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

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Composer of the Week

Music: Classical

An informative guide to composers' lives and their music.

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

Composer of the Week: Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)

Composer of the Week: Benjamin Britten (1913-1976): Episode 4

Discussion & Talk

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)

Episode 4

BBC Radio 3 - Composer of the Week, Benjamin Britten (1913-1976), Episode 4

Donald Macleod introduces the final song from Britten's cycle The Poet's Echo.

Donald Macleod introduces the final song the cycle The Poet's Echo, written for his friend Mstislav Rostropovich and his wife, plus parts of the Cello Suite No 2 and War Requieum.

In September 1960, Britten had the good fortune to meet the Russian cellist Mstislav Rostropovich who became a close friend and inspiration behind five works for cello, and a song cycle for him and his wife, the singer Galina Vishnevskaya. In the fifth programme, Donald introduces the final song from the cycle - The Poet's Echo - together with part of the Cello Suite No.2, plus an extract from the intensely moving War Requiem and the second of Britten's church parables, The Burning Fiery Furnace.

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 on two influences in Britten's music: Suffolk and his partner Peter Pears

Donald Macleod explores Benjamin Britten's music in the light of two enduring influences - his life partner, the tenor Peter Pears and his beloved native county of Suffolk

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Composer of the Week

Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)

Episode 4

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