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Music – from page to performance

Composer Errollyn Wallen, conductor and harpsichordist Laurence Cummings and jazz singer Emma Smith discuss musical composition and interpretation, with Adam Rutherford.

The award-winning composer Errollyn Wallen offers an insight into what it’s like to write a piece of music. In her memoir, Becoming a Composer, she also looks back on how a girl born in Belize and brought up in Tottenham found herself at home in the world of classical music.

Handel was gradually losing his sight in 1751 as he finished what was his last dramatic oratorio Jephtha. The harpsichordist Laurence Cummings conducts a new performance of this biblical tale of faith and sacrifice, at the Royal Opera House (8–24 November; on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 3 on 27 January). He explains how Handel’s work has been reinterpreted for today’s audience.

Jazz musicians are celebrated for their re-interpretation of classics and improvisation. As the London Jazz festival is in full swing (10-19 November, and on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 3), the celebrated jazz singer Emma Smith talks about what happens when the notes on the page are transformed into a performance.

Producer: Katy Hickman

Available now

40 minutes

Last on

Mon 13 Nov 2023 21:30

Broadcasts

  • Mon 13 Nov 2023 09:00
  • Mon 13 Nov 2023 21:30

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