Episodes
| Series | Episode | Title | First Broadcast | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 01 | Welcome To The House Of Music | 20241021 |  Donald Macleod and musicologist and pianist Dr Samantha Ege introduce the musical upbringing of African American pioneer composer Margaret Bonds. Margaret Bonds (1913-1972) was one of the most important composers and pianists of her time. She wrote several dozens of art songs, arranged many traditional spirituals, and composed large-scale cantatas. From her native Chicago where she was the first black performer to play with the Symphony Orchestra to the buzzing stages of New York where she set poetic gems to music, and at a time of racial discrimination and fight for civil rights, her story is one of determination, friendship, and absolute dedication to music-making. As such, the programme does include some language of the period. In this first programme, we explore Bonds' early life in 1920s Chicago, at the time of a major literary and artistic Renaissance. In a house filled with music, with her mother Estella at its head, she grew up surrounded by the most fascinating and creative figures. Joy Conspirare Carla McElhaney, piano Craig Hella Johnson, conductor Trad, arr Bonds: Little David Play on Your Harp Louise Toppin, soprano John O'Brien, piano The Pasture Spiritual Suite; No 1, The Valley of the Bones Samantha Ege, piano To a Brown Dead Girl Malcolm J. Merriweather, baritone Ashley Jackson, harp Trad, arr Bonds: Lord, I Just Can't Keep from Cryin Angela Brown, soprano Tyron Cooper, guitar Florence Price: Fantasie Nègre No 1 in E minor Flamenco Althea Waites, piano Tangamerican Simon Bore the Cross (mvts VI and VII) Janinah Burnett, soprano The Dessoff Choirs Malcolm J. Merriweather, conductor Produced by Julien Rosa A BBC Audio Wales & West production for BBC Radio 3 Donald Macleod explores the life and music of African American composer Margaret Bonds. An informative guide to composers' lives and their music. Donald Macleod is joined by musicologist-pianist Samantha Ege to introduce the musical upbringing of African American pioneer composer Margaret Bonds. |
| 2024 | 02 | Glorious Revelations | 20241022 | Donald Macleod and musicologist and pianist Dr Samantha Ege follow Margaret Bonds to university where she makes a life-changing discovery, and to the stage for her first performing successes. Margaret Bonds (1913-1972) was one of the most important composers and pianists of her time. She wrote several dozens of art songs, arranged many traditional spirituals, and composed large-scale cantatas. From her native Chicago where she was the first black performer to play with the Symphony Orchestra to the buzzing stages of New York where she set poetic gems to music, and at a time of racial discrimination and fight for civil rights, her story is one of determination, friendship, and absolute dedication to music-making. As such, the programme does include some language of the period. In this second programme, Margaret Bonds goes to university where she is directly confronted to racism and segregation, away from the protected circle of her childhood home. There, she discovers a text that will save her, as she told years later. With her teacher and good friend Florence Price, she also takes centre stage in a landmark concert in which the talented young pianist shines. Trad, arr Bonds: Didn't It Rain Stephen Salters, baritone Shiela Kibbe, piano The Negro Speaks of Rivers Darryl Taylor, tenor Maria Corley, piano John Alden Carpenter: Concertino for Piano and Orchestra Michael Chertock, piano BBC Concert Orchestra Keith Lockhart, conductor Three Dream Portraits Malcolm J. Merriweather, baritone Ashley Jackson, harp Simon Bore the Cross (mvts I to V) Janinah Burnett, soprano Dashon Burton, bass-baritone The Dessoff Choirs Malcolm J. Merriweather, conductor Produced by Julien Rosa A BBC Audio Wales & West production for BBC Radio 3 Donald Macleod follows Margaret Bonds as she is about to make life-changing discoveries. An informative guide to composers' lives and their music. Donald Macleod and musicologist Samantha Ege follow Margaret Bonds to university where she makes a life-changing discovery, and to the stage for her first performing successes. |
| 2024 | 03 | Sing With All Your Soul | 20241023 | Donald Macleod and musicologist and pianist Dr Samantha Ege, celebrate the art of songwriting as Margaret Bonds opens a grand new chapter of her life in New York City. Margaret Bonds (1913-1972) was one of the most important composers and pianists of her time. She wrote several dozens of art songs, arranged many traditional spirituals, and composed large-scale cantatas. From her native Chicago where she was the first black performer to play with the Symphony Orchestra to the buzzing stages of New York where she set poetic gems to music, and at a time of racial discrimination and fight for civil rights, her story is one of determination, friendship, and absolute dedication to music-making. As such, the programme does include some language of the period. In this third programme, we look at Margaret Bonds' incredibly prolific work on art songs, collaborating with some of the most inspiring poets, including Langston Hughes. But Chicago is becoming too small for her ambition. New York is next, with all its exciting opportunities, and its challenges too. Trad, arr Bonds: Ezek'el Saw the Wheel Darryl Taylor, countenor Brent McMunn, piano George Gershwin: Summertime (from Porgy and Bess) Abbie Mitchell, soprano George Gershwin, piano and conductor Four Songs Will Liverman, baritone Jonathan King, piano Trad, arr Bonds: Peter, Go Ring dem Bells Spiritual Suite; No 2, The Bells Samantha Ege, piano Peach Tree Street Billy Kyle, piano O'Neil Spencer, vocals and drums Milt Herth, organ The Ballad of the Brown King Laquita Mitchell, soprano Lucia Bradford, mezzo-soprano Noah Stewart, tenor The Dessoff Choirs & Orchestra Malcolm J. Merriweather, conductor Produced by Julien Rosa A BBC Audio Wales & West production for BBC Radio 3 Donald Macleod accompanies Margaret Bonds as she embarks on a new exciting adventure. An informative guide to composers' lives and their music. Donald Macleod and musicologist-pianist Samantha Ege celebrate the art of songwriting as Margaret Bonds opens a grand new chapter of her life, in New York City.
Margaret Bonds (1913-1972) was one of the most important composers and pianists of her time. She wrote several dozens of art songs, arranged many traditional spirituals, and composed large-scale cantatas. From her native Chicago where she was the first black performer to play with the Symphony Orchestra to the buzzing stages of New York where she set poetic gems to music, and at a time of racial discrimination and fight for civil rights, her story is one of determination, friendship, and absolute dedication to music-making. As such, the programme does include some language of the period. In this third programme, we look at Margaret Bonds' incredibly prolific work on art songs, collaborating with some of the most inspiring poets, including Langston Hughes. But Chicago is becoming too small for her ambition. New York is next, with all its exciting opportunities, and its challenges too. Trad, arr Bonds: Ezek'el Saw the Wheel Darryl Taylor, countenor Brent McMunn, piano George Gershwin: Summertime (from Porgy and Bess) Abbie Mitchell, soprano George Gershwin, piano and conductor Four Songs Will Liverman, baritone Jonathan King, piano Trad, arr Bonds: Peter, Go Ring dem Bells Spiritual Suite; No 2, The Bells Samantha Ege, piano Peach Tree Street Billy Kyle, piano O'Neil Spencer, vocals and drums Milt Herth, organ The Ballad of the Brown King Laquita Mitchell, soprano Lucia Bradford, mezzo-soprano Noah Stewart, tenor The Dessoff Choirs & Orchestra Malcolm J. Merriweather, conductor Produced by Julien Rosa A BBC Audio Wales & West production for BBC Radio 3 Donald Macleod accompanies Margaret Bonds as she embarks on a new exciting adventure. An informative guide to composers' lives and their music. Donald Macleod and musicologist-pianist Samantha Ege celebrate the art of songwriting as Margaret Bonds opens a grand new chapter of her life, in New York City. A BBC Audio Wales & West for BBC Radio 3 |
| 2024 | 04 | Black And Proud | 20241024 | Donald Macleod and musicologist and pianist Dr Samantha Ege continue Margaret Bonds' story, as she works with a pioneer diva, and composes a powerful piece inspired by the civil rights movement. Margaret Bonds (1913-1972) was one of the most important composers and pianists of her time. She wrote several dozens of art songs, arranged many traditional spirituals, and composed large-scale cantatas. From her native Chicago where she was the first black performer to play with the Symphony Orchestra to the buzzing stages of New York where she set poetic gems to music, and at a time of racial discrimination and fight for civil rights, her story is one of determination, friendship, and absolute dedication to music-making. As such, the programme does include some language of the period. In this fourth programme, Margaret Bonds establishes her career in New York with great success, spending every spare moment writing music. But at a time of high racial and social tension, the fight for equality inspires Bonds to compose her orchestral masterpiece. Trad, arr Bonds: Joshua Fit da Battle of Jericho (arr for voice and chamber ensemble by P. Spray) Michael Walker II, countertenor Alchemy Viols Philip Spray, director Trad, arr Bonds: I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free Leontyne Price, soprano Rust College Choir Lassaye Van Buren Holmes, chorus master Trad, arr Bonds: He's Got the Whole World in His Hands Studio Orchestra Leonard de Paur, conductor Trad: Wade in the Water Fisk Jubilee Singers Spiritual Suite; No 3, Troubled Water Samantha Ege, piano Montgomery Variations Royal Scottish National Orchestra Kellen Gray, conductor Fugal Dance Althea Waites, piano Produced by Julien Rosa A BBC Audio Wales & West production for BBC Radio 3 Donald Macleod meets Margaret Bonds at a crucial time in the fight for racial equality. Donald Macleod and musicologist Samantha Ege continue Margaret Bonds' story, as she works with a pioneer diva, and composes a powerful piece inspired by the civil rights movement. |
| 2024 | 04 | Black Pride | 20241024 | Donald Macleod and musicologist and pianist Dr Samantha Ege continue Margaret Bonds' story, as she works with a pioneer diva, and composes a powerful piece inspired by the civil rights movement. Margaret Bonds (1913-1972) was one of the most important composers and pianists of her time. She wrote several dozens of art songs, arranged many traditional spirituals, and composed large-scale cantatas. From her native Chicago where she was the first black performer to play with the Symphony Orchestra to the buzzing stages of New York where she set poetic gems to music, and at a time of racial discrimination and fight for civil rights, her story is one of determination, friendship, and absolute dedication to music-making. As such, the programme does include some language of the period. In this fourth programme, Margaret Bonds establishes her career in New York with great success, spending every spare moment writing music. But at a time of high racial and social tension, the fight for equality inspires Bonds to compose her orchestral masterpiece. Trad, arr Bonds: Joshua Fit da Battle of Jericho (arr for voice and chamber ensemble by P. Spray) Michael Walker II, countertenor Alchemy Viols Philip Spray, director Trad, arr Bonds: I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free Leontyne Price, soprano Rust College Choir Lassaye Van Buren Holmes, chorus master Trad, arr Bonds: He's Got the Whole World in His Hands Studio Orchestra Leonard de Paur, conductor Trad: Wade in the Water Fisk Jubilee Singers Spiritual Suite; No 3, Troubled Water Samantha Ege, piano Montgomery Variations Royal Scottish National Orchestra Kellen Gray, conductor Fugal Dance Althea Waites, piano Produced by Julien Rosa A BBC Audio Wales & West production for BBC Radio 3 Donald Macleod meets Margaret Bonds at a crucial time in the fight for racial equality. An informative guide to composers' lives and their music. Donald Macleod and musicologist Samantha Ege continue Margaret Bonds' story, as she works with a pioneer diva, and composes a powerful piece inspired by the civil rights movement. |
| 2024 | 05 | A Laugh For The Road | 20241025 | Donald Macleod is joined by musicologist and pianist Dr Samantha Ege, author of 'South Side Impresarios: How Race Women Transformed Chicago's Classical Music Scene' (published 12 November 2024 by the University of Illinois Press). They tell the final chapter of Margaret Bonds' life, filled with well-deserved recognition, new departures, and irreparable heartbreaks. Margaret Bonds (1913-1972) was one of the most important composers and pianists of her time. She wrote several dozens of art songs, arranged many traditional spirituals, and composed large-scale cantatas. From her native Chicago where she was the first black performer to play with the Symphony Orchestra to the buzzing stages of New York where she set poetic gems to music, and at a time of racial discrimination and fight for civil rights, her story is one of determination, friendship, and absolute dedication to music-making. As such, the programme does include some language of the period. In this fifth programme, Margaret Bonds receives a nationwide recognition for her work, including a most special one from her native Chicago. But a friend is about to go, and this will prove impossible to overcome; she can't bear to stay in New York, she has to flee... When the Dove Enters In Davóne Tines, bass-baritone Lara Downes, piano Songs of the Seasons Lawrence Brownlee, tenor Kevin J. Miller, piano Credo Janinah Burnett, soprano Dashon Burton, bass-baritone The Dessoff Choirs Malcolm J. Merriweather, conductor Trad, arr Bonds: Hold On (arr for voice and chamber ensemble by P. Spray) Michael Walker II, countertenor Alchemy Viols Philip Spray, director Simon Bore the Cross (mvt VIII) Produced by Julien Rosa A BBC Audio Wales & West production for BBC Radio 3 Donald Macleod concludes Margaret Bonds' story, ending in glories and heartbreaks. An informative guide to composers' lives and their music. Donald Macleod and musicologist Samantha Ege tell the final chapter of Margaret Bonds' life, filled with well-deserved recognition, new departures and irreparable heartbreaks. |
| 2024 | 05 LAST | A Laugh For The Road | 20241025 | Donald Macleod is joined by musicologist and pianist Dr Samantha Ege, author of 'South Side Impresarios: How Race Women Transformed Chicago's Classical Music Scene' (published 12 November 2024 by the University of Illinois Press). They tell the final chapter of Margaret Bonds' life, filled with well-deserved recognition, new departures, and irreparable heartbreaks. Margaret Bonds (1913-1972) was one of the most important composers and pianists of her time. She wrote several dozens of art songs, arranged many traditional spirituals, and composed large-scale cantatas. From her native Chicago where she was the first black performer to play with the Symphony Orchestra to the buzzing stages of New York where she set poetic gems to music, and at a time of racial discrimination and fight for civil rights, her story is one of determination, friendship, and absolute dedication to music-making. As such, the programme does include some language of the period. In this fifth programme, Margaret Bonds receives a nationwide recognition for her work, including a most special one from her native Chicago. But a friend is about to go, and this will prove impossible to overcome; she can't bear to stay in New York, she has to flee... When the Dove Enters In Davóne Tines, bass-baritone Lara Downes, piano Songs of the Seasons Lawrence Brownlee, tenor Kevin J. Miller, piano Credo Janinah Burnett, soprano Dashon Burton, bass-baritone The Dessoff Choirs Malcolm J. Merriweather, conductor Trad, arr Bonds: Hold On (arr for voice and chamber ensemble by P. Spray) Michael Walker II, countertenor Alchemy Viols Philip Spray, director Simon Bore the Cross (mvt VIII) Produced by Julien Rosa A BBC Audio Wales & West production for BBC Radio 3 Donald Macleod concludes Margaret Bonds' story, ending in glories and heartbreaks. Donald Macleod and musicologist Samantha Ege tell the final chapter of Margaret Bonds' life, filled with well-deserved recognition, new departures and irreparable heartbreaks. An informative guide to composers' lives and their music. |