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Success and supporters

Donald explores the life of Delius through five relationships. In today's programme, Delius struggles to make a name for himself - until his music earns him a powerful supporter.

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

In today's programme, Delius has found his voice as a composer but he cannot yet call music his livelihood. Performances of his works have been sporadic, publishers and promoters seem altogether uninterested - but that all changes when a young conductor named Thomas Beecham hears his work.

Appalachia (Variations on an old slave song): 7. Andante con grazia
Orchestra of the Welsh National Opera, conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras

Appalachia (Variations on an old slave song): 9. Allegro alla marcia, 10. Marcia: molto lento maestoso
Chorus of the Welsh National Opera
Orchestra of the Welsh National Opera, conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras

A Village Romeo and Juliet: The Walk To The Paradise Garden
Academy of St Martin in the Fields, conducted by Sir Neville Marriner

3 Partsongs (1907-8): 1. On Craig Dhu (An impression of nature)
Birmingham Conservatoire Chamber Choir, conducted by Paul Spicer

Double Concerto
Tasmin Little, violin
Paul Watkins, cello
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Andrew Davis

Produced by Chris Taylor for ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Audio

Release date:

59 minutes

On radio

Thu 21 Aug 2025 16:00

Broadcast

  • Thu 21 Aug 2025 16:00

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