Original version

BBC Radio 3 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Third Programme.

BBC Radio 3

Radio 3

Migrated podcast image for: Composer Of The Week

Composer of the Week

Music: Classical

Kate Molleson

An informative guide to composers' lives and their music.

An informative and accessible guide to composers' lives and their music.

Composer of the Week: William Walton (1902-1983)

Composer of the Week: William Walton (1902-1983): Episode 1: Bright Young Thing

Discussion & Talk

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

William Walton (1902-1983)

Episode 1

Episode 1: Bright Young Thing

Bright Young Thing

BBC Radio 3 - Composer of the Week, William Walton (1902-1983), Bright Young Thing

Donald Macleod on how Walton became known as the 1920s' most precocious British composer.

Donald Macleod explores how William Walton became known in London as the most precocious British composer of the 1920s after befriending the Sitwell siblings.

William Walton is perhaps best defined by a series of paradoxes: the pillar of the British Musical Establishment who lived in voluntary exile; the king of the grand, filmic gesture who harboured deep insecurity; the socialite and ladies' man who often preferred to be alone. Walton hid himself behind an acerbic wit- a statement which has also been made about his writing. Donald Macleod follows him through the distinct eras of his life and explores the many sides to the man and his music.


Snatched by the Sitwells from what they saw as an ignominious future as a schoolteacher in Oldham, William Walton became known in London as the most precocious British composer of the 1920's. Donald Macleod delves into the curious world with which Walton became involved.

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

Donald Macleod explores the many sides to William Walton's life and music

Donald Macleod follows William Walton through the distinct eras of his life and explores the many sides to the man and his music

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Composer of the Week

William Walton (1902-1983)

Episode 1: Bright Young Thing

Genres

Formats

Brand

Series

BBC Radio 3

About BBC Radio 3