Vanhal secures an all-expenses paid trip to Italy but, after lingering there for two years, perhaps all is not as well as it seems.

Vanhal's story has all the ingredients for a great musical drama: escape from bondage, early success dashed by sudden personal crisis, and a remarkable re-birth won through faith, talent and strength of character. This week, Donald Macleod relates the colourful story of one of the 18th century's leading musical lights.

Having won the support of one of Vienna's wealthy aristocratic patrons, Vanhal heads off to complete his musical education abroad, with 2000 florins in his wallet and an letters of introduction to every major city in Italy. Back home, a plum job is waiting for him in the household of his benefactor. So why then does Vanhal seem reluctant to take up his dream appointment? Show less