Possessiveness and Jealousy
Donald Macleod delves into Beethoven’s increasing possessiveness over his nephew Karl, and his eventual triumph in winning back guardianship from Karl’s mother, Johanna.
Donald Macleod delves into Beethoven’s increasing possessiveness over his nephew Karl, and his eventual triumph in winning back guardianship from Karl’s mother, Johanna. Today Donald also traces how Karl was becoming unruly at school, and at times, not wanting to have contact with his uncle Ludwig.
Minuet, WoO17 (Mödlinger Tänze, No 2)
Capella Istropolitana
Oliver Dohnanyi, conductor
Piano Sonata No 30 in E, Op 109 (Prestissimo)
Steven Osborne, piano
Symphony No 9 in D minor, Op 125 ‘Choral’ (Excerpt)
Wiener Philharmoniker
Sir Simon Rattle, conductor
Resignation, WoO 149
John Mark Ainsley, tenor
Iain Burnside, piano
Abendlied Unterm Gestirnten Himmel, WoO150
John Mark Ainsley, tenor
Iain Burnside, piano
Piano Sonata No 31 in A flat, Op 110
Anne Queffélec, piano
Produced by Luke Whitlock
On radio
Broadcast
- Wed 28 May 2025 16:00ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 3
Beethoven Unleashed – the box set
The complete set of Radio 3 Beethoven Unleashed podcasts, with Donald Macleod.
What was really wrong with Beethoven?
Georgia Mann and neurosurgeon Henry Marsh examine the composer's numerous health problems
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
The production team reflects on 5 of Donald Macleod’s 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 – 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.