Main content
This programme will be available shortly after broadcast

Christmas Mysteries

Donald Macleod explores how Latvian composers have engaged with the magic and mystery at the heart of the Christmas story, and discovers what Latvians like to eat at Christmas.

Donald Macleod visits the city of Riga to experience the seasonal music and Christmas traditions of Latvia 鈥 a country overflowing with choral excellence. Today, he visits Riga鈥檚 central food market to discover what special dishes Latvians like to serve at Christmas Time, and he explores how different composers have engaged with the magic and mystery at the heart of the Christmas story.

P膿teris But膩ns: In the Beginning was the Word
State Choir of Latvija, conducted by M膩ris Sirmais

Praulin拧: Missa Rigensis: Credo
I Vocalisti, conducted by Hans-Joachim Lustig

Dubra: Mystery of His Birth
膾riks Kir拧felds, cello
Liep膩ja Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Atvars Lakst墨gala

Vasks: The Fruits Of Silence
Vestards 艩imkus, piano
Latvian Radio Choir, conducted by Sigvards Klava,

anon.: Gaude Maria
Schola Cantorum Riga, directed by Guntars Pr膩nis

Dubra: Hail, Queen of Heaven
State Choir of Latvia, conducted by M膩ris Sirmais

To listen on most smart speakers just say 鈥渁sk 大象传媒 Sounds to play Composer of the Week"

Release date:

59 minutes

On radio

Christmas Eve 2024 16:00

Broadcast

  • Christmas Eve 2024 16:00

Vaughan Williams Today

Vaughan Williams Today

Programmes, concerts and features celebrating Vaughan Williams's 150th anniversary.

Beethoven Unleashed 鈥 the box set

Beethoven Unleashed 鈥 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鈥檚 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 鈥 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.