Donald Macleod traces the young composer's journey from common serf to the most fashionable salons of Vienna

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.

Vanhal's family were peasants; in effect, legal slaves on the vast Bohemian estates of Count Schaffgotsch. Music offered an escape and Vanhal took every opportunity to better his position - from choir boy, to church organist, and on to Vienna, where rich aristocrats vied to patronise the brilliant young composer. Show less