New times bring new musical fashions and Vanhal is forced to adapt to survive. Vienna's music critics and the aristocratic cognoscenti aren't impressed by his new, overtly populist direction. Nevertheless, business is booming.

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. Show less