Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Revisiting the Past

Donald Macleod concentrates a period of Bach's compositional introspection, when he re-imagined works for different forces.

In his last years, JS Bach undertook an intensified review of his works, sometimes re-imagining them for different forces. In the process he would transform them. With the Mass in B Minor, Bach revisited some of his older works, but expanded upon them hugely, creating a compendium of different styles of music. Donald Macleod looks at JS Bach's music during a period of compositional introspection.

1 hour

Music Played

  • Johann Sebastian Bach

    Prelude and fugue from Das Wohltemperierte Klavier, bk.2 no. 22 in B flat minor BWV.891

    Performer: Glenn GOULD - Piano

    • SONY CLASSICAL.
    • SM2K-52603.
  • Johann Sebastian Bach

    Concerto no. 4 in A major BWV.1055 for keyboard and string orchestra

    Performer: Ton KOOPMAN - Director Performer: Ton KOOPMAN - Harpsichord Performer: Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra

    • ERATO.
    • 2292-45646 2.
  • Johann Sebastian Bach

    Mass in B minor BWV.232

    Conductor: Philippe HERREWEGHE Performer: Collegium Vocale Ghent Performer: La CHAPELLE ROYALE

    • HARMONIA MUNDI.
    • HMX-2951614.15.

Broadcasts

  • Tue 31 Jul 2012 12:00
  • Tue 31 Jul 2012 18:00

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.