麻豆约拍

Catholic composer Sir James MacMillan considers the faith lives of four very different composers.

James talks with Professor Richard Bell, Barbara Eichner and Stephen Johnson. They discuss ways in which Richard Wagner鈥檚 religious upbringing, political experiences and wide reading of philosophy and theology informed and imbued his colossal music dramas.

And James reveals his own obsession with Wagner, which began in teenage years, and describes ways in which Wagner has influenced his own compositions.

Over the centuries, composers have created musical masterpieces which many listeners have come to regard as spiritual touchstones. For example, Tallis's motet Spem in alium, Wagner鈥檚 opera Parsifal, Elgar's oratorio The Dream of Gerontius, Bernstein's Mass. But what did these composers actually believe about God, faith, compassion, an afterlife and redemption? And do we need to share these beliefs in any way, to have a spiritual experience as listeners to their music?

Answers to these questions are complex, fascinating and challenging.

Produced by Rosie Boulton
A Must Try Softer production for 麻豆约拍 Radio 4