An evening dedicated to the 14th-century poet and composer Guillaume de Machaut. Featuring performances by the Orlando Consort and readings by Anne Charlton, Richard Gaskell and Edward Petherbridge.

7.30 Prelude: the Road to Rheims Daniel Leech-Wilkinson introduces
Guillaume de Machaut , the man and his music.

7.40 Act 1: Once upon a Time
Daniel Leech-Wilkinson is joined by Bayan Northcott, Christopher Page and Harrison Birtwistle to discuss Machaut's works and his influence on today's composers. Plus the beginning of a true love story in Machaut's words and music - Le Voir Dit.

8.20 Interlude I: Postcard from Mars
Barbara Tuchman, author of A Distant Mirror, describes the scourges of plague, war and famine that shaped the 14th century.

8.25 Act 2: Hope's Ransom, Part 1
Daniel Leech-Wilkinson speaks to performers who have remade Machaut in their own image, including Jeremy Summerly, whose recording of Machaut's Mass in Rheims Cathedral can be heard at 9.30pm.

8.40 Interval: Virtual Strangers Reunited
A remix of a Between the Ears radiogenic fantasy written by Richard Gaskell and Antony Pitts , based on Machaut's life.

9.05 Act 2 (contd): Hope's Ransom, Part 2
Matthew Brook sings the concluding part of the Layde Bonne Esperance, which tells how Machaut was kidnapped by Lady Hope, and freed in exchange for his music.

9.25 Interlude II: Message in a Bottle
A scholar, a painter, a poet and a fan give their verdict on Machaut's music.

9.30 Act 3: Instead of Blue, You Are Wearing Green.
Daniel Leech-Wilkinson introduces a recording of Machaut's Mass, performed in Rheims Cathedral by Oxford Camerata. Plus the conclusion to Machaut's true story of love and loss.

10.10 Postlude: In My Beginning Is My End
Daniel Leech-Wilkinson delivers the final lines on the legend and the reality of Guillaume de Machaut.
Producer Antony Pitts.
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