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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: George Dyson (1883-1964)

Composer of the Week: George Dyson (1883-1964): Episode 3: The Canterbury Pilgrims

George Dyson (1883-1964)

Episode 3

Episode 3: The Canterbury Pilgrims

The Canterbury Pilgrims

BBC Radio 3 - Composer of the Week, George Dyson (1883-1964), The Canterbury Pilgrims

Donald Macleod discusses the success Dyson achieved with his work The Canterbury Pilgrims.

Celebrated composer, broadcaster, teacher, and author of the first manual on hand grenade use, this week Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Sir George Dyson.

Donald Macleod, in the company of biographer, Paul Spicer, visits the Royal College of Music, where George Dyson was appointed Director during the 1930s. Dyson's star during this period was in the ascent. He'd previously been teaching at both Winchester and the RCM, and it was in the Guildhall at Winchester where his work The Canterbury Pilgrims was premiered to much acclaim.

Dyson's reputation as a composer was now growing and commissions started to come in from various festivals including the Three Choirs Festival and the Leeds Festival. This provided Dyson with an opportunity to compose new works such as his Prelude, Fantasy and Chaconne for cello and small orchestra, and his large-scale choral work Nebuchadnezzar. Composition didn't fall by the wayside once Dyson was appointed to the post as Director of the RCM. During his first few years there he completed a number of large orchestral works, including his Symphony in G.

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 life and music of George Dyson

Donald Macleod explores the life and music of George Dyson, celebrated composer, broadcaster, teacher and author of the first manual on hand grenade use

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Composer of the Week

George Dyson (1883-1964)

Episode 3: The Canterbury Pilgrims

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