Malcolm Arnold (1921- 2006)

Series

Episode

Title

First
Broadcast

Repeated

Comments

2019

Arnold's Many Personalities

20191111

20211018 (R3)

Donald Macleod journeys through some of the contrasting sides of Sir Malcolm Arnold and his music.

Sir Malcolm Arnold was a prolific composer, writing music in many different genres ranging from nine symphonies and over 20 concertos, to chamber music, music for brass bands and nearly 120 film scores. These many works for film include classics such as Hobson's Choice, Whistle Down the Wind, the St Trinian's films, and The Bridge on the River Kwai for which he won an Oscar. He composed works for some of the very top performers in the music industry including Julian Bream, Julian Lloyd Webber, Larry Adler, Frederic Thurston, Benny Goodman, and collaborated with the likes of Deep Purple and Gerard Hoffnung. His music crossed social boundaries and gave pleasure to so many, and yet his personal life was marred by alcoholism, depression and periods of hospitalisation. He's been described as a larger than life character, outrageous, Falstaffian, Bohemian, and some of the stories which circulated about Arnold have become the stuff of legend.

Across the week, Donald Macleod traces Sir Malcolm Arnold's life through exploring five different influences upon the composer's music, from his love of Cornwall and Ireland, to his own mental and emotional wellbeing. In today's programme, the focus is upon the many different and contrasting sides of Arnold's character and its impact upon his music.

Some of Arnold's best-loved scores may be full of fun, such as his music for the Hoffnung festivals, but his works could also have a much darker character as well. The slow movement in his second symphony depicts lamenting shades of Mahler, and his first string quartet has influences of Bartok. In his early career, Arnold also led a double life between trumpeter, and composer. The composer won the day, and yet despite his often highly turbulent personal life, Arnold could compose music that has stood the test of time. His ever-popular first set of English Dances for example, was composed not long after he had been released from an asylum.

The Belles of St Trinian's (Prelude)

Paul Janes, piano

BBC Philharmonic Orchestra

Rumon Gamba, conductor

Symphony No 2, Op 40 (Lento)

London Symphony Orchestra

Richard Hickox, conductor

String Quartet No 1, Op 23

Maggini Quartet

Clarinet Sonatina, Op 29

Michael Collins, clarinet

Michael McHale, piano

English Dances Set 1, Op 27

The Philharmonia

Bryden Thomson, conductor

If you are experiencing emotional stress, help and support is available.

Emotional distress

https://www.BBC.co.uk/programmes/articles/4WLs5NlwrySXJR2n8Snszdg/emotional-distress-information-and-support

Mental health

https://www.BBC.co.uk/programmes/articles/1NGvFrTqWChr03LrYlw2Hkk/information-and-support-mental-health

Donald Macleod explores some of the different sides of Malcolm Arnold.

2019

Arnold's Celtic Connections

20191112

20211019 (R3)

Donald Macleod explores the influence of Cornwall and Ireland upon Malcolm Arnold and his music.

Across the week, Donald Macleod traces Sir Malcolm Arnold's life through exploring five different influences upon the composer's music, from his eclectic interest in different kinds of musical genres, to his own mental and emotional wellbeing. In today's programme, the focus is upon the influence of Cornwall and Ireland upon Arnold's life and creativity.

Sir Malcolm Arnold spent much time holidaying in Cornwall and eventually living there. It would become a significant home for Arnold, often providing the inspiration and setting to compose many works including his Four Cornish Dances, Three Sea Shanties and Fantasy for Guitar. Ireland would also provide a similar role for Arnold, although his troubled personal life also had a great influence upon his music including the Eighth Symphony, and his Philharmonic Concerto.

Three Shanties, Op 4 (Allegro vivace)

Jaime Martin, flute

Jonathan Kelly, oboe

Emma Johnson, clarinet

Claire Briggs, horn

Susanna Cohen, bassoon

Four Cornish Dances, Op 91

The Philharmonia,

Bryden Thomson, conductor

Fantasy for Guitar, Op 107

Sean Shibe, guitar

Symphony No 8, Op 124 (Allegro)

National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland

Andrew Penny, conductor

Philharmonic Concerto, Op 120

London Philharmonic Orchestra

Bernard Haitink, conductor

If you are experiencing emotional stress, help and support is available.

Emotional distress

https://www.BBC.co.uk/programmes/articles/4WLs5NlwrySXJR2n8Snszdg/emotional-distress-information-and-support

Mental health

https://www.BBC.co.uk/programmes/articles/1NGvFrTqWChr03LrYlw2Hkk/information-and-support-mental-health

Donald Macleod delves into Malcolm Arnold's Celtic connections.

2019

Arnold's Hoover And Floor Polisher

20191113

20211020 (R3)

Donald Macleod traces some of the many diverse musical influences upon Sir Malcolm Arnold's works.

Sir Malcolm Arnold was a prolific composer, writing music in many different genres ranging from nine symphonies and 120 concertos, to chamber music, music for brass bands and nearly one hundred and 20 film scores. These many works for film include classics such as Hobson's Choice, Whistle Down the Wind, the St Trinian's films, and The Bridge on the River Kwai for which he won an Oscar. He composed works for some of the very top performers in the music industry including Julian Bream, Julian Lloyd Webber, Larry Adler, Frederic Thurston, Benny Goodman, and collaborated with the likes of Deep Purple and Gerard Hoffnung. His music crossed social boundaries and gave pleasure to so many, and yet his personal life was marred by alcoholism, depression and periods of hospitalisation. He's been described as a larger than life character, outrageous, Falstaffian, Bohemian, and some of the stories which circulated about Arnold have become the stuff of legend.

Sir Malcolm Arnold didn't like to be boxed into being one type of composer. His range of works testify to this, including both traditional symphonies, to more obscure works including a concerto for Eater, Waiter, Food and Orchestra. His Organ Concerto demonstrates the influences of Handel and Bach, and Jazz permeates through his Concerto for Two Pianos (3 Hands). A Grand, Grand Overture is very different, and not only displays his mastery as an orchestrator, but includes some rather unusual soloists, three hoovers and a floor polisher.

Suite Bourgeoise for flute, oboe and piano (Tango)

Nancy Ruffer, flute

John Anderson, oboe

Helen Crayford, piano

Concerto for Organ and Orchestra, Op 47

Ulrik Spang-Hanssen

Royal Aarhus Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra

Douglas Bostock, conductor

A Grand Grand Overture, Op 57

Jane Glover, hoover

Christopher Laing, hoover

Bill Oddie, hoover

Donald Swann, hoover

Philharmonia Orchestra

Michael Massey, conductor

Symphony No 4, Op 71 (Allegro)

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Vernon Handley, conductor

Concerto for Two Pianos (3 Hands), Op 104

David Nettle, piano

Richard Markham, piano

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

If you are experiencing emotional stress, help and support is available.

Emotional distress

https://www.BBC.co.uk/programmes/articles/4WLs5NlwrySXJR2n8Snszdg/emotional-distress-information-and-support

Mental health

https://www.BBC.co.uk/programmes/articles/1NGvFrTqWChr03LrYlw2Hkk/information-and-support-mental-health

Donald Macleod explores Malcolm Arnold's diverse musical influences.

2019

Arnold, The People's Composer

20191114

20211021 (R3)

Donald Macleod traces Malcolm Arnold's own interest in being a composer for the people.

Sir Malcolm Arnold was a prolific composer, writing music in many different genres ranging from nine symphonies and over 20 concertos, to chamber music, music for brass bands and nearly 120 film scores. These many works for film include classics such as Hobson's Choice, Whistle Down the Wind, the St Trinian's films, and The Bridge on the River Kwai for which he won an Oscar. He composed works for some of the very top performers in the music industry including Julian Bream, Julian Lloyd Webber, Larry Adler, Frederic Thurston, Benny Goodman, and collaborated with the likes of Deep Purple and Gerard Hoffnung. His music crossed social boundaries and gave pleasure to so many, and yet his personal life was marred by alcoholism, depression and periods of hospitalization. He's been described as a larger than life character, outrageous, Falstaffian, Bohemian, and some of the stories which circulated about Arnold have become the stuff of legend.

Across the week, Donald Macleod journeys through Sir Malcolm Arnold's life by exploring five different influences upon the composer's music, from his love of Cornwall and Ireland, to his own mental and emotional wellbeing. In today's programme, the focus is upon Arnold's interest to be a composer for the people, and the music he composed away from the rigidity of the concert hall.

Malcolm Arnold had a passion for Cornwall, and one of his best-loved works, The Padstow Lifeboat, was composed for the launching of the new lifeboat in Padstow because the coxswain was a great brass band enthusiast. Arnold also wrote many works for brass bands, including a Fantasy. This was commissioned for the National Brass Band Championships in 1974, and as a test piece, received 19 first performances at the Royal Albert Hall. Arnold often composed for youth orchestras as well, although his dependence upon alcohol sometimes caused issues when working with young musicians.

The Padstow Lifeboat, Op 94

Grimethorpe Colliery Band

Malcolm Arnold, conductor

Divertimento for flute, oboe and clarinet, Op 37

James Galway, flute

Gareth Hulse, oboe

Antony Pay, clarinet

Little Suite No 1, Op 53

City of London Sinfonia

Richard Hickox, conductor

Fantasy for Brass Band, Op 114

Elgar Howarth, conductor

Concerto for Two Violins, Op 77

Igor Gruppman, violin

Vesna Gruppman, violin

San Diego Chamber Orchestra

Donald Barra, conductor

If you are experiencing emotional stress, help and support is available.

Emotional distress

https://www.BBC.co.uk/programmes/articles/4WLs5NlwrySXJR2n8Snszdg/emotional-distress-information-and-support

Mental health

https://www.BBC.co.uk/programmes/articles/1NGvFrTqWChr03LrYlw2Hkk/information-and-support-mental-health

Donald Macleod explores Arnold, the people's composer.

2019

05 LAST

Malcolm Arnold's Demons

20191115

20211022 (R3)

Donald Macleod explores Malcolm Arnold's personal demons, including alcoholism and subsequent breakdowns.

Across the week, Donald Macleod journeys through Sir Malcolm Arnold's life by exploring five different influences upon the composer's music, from his love of Cornwall and Ireland, to his interest in being a composer for the people. In today's programme, the focus is upon Arnold's personal life including alcoholism, emotional and mental breakdowns, to periods in hospital and asylums.

Sir Malcolm Arnold had a dependence upon alcohol for much of his life. He also had a history of poor mental and emotional health, and at times was violent towards others. On many occasions, he was admitted to a hospital, or an asylum, and experienced insulin shock treatment, and electro convulsive therapy. His life was far from idyllic, and yet his music gave great pleasure to so many, including his film scores for Hobson's Choice and The Sound Barrier, to what many consider his best symphony, the Fifth.

Hobson's Choice (Overture)

London Symphony Orchestra

Richard Hickox, conductor

Five Blake Songs, Op 66 No 3 (Allegretto - `How sweet I roamed from field to field`)

Five Blake Songs, Op 66 No 4 (Andante con moto - `My silks and fine array`)

Pamela Bowden, contralto

BBC Northern Orchestra

Malcolm Arnold, conductor

Symphony No 5, Op 74

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

If you are experiencing emotional stress, help and support is available.

Emotional distress

https://www.BBC.co.uk/programmes/articles/4WLs5NlwrySXJR2n8Snszdg/emotional-distress-information-and-support

Mental health

https://www.BBC.co.uk/programmes/articles/1NGvFrTqWChr03LrYlw2Hkk/information-and-support-mental-health

Donald Macleod delves into Malcolm Arnold's personal demons.

Episodes

Series	Episode	Title	First Broadcast	Repeated	Comments
2019	01	Arnold's Many Personalities	20191111	20211018 (R3)	Donald Macleod journeys through some of the contrasting sides of Sir Malcolm Arnold and his music. Sir Malcolm Arnold was a prolific composer, writing music in many different genres ranging from nine symphonies and over 20 concertos, to chamber music, music for brass bands and nearly 120 film scores. These many works for film include classics such as Hobson's Choice, Whistle Down the Wind, the St Trinian's films, and The Bridge on the River Kwai for which he won an Oscar. He composed works for some of the very top performers in the music industry including Julian Bream, Julian Lloyd Webber, Larry Adler, Frederic Thurston, Benny Goodman, and collaborated with the likes of Deep Purple and Gerard Hoffnung. His music crossed social boundaries and gave pleasure to so many, and yet his personal life was marred by alcoholism, depression and periods of hospitalisation. He's been described as a larger than life character, outrageous, Falstaffian, Bohemian, and some of the stories which circulated about Arnold have become the stuff of legend. Across the week, Donald Macleod traces Sir Malcolm Arnold's life through exploring five different influences upon the composer's music, from his love of Cornwall and Ireland, to his own mental and emotional wellbeing. In today's programme, the focus is upon the many different and contrasting sides of Arnold's character and its impact upon his music. Some of Arnold's best-loved scores may be full of fun, such as his music for the Hoffnung festivals, but his works could also have a much darker character as well. The slow movement in his second symphony depicts lamenting shades of Mahler, and his first string quartet has influences of Bartok. In his early career, Arnold also led a double life between trumpeter, and composer. The composer won the day, and yet despite his often highly turbulent personal life, Arnold could compose music that has stood the test of time. His ever-popular first set of English Dances for example, was composed not long after he had been released from an asylum. The Belles of St Trinian's (Prelude) Paul Janes, piano BBC Philharmonic Orchestra Rumon Gamba, conductor Symphony No 2, Op 40 (Lento) London Symphony Orchestra Richard Hickox, conductor String Quartet No 1, Op 23 Maggini Quartet Clarinet Sonatina, Op 29 Michael Collins, clarinet Michael McHale, piano English Dances Set 1, Op 27 The Philharmonia Bryden Thomson, conductor If you are experiencing emotional stress, help and support is available. Emotional distress https://www.BBC.co.uk/programmes/articles/4WLs5NlwrySXJR2n8Snszdg/emotional-distress-information-and-support Mental health https://www.BBC.co.uk/programmes/articles/1NGvFrTqWChr03LrYlw2Hkk/information-and-support-mental-health Donald Macleod explores some of the different sides of Malcolm Arnold.
2019	02	Arnold's Celtic Connections	20191112	20211019 (R3)	Donald Macleod explores the influence of Cornwall and Ireland upon Malcolm Arnold and his music. Sir Malcolm Arnold was a prolific composer, writing music in many different genres ranging from nine symphonies and over 20 concertos, to chamber music, music for brass bands and nearly 120 film scores. These many works for film include classics such as Hobson's Choice, Whistle Down the Wind, the St Trinian's films, and The Bridge on the River Kwai for which he won an Oscar. He composed works for some of the very top performers in the music industry including Julian Bream, Julian Lloyd Webber, Larry Adler, Frederic Thurston, Benny Goodman, and collaborated with the likes of Deep Purple and Gerard Hoffnung. His music crossed social boundaries and gave pleasure to so many, and yet his personal life was marred by alcoholism, depression and periods of hospitalisation. He's been described as a larger than life character, outrageous, Falstaffian, Bohemian, and some of the stories which circulated about Arnold have become the stuff of legend. Across the week, Donald Macleod traces Sir Malcolm Arnold's life through exploring five different influences upon the composer's music, from his eclectic interest in different kinds of musical genres, to his own mental and emotional wellbeing. In today's programme, the focus is upon the influence of Cornwall and Ireland upon Arnold's life and creativity. Sir Malcolm Arnold spent much time holidaying in Cornwall and eventually living there. It would become a significant home for Arnold, often providing the inspiration and setting to compose many works including his Four Cornish Dances, Three Sea Shanties and Fantasy for Guitar. Ireland would also provide a similar role for Arnold, although his troubled personal life also had a great influence upon his music including the Eighth Symphony, and his Philharmonic Concerto. Three Shanties, Op 4 (Allegro vivace) Jaime Martin, flute Jonathan Kelly, oboe Emma Johnson, clarinet Claire Briggs, horn Susanna Cohen, bassoon Four Cornish Dances, Op 91 The Philharmonia, Bryden Thomson, conductor Fantasy for Guitar, Op 107 Sean Shibe, guitar Symphony No 8, Op 124 (Allegro) National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland Andrew Penny, conductor Philharmonic Concerto, Op 120 London Philharmonic Orchestra Bernard Haitink, conductor If you are experiencing emotional stress, help and support is available. Emotional distress https://www.BBC.co.uk/programmes/articles/4WLs5NlwrySXJR2n8Snszdg/emotional-distress-information-and-support Mental health https://www.BBC.co.uk/programmes/articles/1NGvFrTqWChr03LrYlw2Hkk/information-and-support-mental-health Donald Macleod delves into Malcolm Arnold's Celtic connections.
2019	03	Arnold's Hoover And Floor Polisher	20191113	20211020 (R3)	Donald Macleod traces some of the many diverse musical influences upon Sir Malcolm Arnold's works. Sir Malcolm Arnold was a prolific composer, writing music in many different genres ranging from nine symphonies and 120 concertos, to chamber music, music for brass bands and nearly one hundred and 20 film scores. These many works for film include classics such as Hobson's Choice, Whistle Down the Wind, the St Trinian's films, and The Bridge on the River Kwai for which he won an Oscar. He composed works for some of the very top performers in the music industry including Julian Bream, Julian Lloyd Webber, Larry Adler, Frederic Thurston, Benny Goodman, and collaborated with the likes of Deep Purple and Gerard Hoffnung. His music crossed social boundaries and gave pleasure to so many, and yet his personal life was marred by alcoholism, depression and periods of hospitalisation. He's been described as a larger than life character, outrageous, Falstaffian, Bohemian, and some of the stories which circulated about Arnold have become the stuff of legend. Across the week, Donald Macleod traces Sir Malcolm Arnold's life through exploring five different influences upon the composer's music, from his love of Cornwall and Ireland, to his own mental and emotional wellbeing. In today's programme, the focus is upon the many eclectic influences upon Arnold's own music. Sir Malcolm Arnold didn't like to be boxed into being one type of composer. His range of works testify to this, including both traditional symphonies, to more obscure works including a concerto for Eater, Waiter, Food and Orchestra. His Organ Concerto demonstrates the influences of Handel and Bach, and Jazz permeates through his Concerto for Two Pianos (3 Hands). A Grand, Grand Overture is very different, and not only displays his mastery as an orchestrator, but includes some rather unusual soloists, three hoovers and a floor polisher. Suite Bourgeoise for flute, oboe and piano (Tango) Nancy Ruffer, flute John Anderson, oboe Helen Crayford, piano Concerto for Organ and Orchestra, Op 47 Ulrik Spang-Hanssen Royal Aarhus Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra Douglas Bostock, conductor A Grand Grand Overture, Op 57 Jane Glover, hoover Christopher Laing, hoover Bill Oddie, hoover Donald Swann, hoover Philharmonia Orchestra Michael Massey, conductor Symphony No 4, Op 71 (Allegro) Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Vernon Handley, conductor Concerto for Two Pianos (3 Hands), Op 104 David Nettle, piano Richard Markham, piano Royal Philharmonic Orchestra If you are experiencing emotional stress, help and support is available. Emotional distress https://www.BBC.co.uk/programmes/articles/4WLs5NlwrySXJR2n8Snszdg/emotional-distress-information-and-support Mental health https://www.BBC.co.uk/programmes/articles/1NGvFrTqWChr03LrYlw2Hkk/information-and-support-mental-health Donald Macleod explores Malcolm Arnold's diverse musical influences.
2019	04	Arnold, The People's Composer	20191114	20211021 (R3)	Donald Macleod traces Malcolm Arnold's own interest in being a composer for the people. Sir Malcolm Arnold was a prolific composer, writing music in many different genres ranging from nine symphonies and over 20 concertos, to chamber music, music for brass bands and nearly 120 film scores. These many works for film include classics such as Hobson's Choice, Whistle Down the Wind, the St Trinian's films, and The Bridge on the River Kwai for which he won an Oscar. He composed works for some of the very top performers in the music industry including Julian Bream, Julian Lloyd Webber, Larry Adler, Frederic Thurston, Benny Goodman, and collaborated with the likes of Deep Purple and Gerard Hoffnung. His music crossed social boundaries and gave pleasure to so many, and yet his personal life was marred by alcoholism, depression and periods of hospitalization. He's been described as a larger than life character, outrageous, Falstaffian, Bohemian, and some of the stories which circulated about Arnold have become the stuff of legend. Across the week, Donald Macleod journeys through Sir Malcolm Arnold's life by exploring five different influences upon the composer's music, from his love of Cornwall and Ireland, to his own mental and emotional wellbeing. In today's programme, the focus is upon Arnold's interest to be a composer for the people, and the music he composed away from the rigidity of the concert hall. Malcolm Arnold had a passion for Cornwall, and one of his best-loved works, The Padstow Lifeboat, was composed for the launching of the new lifeboat in Padstow because the coxswain was a great brass band enthusiast. Arnold also wrote many works for brass bands, including a Fantasy. This was commissioned for the National Brass Band Championships in 1974, and as a test piece, received 19 first performances at the Royal Albert Hall. Arnold often composed for youth orchestras as well, although his dependence upon alcohol sometimes caused issues when working with young musicians. The Padstow Lifeboat, Op 94 Grimethorpe Colliery Band Malcolm Arnold, conductor Divertimento for flute, oboe and clarinet, Op 37 James Galway, flute Gareth Hulse, oboe Antony Pay, clarinet Little Suite No 1, Op 53 City of London Sinfonia Richard Hickox, conductor Fantasy for Brass Band, Op 114 Elgar Howarth, conductor Concerto for Two Violins, Op 77 Igor Gruppman, violin Vesna Gruppman, violin San Diego Chamber Orchestra Donald Barra, conductor If you are experiencing emotional stress, help and support is available. Emotional distress https://www.BBC.co.uk/programmes/articles/4WLs5NlwrySXJR2n8Snszdg/emotional-distress-information-and-support Mental health https://www.BBC.co.uk/programmes/articles/1NGvFrTqWChr03LrYlw2Hkk/information-and-support-mental-health Donald Macleod explores Arnold, the people's composer.
2019	05 LAST	Malcolm Arnold's Demons	20191115	20211022 (R3)	Donald Macleod explores Malcolm Arnold's personal demons, including alcoholism and subsequent breakdowns. Sir Malcolm Arnold was a prolific composer, writing music in many different genres ranging from nine symphonies and over 20 concertos, to chamber music, music for brass bands and nearly 120 film scores. These many works for film include classics such as Hobson's Choice, Whistle Down the Wind, the St Trinian's films, and The Bridge on the River Kwai for which he won an Oscar. He composed works for some of the very top performers in the music industry including Julian Bream, Julian Lloyd Webber, Larry Adler, Frederic Thurston, Benny Goodman, and collaborated with the likes of Deep Purple and Gerard Hoffnung. His music crossed social boundaries and gave pleasure to so many, and yet his personal life was marred by alcoholism, depression and periods of hospitalisation. He's been described as a larger than life character, outrageous, Falstaffian, Bohemian, and some of the stories which circulated about Arnold have become the stuff of legend. Across the week, Donald Macleod journeys through Sir Malcolm Arnold's life by exploring five different influences upon the composer's music, from his love of Cornwall and Ireland, to his interest in being a composer for the people. In today's programme, the focus is upon Arnold's personal life including alcoholism, emotional and mental breakdowns, to periods in hospital and asylums. Sir Malcolm Arnold had a dependence upon alcohol for much of his life. He also had a history of poor mental and emotional health, and at times was violent towards others. On many occasions, he was admitted to a hospital, or an asylum, and experienced insulin shock treatment, and electro convulsive therapy. His life was far from idyllic, and yet his music gave great pleasure to so many, including his film scores for Hobson's Choice and The Sound Barrier, to what many consider his best symphony, the Fifth. Hobson's Choice (Overture) London Symphony Orchestra Richard Hickox, conductor Five Blake Songs, Op 66 No 3 (Allegretto - `How sweet I roamed from field to field`) Five Blake Songs, Op 66 No 4 (Andante con moto - `My silks and fine array`) Pamela Bowden, contralto BBC Northern Orchestra Malcolm Arnold, conductor Symphony No 5, Op 74 City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra If you are experiencing emotional stress, help and support is available. Emotional distress https://www.BBC.co.uk/programmes/articles/4WLs5NlwrySXJR2n8Snszdg/emotional-distress-information-and-support Mental health https://www.BBC.co.uk/programmes/articles/1NGvFrTqWChr03LrYlw2Hkk/information-and-support-mental-health Donald Macleod delves into Malcolm Arnold's personal demons.