Johann Baptist Vanhal (1739-1813)

Episodes

SeriesEpisodeTitleFirst
Broadcast
Comments
201501A Forgotten Master20150928Donald Macleod introduces a musician and composer whose prodigious gifts took him from rural Bohemia to the very top of the musical world in 18th-century Vienna, where he was celebrated alongside Haydn and Mozart, his occasional quartet partners.

Vanhal's story has all the ingredients for a great musical drama: escape from bondage, early success dashed by sudden personal crisis, and a remarkable re-birth won through faith, talent and strength of character. This week, Donald Macleod explores how Vanhal became one of the most celebrated musicians of his age and reveals how his music, despite falling into relative obscurity, has lost none of its shine.

Donald Macleod explores how Vanhal became one of the most celebrated musicians of his age.

201502Out Of Bondage20150929Donald Macleod traces the young composer's journey from common serf to the most fashionable salons of Vienna

Vanhal's story has all the ingredients for a great musical drama: escape from bondage, early success dashed by sudden personal crisis, and a remarkable re-birth won through faith, talent and strength of character. This week, Donald Macleod relates the colourful story of one of the 18th century's leading musical lights.

Vanhal's family were peasants; in effect, legal slaves on the vast Bohemian estates of Count Schaffgotsch. Music offered an escape and Vanhal took every opportunity to better his position - from choir boy, to church organist, and on to Vienna, where rich aristocrats vied to patronise the brilliant young composer.

Tracing the young Vanhal's journey from common serf to the fashionable salons of Vienna.

201503Turning Point20150930Vanhal secures an all-expenses paid trip to Italy but, after lingering there for two years, perhaps all is not as well as it seems.

Vanhal's story has all the ingredients for a great musical drama: escape from bondage, early success dashed by sudden personal crisis, and a remarkable re-birth won through faith, talent and strength of character. This week, Donald Macleod relates the colourful story of one of the 18th century's leading musical lights.

Having won the support of one of Vienna's wealthy aristocratic patrons, Vanhal heads off to complete his musical education abroad, with 2000 florins in his wallet and an letters of introduction to every major city in Italy. Back home, a plum job is waiting for him in the household of his benefactor. So why then does Vanhal seem reluctant to take up his dream appointment?

Vanhal secures an all-expenses paid trip to Italy but all was not as well as it seemed.

201504Going It Alone20151001Finally recovering from his 'mental disturbance', Vanhal set out on a new career as an independent musician; but was his new peace of mind having a detrimental effect on his music.

Vanhal's story has all the ingredients for a great musical drama: escape from bondage, early success dashed by sudden personal crisis, and a remarkable re-birth won through faith, talent and strength of character. This week, Donald Macleod relates the colourful story of one of the 18th century's leading musical lights.

Donald Macleod discusses Vanhal's new career as an independent musician.

201505 LASTMusic For The Masses20151002New times bring new musical fashions and Vanhal is forced to adapt to survive. Vienna's music critics and the aristocratic cognoscenti aren't impressed by his new, overtly populist direction. Nevertheless, business is booming.

Vanhal's story has all the ingredients for a great musical drama: escape from bondage, early success dashed by sudden personal crisis, and a remarkable re-birth won through faith, talent and strength of character. This week, Donald Macleod relates the colourful story of one of the 18th century's leading musical lights.

Donald Macleod focuses on Vanhal's adopting a new, overtly populist musical direction.