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Ustvolskaya: Brutality, extremity and God

Kate Molleson and Gillian Moore shine new light on the 'modern' music of the 20th century. This week, Gillian explores the brutal musical world of Galina Ustvolskaya.

Kate Molleson and Gillian Moore introduce ѿý Radio 3's series exploring the pivotal 'modern' musical works of the 20th century, the groundbreaking composers who created them, and the radical cultural and artistic movements which gave rise to them. This week, Gillian explores the brutal, austere musical world of Galina Ustvolskaya, a composer who seems to have revelled in the sense of loneliness; and leading up to a full performance of her Composition No. 2 'Dies irae' of 1973, we pay a visit to the huge theatre foyer panels painted by artist Yves Klein and explore another composer’s failed attempt to avoid censorship in the Soviet Union.

Produced by Sam Phillips
A Reduced Listening production for ѿý Radio 3

To listen on most smart speakers just say, “ask ѿý Sounds to play 20th Century Radicals”

Release date:

59 minutes

On radio

Sun 23 Nov 2025 21:00

Broadcast

  • Sun 23 Nov 2025 21:00