A concert live from Studio 1 at Maida Vale
Studios in London, featuring music by two composers whose philosophical and political views greatly influenced their music. Michael Tippett (1905-98) wrote his second symphony in 1956-7. Commissioned by the BBC, it was premiered by the BBC Symphony Orchestra under Adrian Boult at the Royal Festival Hall in February 1958. Alan Bush (1900-95), pianist and composer, was an extraordinary individual. Hejoined the Communist party in 1935, and his vast and neglected piano concerto was written in 1937. The last of the four movements includes a solo baritone and male voice choirwho sing about the power of music and the tyranny of oppression. It was premiered, with Bush as the soloist, at a BBC Concert in 1938. Ashley Holland (baritone). Rolf Hind
(piano), Apollo Voices. BBC Symphony Orchestra, conductor Leonard Slatkin Tippett Symphony No 2
8.00 Twenty Minutes: Song to Labour
The music, politics and life of Alan Bush - veteran broadcaster John Amis presents a personal recollection of the composer.
8.20 Bush Piano Concerto