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A bid for freedom

Donald explores the life of Delius through five relationships. In today's programme, as pressure from his father mounts, the young composer makes a break for it.

Donald Macleod meets the people who found themselves bewitched by Frederick Delius - both the man and his music.

In today's programme, Delius' father puts pressure on his son to join the family business: the wool trade. A strict disciplinarian, Delius Sr doesn't see music as a serious career to pursue, so he puts the young composer to work as a salesman. Meanwhile, Delius hatches a plan to make a break for it.

On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Andrew Davis

North Country Sketches, III. Dance
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Richard Hickox

Florida Suite: III. Sunset – Near the Plantation
English Northern Philharmonia, conducted by David Lloyd-Jones

Violin Sonata No. 3: Movts 2 & 3
Tasmin Little, violin
Piers Lane, piano

Violin Sonata No. 1, 2nd part: With vigour and animation
Tasmin Little, violin
Piers Lane, piano

Paa Vidderne (On the Mountains)
Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Andrew Davis

Produced by Chris Taylor for ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Audio

Release date:

59 minutes

On radio

Tue 19 Aug 2025 16:00

Broadcast

  • Tue 19 Aug 2025 16:00

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