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Donald Macleod Explains why after securing an all-expenses paid trip to Italy, Vanhal found two years later all was not as well as it seemed.

Vanhal secures an all-expenses paid trip to Italy but, after lingering there for two years, perhaps all is not as well as it seems.

Vanhal's story has all the ingredients for a great musical drama: escape from bondage, early success dashed by sudden personal crisis, and a remarkable re-birth won through faith, talent and strength of character. This week, Donald Macleod relates the colourful story of one of the 18th century's leading musical lights.

Having won the support of one of Vienna's wealthy aristocratic patrons, Vanhal heads off to complete his musical education abroad, with 2000 florins in his wallet and an letters of introduction to every major city in Italy. Back home, a plum job is waiting for him in the household of his benefactor. So why then does Vanhal seem reluctant to take up his dream appointment?

1 hour

Music Played

  • Johann Baptist Vanhal

    Stabat Mater In F Minor For Female Voices And Orchestra -O Quam Tristis

    Singer: Lucie Hilscherova. Choir: Prague Philharmonic Choir. Ensemble: Czech Chamber Soloists. Singer: Hana Skarkova.
    • Radioservis:cr05662.
    • Radioservis.
    • 2.
  • Johann Baptist Vanhal

    Symphony In A Flat Major

    Orchestra: Toronto Camerata. Conductor: Kevin Mallon.
    • Naxos: 8557483.
    • Naxos.
    • 9.
  • Johann Baptist Vanhal

    Quartet In A Major Op.7`5 For Oboe And Strings

    Performer: Sarah Francis. Performer: Brian Schiele.
    • Hyperion:55033.
    • Hyperion.
    • 17.
  • Johann Baptist Vanhal

    Concerto In B Flat Major For Violin And Orchestra

    Orchestra: Virtuosi di Praga. Director: Old艡ich Vl膷ek.
    • DISCOVER INTERNATIONAL : DICD-9201023.
    • DISCOVER INTERNATIONAL.
    • 1.

Broadcasts

  • Wed 30 Sep 2015 12:00
  • Wed 30 Sep 2015 18:30

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