Musical Olympians - Ethel Smyth

British composer Dame Ethel Smyth was one of the early 20th century's most original cultural voices. A prodigious musical talent who was best known for her operas, she was a force of nature, an unapologetic eccentric who didn't suffer fools gladly, and a rule-breaking, trailblazing feminist. Alongside music, she was an accomplished sportswoman, and her driven and playful nature - as well as her endurance - would not only shape her career but her personal life too. All this week, Donald Macleod explores Smyth's story through what she termed her “passions” – the key all-consuming relationships that changed the course of her life, and how they were a necessary force for her creativity.

Today, Ethel becomes embroiled with one of the most famous women in London. In her seventies, she developed a close emotional and intellectual bond with the writer Virginia Woolf. In excerpts from their colourful letters, we hear how they grappled with each other's quirks and flaws, and how Virginia would inspire Ethel to write not only what she considered her musical magnum opus, but her popular memoirs too.

Soul's Joy, Now I am Gone

Amarcord

Wolfram Lattke, director

Two Interlinked French Melodies from Entente Cordiale

Light Symphony Orchestra

Adrian Boult, conductor

Odelette (Four Songs, No 1)

Lucy Stevens, contralto

Berkeley Ensemble

Mass: Sanctus / Benedictus

Susanna Hurrell, soprano

Catriona Morison, mezzo

BBC Singers

BBC Symphony Orchestra

Sakari Oramo, conductor

The Prison: Nos 14-16

Dashon Burton, bass-baritone (The Prisoner)

Sarah Brailey, soprano (The Soul)

Experiential Orchestra and Choir

James Blachly, conductor

Double Concerto for Horn and Violin (ii. Elegy)

Thomas Albertus Irnberger, violin

Milena Viotti, horn

Vienna Konzertverein Orchestra

Doron Salomon, conductor

Donald Macleod explores Ethel Smyth's bond with the writer Virginia Woolf.

Donald Macleod explores the world of Ethel Smyth through five love affairs that shaped her life and music. Today, her last grand passion, the writer Virginia Woolf.

Today, we meet the first of Ethel's major loves - Elisabeth von Herzogenberg. “Lisl ? was the wife of Ethel's composition teacher in Leipzig, and the intensity of her infatuation led her to a dramatic collapse. Lisl nursed her back to health and they developed a maternal intimacy – Ethel becoming a “semi-detached member ? of the Herzogenberg household. But little did Ethel know her loyalty to Lisl would eventually be tested -

Fête Galante: Overture/Sarabande

Ensemble Lontano

Aus der Jugendzeit!

Liana Serbescu, piano

Kom, süsser Tod

Sansara

Tom Herring, conductor

Lieder, Op 4 No 2: Schlummerlied

Maarten Koningsberger, baritone

Kelvin Grout, piano

Violin Sonata (3rd movement – Romanze)

Tasmin Little, violin

John Lenehan, piano

Variations on an Original Theme (of an Exceedingly Dismal Nature)

Marie Catherine Girod, piano

String Quintet, Op 1(3rd-5th movements)

Mannheim Quartet

Joachim Griesheimer, cello

Donald Macleod explores the world of Ethel Smyth through five love affairs that shaped her life and music. Today, we meet her first great love, Elisabeth von Herzogenberg.

Donald Macleod explores a musician also remarkable for her sporting prowess. Today, looking at Ethel Smyth's relationship with her first great love, Elisabeth von Herzogenberg.

British composer Dame Ethel Smyth was one of the early 20th century's most original cultural voices. A prodigious musical talent who was best known for her operas, she was a force of nature, an unapologetic eccentric who didn't suffer fools gladly, and a rule-breaking, trailblazing feminist. Alongside music, she was an accomplished sportswoman, and her driven and playful nature - as well as her endurance - would not only shape her career but her personal life too. All this week, Donald Macleod explores Smyth's story through what she termed her “passions” – the key all-consuming relationships that changed the course of her life, and how they were a necessary force for her creativity.

Today, we meet the first of Ethel's major loves - Elisabeth von Herzogenberg. “Lisl” was the wife of Ethel's composition teacher in Leipzig, and the intensity of her infatuation led her to a dramatic collapse. Lisl nursed her back to health and they developed a maternal intimacy – Ethel becoming a “semi-detached member” of the Herzogenberg household. But little did Ethel know her loyalty to Lisl would eventually be tested -

Fête Galante: Overture/Sarabande

Ensemble Lontano

Aus der Jugendzeit!

Liana Serbescu, piano

Kom, süsser Tod

Sansara

Tom Herring, conductor

Lieder, Op 4 No 2: Schlummerlied

Maarten Koningsberger, baritone

Kelvin Grout, piano

Violin Sonata (3rd movement – Romanze)

Tasmin Little, violin

John Lenehan, piano

Variations on an Original Theme (of an Exceedingly Dismal Nature)

Marie Catherine Girod, piano

String Quintet, Op 1(3rd-5th movements)

Mannheim Quartet

Joachim Griesheimer, cello

Donald Macleod explores the world of Ethel Smyth through five love affairs that shaped her life and music. Today, we meet her first great love, Elisabeth von Herzogenberg.

Today, we hear about the only man Ethel ever loved. It all began with a dramatic love triangle in Italy, and, following a 5-year freeze-out and a momentous reunion which she deemed “the pivot ? of her life, she built a relationship with the writer Harry Brewster. Their decades-long dalliance would be Ethel's most stable and longstanding love - she saw him as her greatest friend and soulmate. But their bond was artistic too, and their collaborations yielded two major operas – Der Wald and The Wreckers.

Piano Suite in E major (ii. Bourree)

Liana Serbescu, piano

Piano Trio (iii. Scherzo)

Chagall Trio

4 Songs (ii. The Dance)

Lucy Stevens, contralto

Berkeley Ensemble

Serenade in D major (3rd and 4th movements)

Lausanne Chamber Orchestra

Joshua Weilerstein, conductor

Der Wald: Scene IX and epilogue

Natalya Romaniw, soprano (Röschen)

Claire Barnett-Jones, mezzo (Iolanthe)

Robert Murray, tenor (Heinrich)

BBC Singers

BBC Symphony Orchestra

John Andrews, conductor

The Wreckers: Overture

Sakari Oramo, conductor

Donald Macleod explores the world of Ethel Smyth through five love affairs that shaped her life and music. Today, her romantic and creative partnership with Harry Brewster.

Donald Macleod explores a musician also remarkable for her sporting prowess. Today, unpacking Ethel Smyth's romantic and creative partnership with Harry Brewster.

British composer Dame Ethel Smyth was one of the early 20th century's most original cultural voices. A prodigious musical talent who was best known for her operas, she was a force of nature, an unapologetic eccentric who didn't suffer fools gladly, and a rule-breaking, trailblazing feminist. Alongside music, she was an accomplished sportswoman, and her driven and playful nature - as well as her endurance - would not only shape her career but her personal life too. All this week, Donald Macleod explores Smyth's story through what she termed her “passions” – the key all-consuming relationships that changed the course of her life, and how they were a necessary force for her creativity.

Today, we hear about the only man Ethel ever loved. It all began with a dramatic love triangle in Italy, and, following a 5-year freeze-out and a momentous reunion which she deemed “the pivot” of her life, she built a relationship with the writer Harry Brewster. Their decades-long dalliance would be Ethel's most stable and longstanding love - she saw him as her greatest friend and soulmate. But their bond was artistic too, and their collaborations yielded two major operas – Der Wald and The Wreckers.

Piano Suite in E major (ii. Bourree)

Liana Serbescu, piano

Piano Trio (iii. Scherzo)

Chagall Trio

4 Songs (ii. The Dance)

Lucy Stevens, contralto

Berkeley Ensemble

Serenade in D major (3rd and 4th movements)

Lausanne Chamber Orchestra

Joshua Weilerstein, conductor

Der Wald: Scene IX and epilogue

Natalya Romaniw, soprano (Röschen)

Claire Barnett-Jones, mezzo (Iolanthe)

Robert Murray, tenor (Heinrich)

BBC Singers

BBC Symphony Orchestra

John Andrews, conductor

The Wreckers: Overture

Sakari Oramo, conductor

Donald Macleod explores the world of Ethel Smyth through five love affairs that shaped her life and music. Today, her romantic and creative partnership with Harry Brewster.

Today, the woman who matched Ethel's spirit and “changed the colour ? of her life. In Mary Ponsonby, Ethel found a kindred soul who similarly defied gender norms and conventions. Despite their tempestuous rows, Mary was a dedicated friend and musical supporter, who ran in influential and royal circles. We hear about Ethel's talent for making friends in high places, and her encounters with the Empress Eugenie and Queen Victoria.

Lieder, Op 4 No 4 “Nachtreiter ?

Maarten Koningsberger, baritone

Kelvin Grout, piano

Klavierstück in E major

Antonio Oyarzabal, piano

Cello Sonata in C minor (i. Allegro Appassionato, ii. Andante)

Friedemann Kupsa cello

Anna Silova, piano

The Wreckers, Act II: Prelude “On the Cliffs of Cornwall ? (arr. for winds)

Swedish Wind Ensemble

Cathrine Winnes, director

Mass in D: Gloria

Susanna Hurrell, soprano

Catriona Morison, mezzo

Ben Johnson, tenor

Duncan Rock, baritone

BBC Singers

BBC Symphony Orchestra

Sakari Oramo, conductor

Fête Galante: Joy unbounded; Heigh Ho; Hushed is the world

Charmian Bedford, soprano

Alessandro Fisher, tenor

Felix Kemp, baritone

Simon Wallfisch, baritone

Ensemble Lontano

Donald Macleod explores the world of Ethel Smyth through five love affairs that shaped her life and music. Today, her muse Mary Ponsonby and her brushes with royalty

Donald Macleod explores a musician also remarkable for her sporting prowess. Today, introducing Ethel Smyth's muse, Mary Ponsonby, and her brushes with royalty.

British composer Dame Ethel Smyth was one of the early 20th century's most original cultural voices. A prodigious musical talent who was best known for her operas, she was a force of nature, an unapologetic eccentric who didn't suffer fools gladly, and a rule-breaking, trailblazing feminist. Alongside music, she was an accomplished sportswoman, and her driven and playful nature - as well as her endurance - would not only shape her career but her personal life too. All this week, Donald Macleod explores Smyth's story through what she termed her “passions” – the key all-consuming relationships that changed the course of her life, and how they were a necessary force for her creativity.

Today, the woman who matched Ethel's spirit and “changed the colour” of her life. In Mary Ponsonby, Ethel found a kindred soul who similarly defied gender norms and conventions. Despite their tempestuous rows, Mary was a dedicated friend and musical supporter, who ran in influential and royal circles. We hear about Ethel's talent for making friends in high places, and her encounters with the Empress Eugenie and Queen Victoria.

Lieder, Op 4 No 4 “Nachtreiter”

Maarten Koningsberger, baritone

Kelvin Grout, piano

Klavierstück in E major

Antonio Oyarzabal, piano

Cello Sonata in C minor (i. Allegro Appassionato, ii. Andante)

Friedemann Kupsa cello

Anna Silova, piano

The Wreckers, Act II: Prelude “On the Cliffs of Cornwall” (arr. for winds)

Swedish Wind Ensemble

Cathrine Winnes, director

Mass in D: Gloria

Susanna Hurrell, soprano

Catriona Morison, mezzo

Ben Johnson, tenor

Duncan Rock, baritone

BBC Singers

BBC Symphony Orchestra

Sakari Oramo, conductor

Fête Galante: Joy unbounded; Heigh Ho; Hushed is the world

Charmian Bedford, soprano

Alessandro Fisher, tenor

Felix Kemp, baritone

Simon Wallfisch, baritone

Ensemble Lontano

Donald Macleod explores the world of Ethel Smyth through five love affairs that shaped her life and music. Today, her muse Mary Ponsonby and her brushes with royalty

Today, Ethel meets the woman who changed her life - and her criminal record - forever. After initial ambivalence towards the suffragette cause, she fell for the bright eyes and melodious voice of Emmeline Pankhurst, and vowed to put her career aside for two years to commit to the “Votes for Women ? campaign. Her devotion to Emmeline would eventually land Ethel behind bars and test the limits of her nerves, but also inspire several heartfelt compositions.

Violin Sonata (ii. Scherzo)

Tasmin Little, violin

John Lenehan, piano

March of the Women (last two verses)

Chorus and Orchestra of the Plymouth Music Series

Eiddwen Harrhy, soprano [AITH-wen]

Philip Brunelle, conductor

The Boatswain's Mate: Overture

Ensemble Lontano

Possession (Three Songs, No 2)

Melinda Paulsen, mezzo

Angela Gassenhuber, piano

The Boatswain's Mate, Part I: What if I were young again; Oh Mary I try to forget you

Nadine Benjamin, soprano (Mrs Waters)

Edward Lee, tenor (Harry Benn)

Jeremy Huw Williams, baritone (Ned Travers)

Simon Wilding, bass (Policeman)

Ted Schmitz, tenor (The Man)

String Quartet in E minor (iii. Andante; iv. Allegro energico)

Villiers Quartet

Donald Macleod explores the world of Ethel Smyth through five love affairs that shaped her life and music. Today, her devotion to suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst.

British composer Dame Ethel Smyth was one of the early 20th century's most original cultural voices. A prodigious musical talent who was best known for her operas, she was a force of nature, an unapologetic eccentric who didn't suffer fools gladly, and a rule-breaking, trailblazing feminist. Alongside music, she was an accomplished sportswoman, and her driven and playful nature - as well as her endurance - would not only shape her career but her personal life too. All this week, Donald Macleod explores Smyth's story through what she termed her “passions” – the key all-consuming relationships that changed the course of her life, and how they were a necessary force for her creativity.

Today, Ethel meets the woman who changed her life - and her criminal record - forever. After initial ambivalence towards the suffragette cause, she fell for the bright eyes and melodious voice of Emmeline Pankhurst, and vowed to put her career aside for two years to commit to the “Votes for Women” campaign. Her devotion to Emmeline would eventually land Ethel behind bars and test the limits of her nerves, but also inspire several heartfelt compositions.

Today, Ethel becomes embroiled with one of the most famous women in London. In her seventies, she developed a close emotional and intellectual bond with the writer Virginia Woolf. In excerpts from their colourful letters, we hear how they grappled with each other's quirks and flaws, and how Virginia would inspire Ethel to write not only what she considered her musical magnum opus, but her popular memoirs too.

Soul's Joy, Now I am Gone

Amarcord

Wolfram Lattke, director

Two Interlinked French Melodies from Entente Cordiale

Light Symphony Orchestra

Adrian Boult, conductor

Odelette (Four Songs, No 1)

Lucy Stevens, contralto

Berkeley Ensemble

Mass: Sanctus / Benedictus

Susanna Hurrell, soprano

Catriona Morison, mezzo

BBC Singers

BBC Symphony Orchestra

Sakari Oramo, conductor

The Prison: Nos 14-16

Dashon Burton, bass-baritone (The Prisoner)

Sarah Brailey, soprano (The Soul)

Experiential Orchestra and Choir

James Blachly, conductor

Double Concerto for Horn and Violin (ii. Elegy)

Thomas Albertus Irnberger, violin

Milena Viotti, horn

Vienna Konzertverein Orchestra

Doron Salomon, conductor

Donald Macleod explores Ethel Smyth's bond with the writer Virginia Woolf.

Donald Macleod explores the world of Ethel Smyth through five love affairs that shaped her life and music. Today, her last grand passion, the writer Virginia Woolf.