Donald Macleod and Alain Frogley explore changing attitudes to Vaughan Williams’ music since his death.

In the week of the 150th anniversary of Vaughan Williams' birth, Donald Macleod revisits a series of conversations he recorded earlier in the year with leading authorities on the composer. Each day he explores a new area of Vaughan Williams' life and music; shedding light on his central role in Britain's musical story, his posthumous impact and how we respond to him today. Part of Radio 3’s ongoing season, “Vaughan Williams’ Today”, marking the composer's 150th anniversary year.

In the last of these wide-ranging conversations Donald is joined by Vaughan Williams expert Alain Frogley, Professor of Music History at the University of Connecticut to explore the changing attitudes to Vaughan Williams’ music, tracking the reception of his work from the time of the composer’s death in 1958, to the present day.

Symphony no. 9 - II. Andante Sostenuto
London Philharmonic
Adrian Boult, conductor

The Lover’s Ghost
Cambridge Singers
John Rutter, director

Suite from 49th Parallel (excerpt)
BBC Philharmonic
Rumon Gamba, conductor

Nocturne: Whispers of Heavenly Death
Roderick Williams, baritone
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Martyn Brabbins, conductor

A London Symphony (1913 version) – IV. Finale (excerpt)
London Symphony Orchestral
Richard Hickox, conductor

Producer: Sam Phillips Show less