Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Examining the dark sides of Wagner, Donald Macleod explores the composer's self-obsession and his belief that he was set apart from other men. Including excerpts from Lohengrin.

Examining the dark sides of Wagner, Donald Macleod explores the composer's self-obsession.

Wagner believed he was an extraordinary artist set apart from other men and, in the character of Lohengrin, the idea of a hero separated from ordinary mortals is followed to its logical conclusion. Wagner's perspective is revealed in his own words, against the backdrop of music from the opera.

1 hour

Last on

Mon 28 Dec 2009 12:00

More episodes

Previous

You are at the first episode

See all episodes from Composer of the Week

Music Played

  • Richard Wagner - Lohengrin

    Performer: Lohengrin: Peter Seiffert Performer: Elsa von Brabant: Emily Magee Performer: Friedrich von Telramund: Falk Struckmann Performer: Ortrud: Deborah Polaski Performer: The King of the Germans: Rene Pape Performer: The King’s Herald: Roman Trekel Performer: Chor der Deutschen Staatsoper Berlin Performer: Staatskapelle Berlin Performer: Daniel Barenboim (Conductor)

Broadcast

  • Mon 28 Dec 2009 12:00

Beethoven Unleashed – the box set

Beethoven Unleashed – the box set

The complete set of Radio 3 Beethoven Unleashed podcasts, with Donald Macleod.

What was really wrong with Beethoven?

What was really wrong with Beethoven?

Georgia Mann and neurosurgeon Henry Marsh examine the composer's numerous health problems

Composers A to Z

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

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.