Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Donald Macleod asks keen cyclist Stephen Johnson about the influence Elgar's hobby of cycling had on his music.

Stephen Johnson joins Donald Macleod to explore the landscapes of Herefordshire and Worcestershire that inspired much of the music of Edward Elgar.

Donald asks Stephen, a keen cyclist, about the influence Elgar's hobby of cycling had on his music. They attempt to ride an authentic Edwardian bicycle and examine what the new hobby of the era meant to Elgar and his friends, particularly the female cyclists he knew, a number of whom turn up in the list of friends portrayed in the Enigma Variations.

Pomp and Circumstance March No 3
Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Alexander Gibson (conductor)
Chandos CHAN 241-4, CD1 Tr 18

Introduction and Allegro for strings
³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Symphony Orchestra
Andrew Davis (conductor)
Teldec 9031-73279-2, Tr 2

Variations on an Original Theme (Enigma Variations)
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
David Zinman (conductor)
Telarc CD-80192, Tr 2.

1 hour

Last on

Wed 22 Apr 2009 22:00

Broadcasts

  • Wed 22 Apr 2009 12:00
  • Wed 22 Apr 2009 22:00

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.