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Tom returns from Italy to discover his sister has become a celebrity. With Donald Macleod.

English composer, Thomas Linley The Younger, was destined to become one of the brightest musical stars of eighteenth century. No less a person than Mozart, who was also a personal friend, hailed him as a ‘true genius’. Even so, Linley’s life was troubled. He and his siblings were ruthlessly driven by their ambitious father. He saw his beloved sister become fodder for the celebrity-hungry gossip mongers of the British press and must have wondered if he might be next. He was forced to navigate a dangerous atmosphere of prurience and moral suspicion about the private lives of ‘theatre people’ like himself. A cloud of mystery hovers over Tom’s shocking and early death at the age of just 22. Donald Macleod is joined by Linley’s biographer, Tony Scotland, to shine a light on this charming and often enigmatic composer, alongside music by Tom and his circle.

Today, Donald follows the fortunes of Tom’s sister, Elizabeth whose beauty and singing talents had made her famous. But Tom is aghast when her notoriety attracts harassment and advances from unwanted suitors. Elizabeth decides to run away; scandal and violence follows and Tom is left wondering at the destructive power of fame

Linley the Elder(arr. Borutzki): The Lark Sings High in the Cornfield
Julla von Landsberg, soprano
Simon Borutzki, recorder
Hofkapelle Schloss Seehaus

Linley the Younger: Ye nymphs of Albion's beauty-blooming isle (extracts)
Linley the Younger: In yonder grove
Julia Gooding, soprano
The Parley of Instruments Baroque Orchestra directed by Paul Nicholson

Linley the Younger: Violin Concerto in F major
Mirijam Contzen, violin
Bavarian Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Reinhard Goebel

Produced by Chris Taylor for ´óÏó´«Ã½ Audio Wales & West