Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Gunpowder and Tobacco

Donald Macleod explores the music of James' time through key moments in his reign, focusing on the aftermath of the Gunpowder Plot.

Donald Macleod explores the music and musicians of James' time through key moments in his reign.

On 5 November 1605, Guy Fawkes' terrorist outrage shook the foundations of Parliament, if only metaphorically. Donald Macleod explores how James' musicians responded to the event and includes a song by a tobacco lover, church music by an alcoholic and keyboard music from the most respected organist of the age.

Hume: Tobacco, tobacco
Paul Hillier (baritone)
Rosemary Thorndycraft (bass viol)
HYPERION CDA66003, Tr 8

Weelkes: O Lord, grant the king a long life
Oxford Camerata
Jeremy Summerly (director)
NAXOS 8553209

Richard Allison: Goe from my window
De la Tromba Pavan
Dowland Consort
Jakob Lindberg (director)
BIS CD451, Trs 16-17

Weelkes: Magnificat (Service for Trebles)
Winchester Cathedral Choir
Timothy Byram-Wigfield (organ)
HELIOS CDH55259, Tr 8

Hume: Cease leaden slumber
Suzie le Blanc (soprano)
Les Voix Humaines
ATMA ACD22136, Tr 10

Gibbons: Song I
A Fancy for Double Organ
Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford
Jonathan Hardy (organ)
Bill Ives (director)
HARMONIA HUNDI HMU907337, Trs 6-7

Gibbons: Te Deum (Second Service)
The King's Consort
Robert King (director)
HYPERION CDA67286 CD2, Tr 9.

1 hour

Broadcasts

  • Tue 8 Apr 2008 12:00
  • Tue 8 Apr 2008 20:45
  • Tue 18 Aug 2009 12:00

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.