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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: Music in the Great War: Ivor Gurney (1890-1937)

Composer of the Week: Music in the Great War: Ivor Gurney (1890-1937): Episode 1: The Young Genius

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Episode 1

Episode 1: The Young Genius

Music in the Great War: Ivor Gurney (1890-1937)

The Young Genius

BBC Radio 3 - Composer of the Week, Music in the Great War: Ivor Gurney (1890-1937), The Young Genius

Donald Macleod explains how Ivor Gurney discoved his passion for music.

Gurney discovers his passion for music

It's a story that begins full of possibility and hope; Gurney was one of the brightest musical lights of his generation. He imagined himself as Schubert's heir; a fresh, young genius whose music and poetry would revolutionise British society. Donald Macleod discovers how that early promise came to fruition and then unravelled, as Gurney struggled with the horrors of World War One and serious mental illness. Gurney expert, Dr Kate Kennedy, joins Donald to uncover the man behind the tragedy and explore the art he produced in the face of enormous adversity. Much of Gurney's output is still rarely performed, and several works have been specially recorded for these programmes.

Ivor Gurney grew up in the shadow of Gloucester Cathedral and, at the age of nine, he became a chorister there. Gurney would go on to compose a number of choral works, although none have ever been recorded until now. 'The Trumpet' has its broadcast premiere in today's programme. After Gurney's voice had broken, he took up the organ. He had lessons at the cathedral, where his fellow students included Herbert Howells, and Ivor Novello. Soon, Gurney's talents landed him an opportunity to study at the Royal College of Music. Just before he left, he composed a Coronation March, also specially recorded for this programme by the BBC Symphony Orchestra.

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 is joined by Dr Kate Kennedy to explore the life and work of Ivor Gurney

Donald Macleod is joined by Dr Kate Kennedy to explore the life and work of Ivor Gurney. Including works specially recorded for the series

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Music in the Great War: Ivor Gurney (1890-1937)

Episode 1: The Young Genius

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