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God Against Art

Donald Macleod explores Elgar’s faith and falling out with God.

Edward Elgar was a man of many passions, from cycling to chemistry. This week, Donald Macleod explores five of the composer’s greatest loves. Throughout his life, Elgar found inspiration in faith, but his relationship with religion would prove to be fraught.

In today’s programme, Donald discovers how Elgar’s Catholic upbringing both shaped his music and held back his career as a composer.

Ave Verum Corpus, Op. 2 No. 1
James Vivian, organ
The Choir of Lincoln Cathedral, conducted by Colin Walsh

The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part II (excerpt)
Stuart Skelton, tenor
Sarah Connolly, mezzo
David Soar, bass
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Symphony Chorus & ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Andrew Davis

The Apostles, Op. 49: Part 1, Prologue & I. The Calling of the Apostles
Rebecca Evans, soprano
Paul Groves, tenor
Hallé Orchestra & Hallé Choir, conducted by Sir Mark Elder

The Kingdom, Op. 51: Prelude
Hallé Orchestra & Hallé Choir, conducted by Sir Mark Elder

Te Deum, Op. 34 No. 1
Jonathan Vaughn, organ
Choir of St. John’s College Cambridge, conducted by Christopher Robinson

Produced by Alice McKee for ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Audio Wales & West

Release date:

59 minutes

Broadcast

  • Wednesday 16:00

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