This month, we're marking 80 years since VE Day, and the end of World War II. Wait, what's the link with classical music here? Well, British composers played a vital role in lifting spirits during wartime, sometimes in unlikely ways. Rob Ainsley tells how they played their part with symphonies, film scores… and jam.
Staying with the war theme, Erik Levi examines how, in wartime Germany and its occupied countries, music was a carefully controlled part of the Nazi propaganda machine - including, for example, a performance of Mozart’s Requiem with all Hebrew words excised.
Last but definitely not least in our World War II-themed trilogy is a celebration of pianist Myra Hess, who did so much to raise wartime morale with her daily recitals at the National Gallery. But, as Jessica Duchen reveals, there's much more to Myra's legacy than these concerts, crucial as they were to our national mood.
There's another major anniversary to mark this month. Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau’s consummate artistry enthralled all who heard him sing and, on the centenary of his birth, Andrew Green assesses the German baritone's huge impact on the history of art song.
Elsewhere, Ariane Todes hears how cellist Matthew Barley’s Light Stories project has helped him to work through trauma dating back to a psychotic event in his teens. And, for our travel feature, Claire Jackson heads to Prague, Czechia, the vibrant home of not one, but two leading Czech composers - each honoured with his own prestigious festival.
For Composer of the Month, Stephen Johnson examines how a lifestyle featuring cigars, women and booze nonetheless resulted in some heavenly music from the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. And this month's Building a Library choice is Vaughan Williams's Dona Nobis Pacem. Rebecca Franks explores a composer’s choral plea for peace, written as the dark cloud of fascism moved ominously over a nervous Europe. Last but definitely not least, presenter and psychologist Sian Williams selects the six pieces of music that have had a lasting impact on her.
Here's a look at our cover CD this month, featuring Benjamin Britten's Spring Symphony, plus works by Walton, Eric Coates, and the great American composer Aaron Copland, in wonderful performances from the BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales. Click here or on the image to see the track details for this month's cover CD.
