein's Mass. But what did these composers actually believe about God, faith, compassion, an afterlife and redemption? And do we need to share these beliefs in any way, to have a spiritual experience as listeners to their music?
Answers to these questions are complex, fascinating and challenging.
Thomas Tallis witnessed England's faith switch four times in his life, yet he cleverly survived without persecution to live into his 80s. He composed through the reign of Henry VIII, who broke away from Rome to create the Church of England. Then, he had to totally switch his compositional style to please Edward VI. Mary I was a Catholic, which signalled a return to earlier techniques. And finally, Protestant Elizabeth I required a different type of religious music again.
James MacMillan talks with conductors Harry Christophers, Peter Phillips and Suzi Digby about the sort of man Thomas Tallis must have been to not only survive the religious and political upheavals that he witnessed throughout his life, but also to compose some of the most magnificent English choral music ever written.
The programme features the following music by Tallis:
Plus: O Radiant Dawn by James MacMillan
Produced by Rosie Boulton
James MacMillan considers composer Thomas Tallis's complex life and religious faith. Composer Sir James MacMillan considers the faith lives of composers over the centuries. |
| Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | 20211216 | 20211220 (R4) | Scottish, Catholic composer Sir James MacMillan considers the faith lives of three very different composers. Over the centuries, composers have created musical masterpieces that many listeners have come to regard as spiritual touchstones. For example, Mozart's Requiem, Mahler's 2nd Symphony, Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis. But what did these composers actually believe about God, faith, judgement, an afterlife and redemption? And do we need to share these beliefs in any way, in order to have a spiritual experience as listeners to their music? Answers to these questions are complex, fascinating and challenging. Brought up in a Catholic household, feisty and free-thinking Mozart was sacked by a Catholic archbishop, then (like his contemporary William Blake) went on to embrace Freemasonry. He continued to attend church throughout his short life but lived under the rule of Emperor Joseph II who banned a great deal of church music in Austria at the time. Mozart's operas are full of characters with ambiguous morals and the plots can be seen as suffused with myths of Eden and Christian promises of forgiveness and redemption. Maybe listeners turn to Mozart for spiritual consolation not because (as depicted in Amadeus) he was the voice of God, but because he is supremely human. James MacMillan talks with Mozart scholars Professor Cliff Eisen from King's College London, Professor Nicholas Till from Sussex University and Dr George Corbett from the School of Divinity at St Andrews University. Produced by Rosie Boulton A Must Try Softer production for BBC Radio 4 Mozart music played: Clarinet Quintet in A K.581 Sabine Meyer, Bruno Schneider, Wiener Streichsextett Label: Warner Classics Gente, gente, all'armi, all'armi' from The Marriage of Figaro Performers: John Eliot Gardiner, English Baroque Soloists CD Title: Le Nozze Di Figaro Label: Archiv Don Giovanni, a cenar teco' from Don Giovanni Performers: George Solti, London Philharmonic Orchestra CD title: Don Giovanni Label: Decca Ave Verum Corpus Performers: Vienna Boys Choir CD title: Requiem; Ave Verum; Bruckner Motetten Label: Capriccio Exsultate Jubilate Performers: Emma Kirkby, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood CD title: Mozart: Exsultate Jubilate; Motets Label: Oiseau Lyre Kyrie' from Requiem in D minor, K.626 The Academy of Ancient Music, Choir of Westminster Cathedral, Christopher Hogwood James MacMillan considers Mozart's complex faith life at a time of reform and revolution. Composer Sir James MacMillan considers the faith lives of composers over the centuries. |