Edward Gregson (b 1945) and Alan Bush (1900-1995)

Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Edward Gregson and
Alan Bush


This week, Donald Macleod is in conversation with British
composer, Edward Gregson, who offers a fascinating window into
his own story and also the life and work of his mentor, Alan
Bush. We’ll see how both composers have made significant
contributions to Britain’s musical story, and we explore the
events that led to the very different trajectories of their
careers.


Edward Gregson knew that classical music would be his life after
encountering Brahms’s music as a teenager. He studied composition
with Alan Bush, and his natural instinct for melody and brilliant
orchestral colour have made him a popular choice with audiences
and performers across the world. He also prides himself in rising
to a challenge, including taking on the leadership of one of
Britain’s major musical conservatoires.


In the early part of the twentieth century, Alan Bush seemed
destined to become of the regular stalwarts of Britain’s music
scene, alongside his contemporaries William Walton and Michael
Tippett. It was not to be. Bush's conversion to communism put him
at odds with the British establishment and sent his career in a
very different direction. His story is intriguing and frustrating
in equal measure but, Edward argues, Bush’s ever-present
political agenda shouldn’t detract from the intrinsic quality of
his music.


Music Featured:


Gregson: Concerto for Orchestra (III. Toccata) Gregson: Quintet
for Brass, (1st mvt) Gregson: Music for Chamber Orchestra (I.
Lento maestoso) Gregson: Connotations Gregson: Six Little Pieces
for piano (Nos. 1-4) Gregson: The Kings go Forth (I. The Church)
Bush: Concert-Piece for cello and piano (opening) Bush:
Relinquishment Bush: Dialectic Bush: Piano Concerto (extract)
Bush: Symphony No 1 (1st mvt) Gregson: Stepping Out Gregson:
Violin Concerto (2nd mvt) Gregson: Shadow of Paradise Gregson:
Make a Joyful Noise Gregson: Clarinet Concerto (Part 1) Bush:
Three Concert Studies (I. Moto Perpetuo) Bush: Violin Concerto
(II. Andante espressivo) Bush: Symphony No 2, ‘The Nottingham
Symphony’ (III. ‘Castle Rock’ & IV ‘Goose Fair’) Bush: Voices
of the Prophets (Nos. 1-3) Bush: Africa - Symphonic movement for
piano and orchestra (extract) Gregson: Symphony in two movements
(I. Toccata) Gregson: String Quartet No 1 (1st mvt) Bush:
Symphony No 4, ‘Lascaux Symphony’ (II. ‘The Children’) Gregson:
Dream Song


Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Chris Taylor for BBC
Wales


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 Edward Gregson (b 1945)
and Alan Bush (1900-1995)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0014g7k


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