Episode 3
Wesley's disputes with Exeter Cathedral precipitate a move to Leeds Parish Church, a move he was to regret for the rest of his life.
Forget Samuel Sebastian Wesley as a pillar of the Anglican Cathedral world - he was an eccentric, inconsistent and irascible character - Donald Macleod marks the bicentenary of Wesley's birth, surveying the composer's life and music.
Wesley's relationship with the Dean and Chapter at Exeter Cathedral turned very sour. He was invited to Leeds to give the opening recital on their new organ, and soon accepted the post of organist there. During his time at Leeds, Wesley was in demand as an organist all over the country, but he also started to put into print his views of the Clergy's control over music.
In today's episode Donald Macleod traces Wesley's move from rural Devon to the industrialised north - a move the composer regretted for the rest of his life. Also there is the Magnificat from Wesley's service in E, which he published accompanied by an introduction in which he publically criticised Cathedrals for their inadequate choirs and organs.
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Music Played
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Samuel Sebastian Wesley
Choral Song and Fugue from 3 Pieces for Chamber Organ Book 1 (1842)
Performer: Carlo Curley, organ
- Argo 4334502.
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Samuel Sebastian Wesley
O Lord, thou art my God (c.1836)
Performer: Choir of Chichester Cathedral, James Thomas (organ), Alan Thurlow (director)
- Priory PRCD539.
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Samuel Sebastian Wesley
Rondo (1834)
Performer: Tom Poster, piano
- 大象传媒 Recording.
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Samuel Sebastian Wesley
O Lord Jesu Christ (1848)
- Mark Rowlinson (baritone), Keith Swallow (piano).
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Samuel Sebastian Wesley
Larghetto in F sharp minor, from 3 Pieces for Chamber Organ Book 2 (1842-3)
Performer: James McVinnie, organ
- Naxos 8.570410.
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Samuel Sebastian Wesley
Magnificat, from the Service in E (1842-3)
Performer: Geoffrey Shaw (bass), Choir of St Paul's Cathedral, Christopher Dearnley (organ), John Scott (conductor)
- Hyperion CDA66249.
Broadcast
- Wed 18 Aug 2010 12:00大象传媒 Radio 3
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