Main content

Composer of the WeekEpisodes

  1. Today16:00
    BBC Radio 3

    Saving MusicGiovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (c.1525-1594)

    3/5Close to the Pope's ear, Palestrina helps define the new rules of music writing.(R)

  2. Tomorrow16:00
    BBC Radio 3

    Father of the ChapelGiovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (c.1525-1594)

    4/5After hard times, a celebrated composer Palestrina is thinking about entering priesthood.(R)

  3. Friday16:00
    BBC Radio 3

    Crowning GloriaGiovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (c.1525-1594)

    5/5Palestrina joins a collective, gets tempting job offers and even becomes a businessman.(R)

  4. Monday16:00
    BBC Radio 3

    Birth of the CoolMiles Davis 100

    1/5Kate Molleson explores the life and work of a cultural icon: Miles Davis.

  5. Next Tuesday16:00
    BBC Radio 3

    Kind of BlueMiles Davis 100

    2/5Kate Molleson and Nate Chinen discuss Miles Davis's golden period during the 1950s.

  6. Next Wednesday16:00
    BBC Radio 3

    The Second Great QuintetMiles Davis 100

    3/5Kate Molleson and Nate Chinen discuss the Miles Davis sound of the 1960s.

  7. Next Thursday16:00
    BBC Radio 3

    On the CornerMiles Davis 100

    4/5Kate Molleson and Nate Chinen explore a pivotal period in the story of Miles Davis.

  8. Fri 29 May 202616:00
    BBC Radio 3

    RebirthMiles Davis 100

    5/5Kate Molleson and Nate Chinen discuss the last chapter in the life and work of Miles Davis

  9. Mon 1 Jun 202616:00
    BBC Radio 3

    Creativity and ConflictArthur Bliss (1891 - 1975)

    1/5Donald Macleod with biographer Paul Spicer journey into the early life of Arthur Bliss.

  10. Tue 2 Jun 202616:00
    BBC Radio 3

    Travels and TrudyArthur Bliss (1891 - 1975)

    2/5Donald Macleod with biographer Paul Spicer, delve into Arthur Bliss's Colour Symphony.

  11. Wed 3 Jun 202616:00
    BBC Radio 3

    Domestic BlissArthur Bliss (1891 - 1975)

    3/5Donald Macleod with biographer Paul Spicer explore the early years of marriage for Bliss.

  12. Thu 4 Jun 202616:00
    BBC Radio 3

    A Pillar of British MusicArthur Bliss (1891 - 1975)

    4/5Donald Macleod with biographer Paul Spicer delve into Bliss’s music during WWII and after.

  13. Fri 5 Jun 202616:00
    BBC Radio 3

    The Elder StatesmanArthur Bliss (1891 - 1975)

    5/5Donald Macleod with biographer Paul Spicer explore the final decades for Sir Arthur Bliss.

  14. Mon 8 Jun 202616:00
    BBC Radio 3

    The Courtless MusicianClaudio Monteverdi (1567-1643)

    1/5Kate Molleson explores Monteverdi’s early life and music.

  15. Tue 9 Jun 202616:00
    BBC Radio 3

    Fin de 16th siècleClaudio Monteverdi (1567-1643)

    2/5Monteverdi arrives in Mantua and pushes musical boundaries. With Kate Molleson.

  16. Wed 10 Jun 202616:00
    BBC Radio 3

    Centre StageClaudio Monteverdi (1567-1643)

    3/5Monteverdi takes to the stage with L’Orfeo. With Kate Molleson.

  17. Thu 11 Jun 202616:00
    BBC Radio 3

    Troubles and trialsClaudio Monteverdi (1567-1643)

    4/5Monteverdi leaves Mantua and begins a new chapter in Venice. With Kate Molleson.

  18. Fri 12 Jun 202616:00
    BBC Radio 3

    Sorrows, PrayersClaudio Monteverdi (1567-1643)

    5/5Monteverdi’s final years and the rise of public opera. With Kate Molleson