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

An informative guide to composers' lives and their music.

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

Composer of the Week: Robert Schumann (1810-1856): Ghost Variations

Robert Schumann (1810-1856)

Ghost Variations

BBC Radio 3 - Composer of the Week, Robert Schumann (1810-1856), Ghost Variations

Recounting the tragic events leading up to Schumann's voluntary admission to an asylum.

Donald Macleod recounts the tragic events leading up to Schumann's voluntary admission to an asylum, from where he would never reappear.

It was an offer Robert Schumann only wished he could have refused. But lacking other job opportunities, the composer reluctantly accepted Dusseldorf's offer of the post of Director of Music, with responsibility not only for a semi-professional orchestra, but also for a choir. All this week Donald Macleod looks at Schumann's Dusseldorf years and the creative stimulus this move provided for Schumann, his triumphs as well as his many failures. In less than five years, Robert would write some third of his entire output, composing concertos, choral works and symphonies. Despite the composer's tragic illness, he lost none of his powers of invention, and was indeed on the brink of enjoying both popular as well as critical success. 

In this final episode, Donald recounts the tragic events leading up to Schumann's voluntary admission to an asylum, from which he would never reappear. Enraptured by the voices of angels, and later tormented by demons, Schumann frantically composes a set of piano variations on a theme dictated to him by an 'angel'. Even the regime at Endenich did not put a complete stop to his urge to compose, or at least review his compositions. Meanwhile, for Clara and her new friend and supporter Johannes Brahms there is some measure of consolation in playing through some of Robert's music. 

Theme and Variations, Wo024
Andras Schiff, piano

Scenes from Goethe's Faust, Wo0 3 (Overture; Garten; Dom)
Bavarian Radio Symphony Chorus and Orchestra
Daniel Harding, conductor

Violin Fantasy, Op. 131
Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra
Christian Tetzlaff, violin
Paavo Jarvi, conductor

Gesänge der Fruhe, Op. 133
Maurizio Pollini, piano

Requiem, Op. 148 (Requiem aeternam)
Chorus Musicus Koln & Das Neue Orchester
Christoph Spering, conductor.

Composer of the Week: Robert Schumann (1810-1856)

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 Schumann's time in Dusseldorf and creative stimulus it provided.

Donald Macleod explores Schumann's Dusseldorf years and the creative stimulus the move provided, as well as his triumphs and many failures.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Composer of the Week

Robert Schumann (1810-1856)

Ghost Variations

Genres

Brand

Series

BBC Radio 3

About BBC Radio 3