Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

A Passionate Nature

Composer of the Week Leos Janacek (1854-1928)
Episode 3 of 5

Donald Macleod introduces Janacek's intense first string quartet and two contrasting operas whose heroines were again inspired by Kamila Stosslova.

One of Jan谩cek's favourite places was the peaceful village of Hukvaldy where he'd been born and where, in 1921, he bought a cottage in which he could compose, away from the hectic life of Brno. Shortly afterwards he began work on the opera in which he was able to combine two of his passions - for the natural world which had always been an essential part of his life, and for Kamila St枚sslov谩, the married woman with whom he became obsessed. Donald Macleod introduces this everyday tale of Vixen Sharp-Ears, and Jan谩cek's next opera, whose enigmatic heroine was also inspired by Kamila. Elina Makropulos has lived for over three centuries and, as the elixir which has kept her alive begins to wear off, she realises that there's only one possible solution to her joyless existence.

1 hour

Last on

Wed 23 Jul 2014 12:00
蜜芽传媒 Radio 3

More episodes

Previous

KamilaLeos Janacek (1854-1928)

Next

ReminiscenceLeos Janacek (1854-1928)

See all episodes from Composer of the Week

Music Played

  • Leos Jan谩膷ek

    National dances of Moravia - No 15

    Performer: Thomas Ad猫s.
    • EMI CLASSICS : 5-57219-2.
    • EMI CLASSICS.
    • 37.

  • Leos Jan谩膷ek

    The Cunning little vixen - Act II from Fox Goldenstripe

    Orchestra: Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Singer: Gillian Knight. Singer: Lillian Watson. Singer: Mary King. Conductor: Sir Simon Rattle. Singer: Diana Montague. Choir: The Rome Opera Chorus.
    • CHANDOS : CHAN-3101.
    • CHANDOS.
    • 29.

  • Leos Jan谩膷ek

    Quartet no. 1 (The Kreutzer Sonata) for strings reconstructed as Trio for piano

    Performer: Leos Jan谩膷ek. Performer: Pavel Haas Quartet.
    • Supraphon: SU39222.
    • Supraphon.
    • 1.

  • Leos Jan谩膷ek

    The Makropulos case [Vec Makropulos] - opera in 3 acts

    Conductor: Charles Mackerras. Choir: Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor. Singer: Elisabeth S枚derstr枚m. Singer: Peter Dvorsk媒. Singer: Vladim铆r Krej膷铆k. Singer: Anna Czakov谩. Singer: Dalibor Jedli膷ka. Singer: V谩clav Z铆tek. Orchestra: Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
    • DECCA : 430 372-2.
    • DECCA.
    • 3.

Broadcast

  • Wed 23 Jul 2014 12:00
    蜜芽传媒 Radio 3

Beethoven Unleashed 鈥� the box set

Beethoven Unleashed 鈥� the box set

The complete set of Radio 3 Beethoven Unleashed podcasts, with Donald Macleod.

What was really wrong with Beethoven?

What was really wrong with Beethoven?

Georgia Mann and neurosurgeon Henry Marsh examine the composer's numerous health problems

Composers A to Z

Composers A to Z

Visit the extensive audio archive of Radio 3 programmes about Composers and their works.

Who knew? Five eye-opening stories from Composer of the Week

Who knew? Five eye-opening stories from Composer of the Week

The production team reflects on 5 of Donald Macleod鈥檚 best stories from the last 20 years

Five reasons why we love Parry's Jerusalem

What is the strange power of Jerusalem which makes strong men weep?

A man out of time 鈥� why Parry's music and ideas were at odds with his image...

The composer of Jerusalem was very far from the conservative figure his image suggests.

Composer Help Page

Find resources and contacts for composers from within the classical music industry.