Anniversary Special: A Welsh Quintet live from Cardiff

Donald Macleod celebrates 80 years of "Composer of the Week" with
a concert of music by Grace Williams and Hilary Tann, curated by
Welsh music historian Rhian Davies, and performed by the BBC
Singers in Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff Bay. Donald, together with
Welsh music specialist Geraint Lewis and conductor and
broadcaster Gwawr Owen, considers the part these two composers
play in the history of Wales' vibrant choral tradition.


Composer of the Week has been produced in Cardiff since 1999 so
it's fitting that Donald is celebrating Welsh composers in this
anniversary series. Across the week, he follows the stories of
Grace Williams, Hilary Tann, Morfydd Owen, Dilys Elwyn-Edwards
and Rhian Samuel. This quintet of composers were all born in
Wales, and much of their music finds inspiration in their Welsh
roots. Collectively their stories will take us from the 1890s to
the present day.


For the first time in "Composer of the Week's" long history, it
was recorded live and in front of an audience. During the
programme the BBC Singers showcase music by two composers Grace
Williams and Hilary Tann, through their choral music. Music
includes Williams' arrangements of Welsh folk-songs, and her
masterly setting of Ave Maris Stella and we also hear Hilary
Tann's settings of Welsh poets RS Thomas and Menna Elfyn.


Trad. arr. Grace Williams: Jim Cro Trad. arr. Grace Williams: O
rare Turpin Trad. arr. Grace Williams: Mari lwyd Hilary Tann: The
Moor Grace Williams: Ave maris stella Hilary Tann: Wellspring
Grace Williams: When the green woods laugh Hilary Tann: Paradise


Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Johannah Smith for BBC
Audio Wales and West


For full track listings, including artist and recording details,
and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after
broadcast) head to the series page for Anniversary Special: A
Welsh Quintet https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001qfrt


And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we’ve
featured on Composer of the Week here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z