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Donald Macleod traces the young Vanhal's journey from common serf to the most fashionable salons of Vienna.

Donald Macleod traces the young composer's journey from common serf to the most fashionable salons of Vienna

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.

Vanhal's family were peasants; in effect, legal slaves on the vast Bohemian estates of Count Schaffgotsch. Music offered an escape and Vanhal took every opportunity to better his position - from choir boy, to church organist, and on to Vienna, where rich aristocrats vied to patronise the brilliant young composer.

1 hour

Music Played

  • Johann Baptist Vanhal

    Concerto In C Major W. For Cello And Orchestra -Adagio

    Performer: István Várdai. Choir: Camerata Schweiz. Conductor: Howard Griffiths.
    • CPO: 7776172.
    • CPO.
    • 5.
  • Johann Baptist Vanhal

    Concerto In C Major W. For Cello And Orchestra -Adagio

    Performer: István Várdai. Choir: Camerata Schweiz. Conductor: Howard Griffiths.
    • CPO: 7776172.
    • CPO.
    • 5.
  • Johann Baptist Vanhal

    Symphony In C Major (Sinfonia Comista)

    Performer: Esterhazy Orchestra. Conductor: Uwe Grodd.
    • NAXOS : 8.-554341.
    • NAXOS.
    • 4.
  • Johann Baptist Vanhal

    Symphony In C Major (Sinfonia Comista)

    Performer: Esterhazy Orchestra. Conductor: Uwe Grodd.
    • NAXOS : 8.-554341.
    • NAXOS.
    • 4.
  • Johann Baptist Vanhal

    Quartet In C Minor Op.1`4 For Strings

    Ensemble: Lotus String Quartet.
    • CPO : 777-475-2.
    • CPO.
    • 4.
  • Johann Baptist Vanhal

    Quartet In C Minor Op.1`4 For Strings

    Ensemble: Lotus String Quartet.
    • CPO : 777-475-2.
    • CPO.
    • 4.
  • Johann Baptist Vanhal

    Symphony In G Minor

    Orchestra: Cappella Coloniensis. Conductor: Hans-Martin Linde.
    • Capriccio: 6710002.
    • Capriccio.
    • 11.
  • Johann Baptist Vanhal

    Symphony In G Minor

    Orchestra: Cappella Coloniensis. Conductor: Hans-Martin Linde.
    • Capriccio: 6710002.
    • Capriccio.
    • 11.

Broadcasts

  • Tue 29 Sep 2015 12:00
  • Tue 29 Sep 2015 18:30

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