R3

RADIO-LISTS: BBC RADIO 3
Unofficial Weekly Listings for BBC Radio 3 — supported by bbc.co.uk/programmes/

SATURDAY 06 SEPTEMBER 2025

SAT 00:30 Through the Night (m002hls7)
Martha Argerich and Renaud Capuçon in Lausanne

Renaud Capuçon conducts the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra with Martha Argerich as the soloist in Beethoven's second piano concerto, paired with Brahms's Serenade no 2. John Shea presents.

12:31 AM
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Coriolan, Op 62, overture
Lausanne Chamber Orchestra, Renaud Capuçon (conductor)

12:39 AM
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Piano Concerto no 2 in B flat major, Op 19
Martha Argerich (piano), Lausanne Chamber Orchestra, Renaud Capuçon (conductor)

01:09 AM
Robert Schumann (1810-1856)
Traumes Wirren, from 'Fantasiestücke, Op 12'
Martha Argerich (piano)

01:12 AM
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Gavotte, from 'English Suite no 3 in G minor, BWV.808'
Martha Argerich (piano)

01:16 AM
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
Serenade no 2 in A major, Op 16
Lausanne Chamber Orchestra, Renaud Capuçon (conductor)

01:44 AM
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Allegro Molto from Piano Sonata in D major, K381
Martha Argerich (piano), Maria Joao Pires (piano)

01:48 AM
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Septet in E flat major, Op 20
Michel Lethiec (clarinet), Andre Cazalet (horn), Giorgio Mandolesi (bassoon), Agata Szymczewska (violin), Amihai Grosz (viola), Rafal Kwiatkowski (cello), Jurek Dybal (double bass)

02:31 AM
Louis-Nicolas Clerambault (1676-1749)
L'Isle de Delos (cantate profane)
Isabelle Poulenard (soprano), Ensemble Amalia

02:52 AM
Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
4 Impromptus, Op 142 (D.935)
Alfred Brendel (piano)

03:24 AM
Frederick Delius (1862-1934)
In a Summer Garden
Argovia Philharmonic, Douglas Bostock (conductor)

03:40 AM
Daniel Purcell (c.1663-1717)
Sonata in F for recorder and harpsichord
Antoni Sawicz (recorder), Robert Grac (harpsichord)

03:48 AM
Frank Bridge (1879-1941)
Four pieces for viola and piano
Lise Berthaud (viola), Xenia Maliarevitch (piano)

03:59 AM
Alice Mary Smith (1839-1884)
The Masque of Pandora (Overture)
BBC Concert Orchestra, Bramwell Tovey (conductor)

04:10 AM
Jules Massenet (1842-1912)
Manon Act 1: Manon and Des Grieux recit and duet
Lyne Fortin (soprano), Richard Margison (tenor), Orchestre Symphonique de Quebec, Simon Streatfield (conductor)

04:18 AM
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), arr. Ferruccio Busoni
Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV.659
Igor Levit (piano)

04:23 AM
Giovanni Gabrieli (1557-1612)
Canzon duodecimi toni à 8, C.174, from 'Sacrae symphoniae'
Cardinal Complex, Jonas Gassmann (conductor)

04:31 AM
Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)
The Last rose of summer (Groves of Blarney) from Folksong arrangements
Elizabeth Watts (soprano), Paul Turner (piano)

04:35 AM
Franz Schubert (1797-1828), transc. Franz Liszt
Ave Maria (S.558 no 12)
Sylviane Deferne (piano)

04:42 AM
Pieter Hellendaal (1721-1799)
Solo (sonata) for cello and continuo in G major, Op 5 no 1 (1780)
Jaap ter Linden (cello), Ageet Zweistra (cello), Ton Koopman (harpsichord)

04:51 AM
Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)
Eugene Onegin, Op 24 (Act 2: Introduction & waltz)
BBC Philharmonic, Vassily Sinaisky (conductor)

04:59 AM
Franz Xaver Wolfgang Mozart (1791-1844)
Songs for Baritone and Piano
1. An den Abendstern op. 27/1
2. Klage an den Mond op. 9/5
3. Der Schmetterling auf einem Vergissmeinnicht op. 9/4
4. Das Finden op. 27/2]
Wolf Matthias Friedrich (baritone), Vera Kooper (piano)

05:09 AM
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
Violin Concerto in E minor, Op 64
Renaud Capuçon (violin), Stavanger Symphony Orchestra, Paul McCreesh (conductor)

05:35 AM
Plamen Djourov (b.1949)
Two Ballades, nos I & IV
Eolina Quartet

05:44 AM
Adolf Fredrik Lindblad (1801-1878), Thekla Knos (lyricist)
Drommarne
Swedish Radio Choir, Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Gustav Sjokvist (conductor)

06:01 AM
Robert Schumann (1810-1856)
Kinderszenen for piano, Op 15
Eun-Soo Son (piano)

06:20 AM
Dorothy Howell (1898-1982)
Two Pieces for Muted Strings
BBC Symphony Orchestra, Michael Collins (conductor)

SAT 06:30 Breakfast (m002hy04)
Wake up with classical music

Emma Clarke presents Radio 3’s Breakfast show live from Salford. You can contact the show by emailing 3breakfast@bbc.co.uk.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say, 'Ask BBC Sounds to play 3 Breakfast.'

SAT 09:00 Saturday Morning (m002hy06)
Soprano Golda Schultz drops in

Tom Service with guests, stories and the perfect classical soundtrack to start your weekend.

South African soprano Golda Schultz joins Tom in the studio ahead of her BBC Prom with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, where she'll be performing songs by Bernstein, Gershwin and Weill.

To listen on most smart speakers just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Saturday Morning”.

SAT 12:00 Earlier... with Jools Holland (m002bv59)
Jools and guests share their musical favourites

Jools shares his lifelong passion for classical music and the beautiful connections with jazz and blues. With fascinating guests each week, who bring their own favourite music and occasionally perform live in Jools's studio.

Today, Jools's choices include music by Joseph Haydn, Steve Reich and Big Maceo, with performances by Nina Simone, Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective and Antal Dorati. We revisit an interview with the late artist Brian Clarke who died earlier this year. Known for his large-scale stained glass and mosaic projects, he talks about the classical music that stuck with him throughout his extraordinary life, including pieces by Berlioz, Stravinsky, Walton and Handel.

To listen on most smart speakers just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Earlier with Jools Holland".

SAT 13:00 Music Matters (m0026whh)
Satire and the Stave

Satire and Religion

In the fourth episode of this six-part series, writer and satirist Chris Addison (The Thick of It, Veep) explores how music has been used to comment on religion and challenge its authority.

Chris has chosen tracks that show how composers have handled religion throughout the ages. This programme features music by Leonard Bernstein, Ethel Smyth, Johannes Brahms, Robert Nathaniel Dett, William Byrd, and more.

In this series, Chris Addison - himself a classical music devotee, keen amateur choral singer and opera buff - takes listeners on a tour of how composers have used their music to question, parody, and challenge power and ideas over the years. Classical music can amplify power, but it can also undermine it - satirising and thumbing the nose of the status quo. Composers have used classical music to critique, undermine and even lampoon - often in cleverly nuanced, surprising ways that reconnect us to the flawed humans - and shared humanity - beneath the pomposity. Each episode in this series takes a big idea, and illustrates it with a playlist of entertaining and diverse music spanning the entire history of Western classical music.

Leonard Bernstein: Mass – Gloria VI. Gloria: 1. Gloria tibi / 2. Gloria in excelsis / 3. Trope: "Half of the People"
Alan Titus (baritone)
Norman Scribner Choir, The Berkshire Boy Choir, Mass Cast Studio Orchestra
Leonard Bernstein (conductor)

Ethel Smyth: The Wreckers – Overture
Scottish National Orchestra
Sir Alexander Gibson (conductor)

Johannes Brahms: Ein Deutsches Requiem – Iv: Wie Lieblich Sind Deine Wohnungen
Elizabeth Watts (soprano)
Stéphane Degout (baritone)
London Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir
Yannick Nézet-Séguin (conductor)

Benjamin Britten: Noye’s Fludde – “Wiffe, Come In!”
Owen Brannigan (bass)
Sheila Rex (mezzo-soprano)
David Pinto (boy soprano)
Benjamin Britten (piano)
English Opera Group orchestra, Norman del Mar (conductor)

Margaret Bonds: Credo – Vii: I Believe In Patience
The Dessoff Choirs
Malcolm J. Merriweather (conductor)

Robert Nathaniel Dett / Traditional: Listen to the Lambs
Nathaniel Dett Chorale
Brainerd Blyden-Taylor (director)

Leos Janácek: Glagolitic Mass – Gloria
Gabriela Benacková (soprano)
Vera Soukupova (mezzo-soprano)
František Livora (tenor)
Karel Průša
Jan Hora
Czech Philharmonic Choir
Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
Vaclav Neumann (conductor)

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina: Missa Papae Marcelli – Kyrie
Oxford Camerata
Jeremy Summerly (director)

William Byrd: Why Do I Use My Paper, Ink & Pen?
Stile Antico & Fretwork

Produced by James C Taylor
An Overcoat Media Production for BBC Radio 3

SAT 14:00 Record Review (m002hy0c)
BBC Proms Composer: Brahms with Laura Tunbridge and Hannah French

Hannah French with the best new recordings of classical music.

1430
BBC Proms Composer: Johannes Brahms
Laura Tunbridge picks five indispensable recordings of BBC Proms Composer Brahms

c1530
Proms Recording
Hannah introduces the Building a Library recommendation of a major work by a composer featured at this year's Proms.

Mozart: Clarinet Concerto in A, K.622
Julian Bliss (clarinet),
Royal Northern Sinfonia
Mario Venzago (conductor)

SAT 16:00 Sound of Cinema (m002hy0f)
Anne Dudley

Matthew Sweet is joined by multi-award-winning composer, Anne Dudley, to discuss her latest work for the film Signs of Life - which is released in cinemas on 5 September.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say: "Ask BBC Sounds to play Sound of Cinema.”

SAT 17:00 This Classical Life (m002hy0h)
This Classical Life... with Gerald Finley

Gerald Finley is one of the world’s leading operatic baritones, known for his powerful performances in dramatic opera, in recital and on the international stage including the BBC Proms. Gerry joins Jess to talk through monumental moments in his musical career including his time at King's College Cambridge and how he nearly joined the King's Singers, a love of jazz, what happens right before going on stage at the opera and how he craves silence when on the road. Jess also brings also music by the Danish String Quartet, Vivaldi, Stan Getz and Nadia Boulanger.

To listen on most smart speakers just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Radio 3”

SAT 18:00 Music Planet (m002hy0k)
Piers Faccini & Ballaké Sissoko in concert

Lopa Kothari interviews English folk songwriter Piers Faccini and Malian kora virtuoso Ballaké Sissoko to discuss their first collaboration in 20 years - the album 'Our Calling'. Their record - the product of two decades of friendship - experiments with Malian traditional rhythms as well as British and Mediterranean folk song forms to explore the theme of migration using the symbolism of birds. Alongside the conversation, we'll hear highlights from their sold-out performance at the Paris Philharmonie's Cité de la musique concert room where they brought their intimate and intuitive improvisatory style of music-making to a live audience.

Elsewhere in the show, Lopa plays selections from the likes of the late latin Jazz pioneer Eddie Palmieri, the Belgian-Italian trio Peixe e Limão, and Reunion’s Luc Moindranzé Karioudja.

Concert recordings courtesy of Radio France Internationale Labo
Mixing by Benoît Letirant and Mathias Taylor
Produced by Fatuma Khaireh and Lopa Kothari
A Reduced Listening production for BBC Radio 3

To listen on most smart speakers, just say: “Ask BBC Sounds to play Music Planet.”

SAT 19:00 New Generation Artists (m002hy0m)
2025 Proms season showcase: Kleio Quaret and Sterling Elliott

As part of a special series showcasing current members of Radio 3's New Generation Artists scheme, we introduce specially recorded performances by the Kleio Quartet and cellist Sterling Elliott.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Quartet K. 575 in D major
Kleio Quartet

Kevin Day: Gymnopédie
Sterling Elliott (cello)
Jonathan Ware (piano)

The BBC New Generation Artists scheme was founded in 1999 to support some of the world’s finest young instrumentalists, singers and ensembles at the start of their international careers, through performance and broadcast opportunities. The distinguished list of alumni now numbers well over a hundred, among them many of the most exciting musicians working on the world stage today.

SAT 19:30 BBC Proms (m002hy0p)
2025

Golda Schultz Sings Gershwin and Bernstein

Live from the BBC Proms: Robin Ticciati and the Chamber Orchestra of Europe with soprano Golda Schultz perform songs by Bernstein, Gershwin, Weill and Korngold.

Presented by Martin Handley, live from the Royal Albert Hall, London.

Franz Schreker: Chamber Symphony
George Gershwin: By Strauss
Kurt Weill: Youkali (Tango Habanera)
George Gershwin: Porgy and Bess – ‘Summertime’
Kurt Weill: Lost in the Stars – title song

c.8.20
Interval
The writer Emily MacGregor joins Martin to talk about Kurt Weill and to explore key cabaret and musical theatre hits.

c.8.40pm
Igor Stravinsky: The Rake’s Progress – ‘No word from Tom’
Erich Wolfgang Korngold: Die tote Stadt – ‘Marietta’s Lied’
Leonard Bernstein: West Side Story – ‘Somewhere’
Igor Stravinsky: The Firebird – suite (1945 version)

South African soprano Golda Schultz, the ‘glorious’ star of 2020’s Last Night, returns to the Proms with songs by Bernstein, Gershwin, Weill and others. Bask in the sultry heat of the Deep South in ‘Summertime’ from Porgy and Bess; feel the intensity of first love in ‘Somewhere’ from West Side Story. A programme of contrasting moods and colours also includes Schreker’s sensuous Chamber Symphony – glittering and mercurial – and the bold, folk-infused dances of Stravinsky’s ballet The Firebird.

SAT 22:30 New Music Show (m002hy0r)
Celebrating Estonian New Music

With Arvo Pärt turning 90 years old on 11th September, Tom Service goes on a musical tour of the composer's homeland, Estonia. Featuring some of Pärt's own music, and exploring the range and depth of the country's contemporary composers and performers, including the latest recordings. We also hear from Estonian conductor Paavo Järvi.

SUNDAY 07 SEPTEMBER 2025

SUN 00:30 Through the Night (m002hy0t)
Schumann and Mendelssohn at the BBC Proms

Iván Fischer conducts the Budapest Festival Orchestra with András Schiff as the soloist in Schumann's Piano Concerto, followed by Mendelssohn's 'Scottish' Symphony. John Shea presents.

12:31 AM
Carl Maria von Weber (1786-1826)
Overture to Der Freischütz, Op 77
Budapest Festival Orchestra, Ivan Fischer (conductor)

12:42 AM
Robert Schumann (1810-1856)
Piano Concerto in A minor, Op 54
Andras Schiff (piano), Budapest Festival Orchestra, Ivan Fischer (conductor)

01:13 AM
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
Liebe Schwalbe, kleine Schwalbe (No 4 from Zigeunerlieder, Op 112)
Budapest Festival Orchestra, Andras Schiff (piano)

01:15 AM
Robert Schumann (1810-1856)
Fröhlicher Landmann, from 'Album für die Jugend, Op 68'
Andras Schiff (piano)

01:16 AM
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
Symphony no 3 in A minor, Op 56 'Scottish'
Budapest Festival Orchestra, Ivan Fischer (conductor)

01:56 AM
Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904)
Slavonic Dance no 1 in B major, Op 72
Budapest Festival Orchestra, Ivan Fischer (conductor)

02:01 AM
Laszlo Lajtha (1892-1963)
Three Nocturnes, Op 34
Julia Paszthy (soprano), Istvan Matuz (flute), Ida Lakatos (harp), New Budapest Quartet

02:20 AM
Laszlo Sary (b.1940)
Kotyogó ko egy korsóban (Pebble Playing in a Pot)
Amadinda Percussion Group

02:31 AM
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)
The Four Seasons, Concertos Op 8 nos 1-4
Barbara Jane Gilby (violin), Tasmanian Symphony Chamber Players, Geoffrey Lancaster (conductor)

03:11 AM
Charles-Marie Widor (1844-1937)
Suite for flute and piano, Op 34
Katherine Rudolph (flute), Rena Sharon (piano)

03:29 AM
Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904), orch. Antonin Dvorak
Legend in C major, Op 59 no 4
Bratislava Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Stefan Robl (conductor)

03:36 AM
George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
Aure, deh, per pieta (Giulio Cesare)
Delphine Galou (contralto), Les Ambassadeurs, Alexis Kossenko (director)

03:44 AM
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Piano Sonata in B flat major, K.281
Ingo Dannhorn (piano)

03:56 AM
Ture Rangstrom (1884-1947)
Suite for violin and piano no 2 (in Modo barocco) (1921-2)
Tale Olsson (violin), Mats Jansson (piano)

04:07 AM
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (c.1525-1594)
Fundamenta ejus - motet for 4 voices
Chorus of Swiss Radio, Lugano, Lorenzo Ghielmi (organ), Diego Fasolis (conductor)

04:12 AM
Walter Piston (1894-1976)
Prelude and Allegro (for organ and orchestra)
David Schrader (organ), Grant Park Orchestra, Carlos Kalmar (conductor)

04:23 AM
Maciej Radziwill (1749-1800)
Divertimento in D major
Polish Radio Orchestra, Warsaw, Michal Klauza (conductor)

04:31 AM
Jacob Obrecht (1457-1505)
Frólich wesen (Cheerful disposition)
Grace Newcombe (soprano), Katharina Haun (cornetto), Baptiste Romain (fiddle), Elizabeth Rumsey (gamba), Marc Lewon (viola d'arco)

04:37 AM
Arvo Part (b.1935)
Spiegel im Spiegel
Morten Carlsen (viola), Sergej Osadchuk (piano)

04:45 AM
Alexander Borodin (1833-1887)
Polovtsian dances (Prince Igor)
Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Stuart Challender (conductor)

04:56 AM
Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757)
3 Keyboard Sonatas (Kk.443; Kk.208; Kk.29)
Claire Huangci (piano)

05:07 AM
Boris Papandopulo (1906-1991)
Dodolice: traditional folk ceremony for soprano, piano and girls' choir
Slovenian Chamber Choir, Miljenka Grdan (soprano), Vladimir Krpan (piano), Vladimir Kranjcevic (conductor)

05:27 AM
Antonin Kraft (1749-1820)
Cello Concerto in C major, Op 4
Michal Kanka (cello), Prague Chamber Orchestra, Pavel Safarik (conductor)

05:51 AM
August Enna (1859-1939)
Skitsebogen (Sketch Book)
Ida Cernecka (piano)

06:07 AM
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
Symphony no 96 in D major, H.1.96 'Miracle'
Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Neville Marriner (conductor)

SUN 06:30 Breakfast (m002hwrr)
Ease into the day with classical music

Mark Forrest presents Radio 3’s Breakfast show live from Salford. With birdsong and the best in classical music. You can contact the show by emailing 3breakfast@bbc.co.uk.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say 'Ask BBC Sounds to play 3 Breakfast’.

SUN 09:00 Sunday Morning (m002hwrt)
Your perfect Sunday soundtrack

Sarah Walker with two hours of classical music to reflect, restore and refresh.

Today, there’s music to look ahead to the day's Proms - The BBC Symphony Orchestra and Sakari Oramo are joined by Yevgeny Sudbin for the opening movement of Rachmaninov's emotional second Piano Concerto, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra are buzzing in music by Vaughan Williams.

Sarah also shares a suite full of magical detail from Debussy and a new release from Simon Rattle where he takes on a Mozart opera.

Plus, this week’s choral reflection is part of Alfred Schnittke's impassioned Choir Concerto…

A Tandem Production for BBC Radio 3

SUN 11:00 BBC Proms (m002hwrw)
2025

BBC Proms: Vaughan Williams’s ‘A London Symphony’

Live at the BBC Proms: the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Vasily Petrenko in Respighi's Pines of Rome and Vaughan Williams's 'A London Symphony'.

Presented by Ian Skelly, live from the Royal Albert Hall, London.

Respighi: Pines of Rome
Milhaud: Le boeuf sur le toit (version for violin and orchestra)

At c.11.35am
Interval
Kate Kennedy looks ahead to some highlights in the final week of this year's BBC Proms., a week which includes a major choral work by Arthur Bliss, two concert from the Vienna Philharmonic and appearances from Avi Avital, the National Youth Choir and John Wilson's Sinfonia of London.

At c. 12.00pm
Vaughan Williams: Symphony No. 2 (A London Symphony)

Arabella Steinbacher (violin)
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Vasily Petrenko {conductor)

SUN 13:30 Music Map (m002hwry)
A journey to Bizet's Carmen Suite No. 1

Sara Mohr-Pietsch plots a musical course to the Carmen Suite No. 1 by the French composer Georges Bizet - a collection of the best bits from Bizet's classic opera, arranged for orchestra after the composer's death by his friend Ernest Guiraud. En route we hear other work by Guiraud, who also completed Offenbach's 'The Tales of Hoffman', as well as other music inspired by the cultural traditions of Spain.

To listen to this programme (using most smart speakers), just say: 'Ask BBC Sounds to play Music Map.'

SUN 15:00 BBC Proms (m002hws0)
2025

Angélique Kidjo: African Symphony

Presented by Linton Stephens, live from St George’s Hall, Bradford, with on-stage introductions by Angélique Kidjo.
The multi-award winning Beninese-French singer/songwriter Angélique Kidjo and her band perform African Symphony. This unique work forms a striking and uplifting tribute to Kidjo’s African heritage, with Chris Cameron conducting the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra in arrangements by Derrick Hodge of Angélique’s own influential songs, and music associated with artists such as Miriam Makeba, Fela Kuti, Hugh Masekela, Youssou N’Dour, Rema and Burna Boy.
African Symphony
including: Soul Makossa, Soweto Blues, Carnaval de São Vicente, Malaika, Bring Him Back Home and Afrika.

Performed without an interval

SUN 17:00 The Early Music Show (m0020hvv)
The Rise and Fall of JB Lully

Hannah French is joined in the Early Music Show studio by musicologists Berta Joncus and Lola Salem to explore the life and career of Jean-Baptiste Lully, who shot to fame at the court of King Louis XIV.

Lully was an Italian violinist, guitarist and dancer, who caught the eye of the young King when they danced together in a ballet in 1653. Before long, he became an indispensable part of the Paris and Versailles music scenes, entertaining the royal family for the next thirty years and earning a very good salary from doing so. Lully was bisexual, and for many years his relationships with both men and women were never questioned – there was an implicit acceptance to same-sex desires among the upper echelons of 17th Century Parisian society.

But in 1683, Queen Marie-Thérèse died, and the king's secret marriage to Madame de Maintenon changed everything. Devotion came to the fore at court, the king's enthusiasm for opera dissipated, he became increasingly annoyed by what he now considered Lully's dissolute lifestyle, and everything began to unravel…

SUN 18:00 Words and Music (m001r87s)
Work and Play

Eight minutes Idle is writer Matt Thorne's evocation of office life. Herman Melville's Bartleby preferred not to do what his office boss asked for, whilst in The Mill on the Floss, Maggie Tulliver enjoys sliding down heaps of grain in the mill and playing with spiders' webs. Other readings in this episode exploring work and play convey the toil of blacksmiths, mowing and reaping in works by Dickens, Wordsworth and Robert Frost, and the experience of being self-employed is wittily described in a poem by LL Barkat. Our readers are Tommy Sim'aan and Julia Winwood, and we hear music by Dvořák, Eric Coates, Alexander Mosolov, Van Morrison and Dolly Parton.

Producer in Salford: Nick Holmes

READINGS:
Charles Dickens Great Expectations
William Wordsworth The Solitary Reaper
Robert Frost Mowing
Shel Silverstein I Cannot go to School Today
Walt Whitman I Hear America Singing
Matt Thorne Eight Days Idle
Muriel Spark A Far Cry From Kensington
Bertrand Russell In Praise of Idleness
Elizabeth Gaskell North and South
Margaret Llewellyn Davies editor of Life as We Have Known It: The Voices of Working-Class Women
Philip Larkin Toads
Marge Piercy The Secretary Chant
Toni Morrison Tar Baby
Emily Dickinson Rest at Night
Rajesh Thankappan Work and Rest
LL Barkat Self-Employed
Herman Melville Bartleby, the Scrivener
George Eliot The Mill on the Floss
Alfred Tennyson The Lotos-eaters

SUN 19:30 BBC Proms (m002hws3)
2025

Grieg's Piano Concerto

Live at the BBC Proms: the BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sakari Oramo in Grieg's Piano Concerto with soloist Lukas Sternath. Plus Ruth Gipps and Bliss's cantata The Beatitudes.

Presented by Petroc Trelawny at the Royal Albert Hall, London.

Ruth Gipps: Death on the Pale Horse
Edvard Grieg: Piano Concerto in A minor

c. 8.10pm
Interval: The cellist, conductor and broadcaster Julian Lloyd Webber joins Petroc Trelawny to discuss Bliss's powerful, reflective and consoling ode.

c.8.30pm
Arthur Bliss: The Beatitudes

Elizabeth Watts (soprano)
Laurence Kilsby (tenor)
Lukas Sternath (piano)
BBC Singers
BBC Symphony Chorus
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Sakari Oramo (conductor)

Prize-winning young Viennese pianist Lukas Sternath makes his Proms debut in Grieg’s beloved Piano Concerto, with its heart-on-sleeve melodies and intimate lyricism. The piece is framed by two musical products of war: a haunting elegy by Vaughan Williams’s pupil Ruth Gipps, inspired by a William Blake illustration of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, and anniversary-composer Arthur Bliss’s The Beatitudes, a cantata intended for the reopening in 1962 of Coventry Cathedral – part Passion, part howl of human loss, part musical prayer for a ‘troubled world’.

SUN 22:00 Night Tracks (m002hws5)
Sublime sounds for nightfall

Sara Mohr-Pietsch presents an adventurous, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening, from classical to contemporary and everything in between.

SUN 23:30 Unclassified (m002cbtz)
Sherelle's Listening Chair

Elizabeth Alker presents the finest in genre-defying music, and welcomes the electronic musician Sherelle into the Listening Chair. A Boiler Room favourite and 6 Music resident, the ever-inventive Sherelle weaves adventurous and energetic DJ sets of high-BPM music selected from across the decades of dance history. And this spring saw the release of WITH A VENGEANCE, a tour-de-force production fusing footwork, jungle breaks and infectious pitch-shifted vocal hooks. In the Listening Chair, and away from the club dance floor, the track she’s picked reflects a more mellow side to her musical being.

Produced by Geoff Bird
A Reduced Listening production for BBC Radio 3

To listen on most smart speakers just say “ask BBC Sounds to play Unclassified”

MONDAY 08 SEPTEMBER 2025

MON 00:30 Through the Night (m002hws7)
Ogonek, Rachmaninov and Prokofiev from Berlin

Pianist Alexander Malofeev joins German Symphony Orchestra, Berlin and conductor Elim Chan in Rachmaninov Second Piano Concerto plus Elizabeth Ogonek's piece Moondog and Prokofiev's Fifth Symphony. John Shea presents.

12:31 AM
Elizabeth Ogonek (b. 1989)
Moondog
Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Elim Chan (conductor)

12:39 AM
Sergey Rachmaninov (1873-1943)
Piano Concerto no 2 in C minor op 18
Alexander Malofeev (piano), Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Elim Chan (conductor)

01:12 AM
Nikolai Medtner (1880-1951)
Forgotten Melodies op 38 - Canzona serenata
Alexander Malofeev (piano)

01:17 AM
Sergey Prokofiev (1891-1953)
Symphony no 5 in B flat op 100
Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Elim Chan (conductor)

01:59 AM
Sergey Rachmaninov (1873-1943), arr. Alan Arnold
Vocalise, Op 34 no 14 arr. for viola and piano
Gyözö Máté (viola), Balázs Szokolay (piano)

02:04 AM
Carl Maria von Weber (1786-1826)
Clarinet Quintet in B flat major, Op 34
James Campbell (clarinet), Orford String Quartet

02:31 AM
Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683-1764)
L'Apotheose de la Danse - orchestral suite of dance music by Rameau
Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski (conductor)

03:09 AM
Fryderyk Chopin (1810-1849)
Piano Sonata no 2 in B flat minor, Op 35
Zheeyoung Moon (piano)

03:32 AM
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
Theme with variations from Sextet in B flat major, Op 18
Wiener Streichsextett (sextet)

03:42 AM
Johan Svendsen (1840-1911)
Romance for violin & orchestra Op 26 in G major arr. for violin & choir
Borisas Traubas (violin), Polifonija (Lithuanian State Chamber Choir), Sigitas Vaiciulionis (conductor)

03:51 AM
Judith Weir (b.1954)
The Bagpiper's String Trio
Nanos Trio

03:59 AM
William Byrd (1543-1623)
O Lord, how vain, for voice and 4 viols
Emma Kirkby (soprano), Rose Consort of Viols

04:05 AM
Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924)
Nocturne no 1 in E flat minor, Op 33 no 1
Jean-Yves Thibaudet (piano)

04:14 AM
Frederick Delius (1862-1934)
On hearing the first cuckoo in spring for orchestra, RT.6.19
Symphony Nova Scotia, Georg Tintner (conductor)

04:22 AM
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Rondino in E flat major, WoO 25
Festival Winds

04:31 AM
Johann Joachim Quantz (1697-1773)
Trio Sonata in E flat major
Atrium Musicium Chamber Ensemble

04:38 AM
Richard Strauss (1864-1949)
Largo from 5 Klavierstücke, Op 3 no 3
Ludmil Angelov (piano)

04:47 AM
Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1707)
Kantate no 5 Ad Pectus - Sicut modo geniti
La Cetra Vocalensemble Basel, La Cetra Barockorchester Basel, Carlos Federico Sepúlveda (conductor)

04:57 AM
Samuel Barber (1910-1981)
Adagio for Strings, Op 11
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Jorge Mester (conductor)

05:05 AM
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
Divertimento for 2 flutes and cello in C major, Hob.4.1, 'London trio' no 1
Les Ambassadeurs

05:14 AM
Fernando Sor (1778-1839)
Fantaisie et variations brillantes sur 2 airs favoris connus
Tomaž Rajterič (guitar)

05:29 AM
Max Bruch (1838-1920)
Kol Nidrei Op 47
Adam Krzeszowiec (cello), Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Łukasz Borowicz (conductor)

05:42 AM
Ludwig Schuncke (1810-1834)
Grande Sonata for piano in G minor, Op 3
Sylviane Deferne (piano)

06:04 AM
Fela Sowande (1905-1987)
African suite for harp and strings (1944)
CBC Vancouver Orchestra, Mario Bernardi (conductor)

MON 06:30 Breakfast (m002hwt4)
Rise and shine with classical music

Tom McKinney presents Radio 3’s Breakfast show live from Salford. With birdsong, Bach Before 7 and the best in classical music. You can contact the show by emailing 3breakfast@bbc.co.uk.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say, 'Ask BBC Sounds to play 3 Breakfast.'

MON 09:30 Essential Classics (m002hwt6)
Your perfect classical playlist

Georgia Mann plays the best classical music for your morning, with discoveries and surprises rubbing shoulders with familiar favourites. Including the Playlister challenge: our regular listener-created sequence inspired by a different piece of music each day. Plus a new classical release in focus for Album of the Week.

1000 Playlister starter: listen and send us your ideas for the next step in today's musical journey. Text 83111 or email essentialclassics@bbc.co.uk.

1030 Album of the Week: an exciting new classical release in focus throughout the week.

1115 Playlister reveal: an uninterrupted sequence of music suggested by you in response to today's starter piece.

1200 Feast of a Piece: indulge your ears with an orchestral masterpiece.

To listen on most smart speakers say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Essential Classics”

MON 13:00 Classical Live (m002hwt8)
Handel’s Alexander’s Feast from the BBC Proms

Linton Stephens introduces a selection of specially made recordings from major summer festivals including Schubert from Schwarzenberg in Austria and a Handel masterpiece from the Proms, alongside some other favourites from the English music repertory.
Including:

From the BBC Proms:
Trad. (arr. Percy Grainger)
Country Gardens
London Symphony Orchestra wind, brass and percussion
Sir Simon Rattle (conductor)

George Frideric Handel
Alexander’s Feast (1742 version (sung in English))
Hilary Cronin (soprano)
Hugh Cutting (counter-tenor)
Stuart Jackson (tenor)
Irish Baroque Chorus
Irish Baroque Orchestra
Peter Whelan(conductor)

Malcolm Arnold
English Dances, Set No. 1 (version for wind band)
London Symphony Orchestra wind, brass and percussion
Sir Simon Rattle (conductor)

From the Schwarzenberg Schubertiade:
Franz Schubert
Piano Trio No. 2 in E flat, D. 929
Noa Wildschut (violin)
Harriet Krijgh (cello)
Magda Amara (piano)

MON 16:00 Composer of the Week (m002hwtb)
Robert Schumann (1810-1856)

The last days of Robert Schumann

Donald Macleod explores the end of Robert Schumann’s life as he asks to enter the sanatorium at Endenich, where he would live out his final days.

Donald Macleod explores Robert Schumann’s years in Dusseldorf – the city where he would spend the final years of his life. Despite often being portrayed as a creative disaster, during this period Schumann was greatly inspired by the city and by the countryside which surrounded it, and would write some of his greatest music.

In Monday’s episode, Donald explores the end of Robert Schumann’s life, as his mental health deteriorates, and following attempts to drown himself in the Rhine, he asks to enter the sanatorium at Endenich. It was a facility he would never leave.

Marchenbilder, Op.113 – I. Nicht schnell
Antoine Tamesit, violin
Eric Le Sage, piano

Symphony no 3 in E flat major, Op.97 ‘Rhenish’ - I. Lebhaft
Berlin Philharmonic
Simon Rattle, conductor

5 Lieder, Op 40 – IV. Der Spielmann
Ian Bostridge, tenor
Saskia Giorgini, piano

Geistervariationen in E flat major for piano, WoO 24
Andras Schiff, piano

Violin Concerto in D minor, WoO 23 – movements 2 and 3
Kolja Blacher, violin & director
Mahler Chamber Orchestra

Produced by Sam Phillips for BBC Audio Wales & West

MON 17:00 In Tune (m002hwtf)
Stephen Fry talks to Katie Derham

Stephen Fry talks to Katie Derham about playing Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest. The smash-hit production transfers to the Noel Coward theatre later in September.

Plus there's live music from the Vrï Chamber Trio ahead of their performance at the Cowbridge Music Festival.

MON 19:00 Classical Mixtape (m002hwth)
Classical music to inspire you

Take time out with a 30-minute soundscape of classical music.

MON 19:30 BBC Proms (m002hwtk)
2025

The Vienna Philharmonic plays Bruckner

Live at the BBC Proms: The Vienna Philharmonic perform music from Berg's opera Lulu and Bruckner's Ninth Symphony with conductor Franz Welser-Möst.

Presented by Martin Handley, live from the Royal Albert Hall, London.

Alban Berg: Lulu Suite (Rondo; Variations; Adagio)

c. 8.05pm
Interval: The writer and musicologist Katy Hamilton talks to Martin Handley about why so many composers have struggled to write their ninth symphonies.

c. 8:30pm
Anton Bruckner: Symphony No. 9 in D minor

Vienna Philharmonic
Franz Welser-Möst, conductor

One of the world’s great orchestras, the Vienna Philharmonic concludes this year’s triptych of ninth symphonies with the grandest of them all. Dedicated to God, Bruckner’s Symphony No. 9 is the extraordinary product of a career’s experience and a decade’s labour – an unfinished swansong that confronts darkness even as it grasps towards heaven in music the composer himself thought ‘the most beautiful I have ever written’. The concert opens with Berg’s Lulu Suite, a distillation of the composer’s tragic opera into a heady and sometimes violent outpouring for orchestra.

MON 22:00 Night Tracks (m002hwtm)
Harmonious music for nighttime listening

Sara Mohr-Pietsch presents an adventurous, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening, from classical to contemporary and everything in between.

MON 23:30 'Round Midnight (m002hwtp)
Raquel Martins’ Flowers

‘Round Midnight is presented by award-winning saxophonist Soweto Kinch. This weekday late-night show celebrates the thriving UK jazz scene and spotlights the best new music alongside incredible acts from past decades.

From Monday to Thursday this week, Soweto welcomes Portuguese London based singer-songwriter and producer Raquel Martins as his Flowers guest. Since moving to London in 2017 at the age of 17, Raquel has brought her unique mix of latin-infused alternative soul to the city. As well as being a formidable solo artist, she has performed and toured with artists including Mabel, Poppy Ajudha, and Loyle Carner.

To begin her week on the show, Raquel chooses to celebrate a totemic Brazilian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.

Plus there’s also music from Mansur Brown, Ineza, and Rebecca Vasmant.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say: 'Ask BBC Sounds to play Round Midnight.'

TUESDAY 09 SEPTEMBER 2025

TUE 00:30 Through the Night (m002hwtr)
Chamber Music from the 2024 Schubertiade, Hohenems

The Modigliani Quartet perform Schubert's Seventh String Quartet, a relatively early work, together with Beethoven's first Rasumovsky quartet. They are joined by Sharon Kam for Brahms's Clarinet Quintet, Op 115. John Shea presents.

12:31 AM
Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
String Quartet no 7 in D major, D.94
Modigliani Quartet

12:45 AM
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
String Quartet no 7 in F, Op 59 no 1 "Rasumovsky"
Modigliani Quartet

01:26 AM
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
Clarinet Quintet in B minor, Op 115
Modigliani Quartet, Sharon Kam (clarinet)

02:04 AM
Joseph Martin Kraus (1756-1792)
Symphony in C minor, 'Symphonie funebre'
Concerto Koln

02:25 AM
Franz Schubert (1797-1828), Friedrich Schiller (author)
Der Pilgrim, D.794
Christoph Pregardien (tenor), Andreas Staier (pianoforte)

02:31 AM
Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)
4 Sea interludes from 'Peter Grimes', Op 33a
BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sakari Oramo (conductor)

02:48 AM
Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683-1764)
Pieces de Clavecin
Andreas Borregaard (accordion)

03:04 AM
Franz Berwald (1796-1868)
Septet in B flat major
Niklas Andersson (clarinet), Henrik Blixt (bassoon), Hans Larsson (horn), Jannica Gustafsson (violin), Hakan Olsson (viola), Jan-Erik Gustafsson (cello), Maria Johansson (double bass)

03:27 AM
John Jenkins (1592-1678)
The Siege of Newark (Pavan)
Concordia, Mark Levy (conductor)

03:34 AM
Sergey Rachmaninov (1873-1943)
Symphonic Dance no 1, Op 45
Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Andrew Litton (conductor)

03:45 AM
Anton Bruckner (1824-1896)
Libera me for choir, three trombones and organ
Radio France Chorus, Unknown (trombone), Denis Comtet (organ), Donald Palumbo (conductor)

03:52 AM
Clara Schumann (1810-1856)
4 Pieces Fugitives for piano, Op 15
Angela Cheng (piano)

04:05 AM
George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
Water Music: Suite in G major for 'flauto piccolo' HWV 350
Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, Paul Dyer (director)

04:16 AM
Bela Bartok (1881-1945)
4 Hungarian folk songs for chorus, Sz.93
Hungarian Radio Chorus, Peter Erdei (conductor)

04:31 AM
Granville Bantock (1868-1946)
The Pierrot of the minute - overture
BBC Concert Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth (conductor)

04:44 AM
Claude Debussy (1862-1918)
Syrinx for solo flute
Ivica Gabrisova-Encingerova (flute)

04:46 AM
Johann Stadlmayr (c.1580-1648)
Ave Maris Stella
Capella Nova Graz, Otto Kargl (director)

04:52 AM
Camille Saint-Saens (1835-1921)
Oboe Sonata in D major, Op 166
Roger Cole (oboe), Linda Lee Thomas (piano)

05:04 AM
John Ireland (1879-1962)
The Holy boy, arr. orchestra
BBC Concert Orchestra, David Hill (conductor)

05:07 AM
Hubert Parry (1848-1918)
Lord, let me know mine end (no 6 from Songs of farewell for mixed voices)
Gabrieli Consort, Paul McCreesh (director)

05:18 AM
Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767)
Concerto Polonois in B flat major, TWV43:B3
Arte dei Suonatori

05:28 AM
John Thrower (b.1951)
Improvisation on a Blue Theme
Joaquin Valdepenas (clarinet), CBC Vancouver Orchestra, Mario Bernardi (conductor)

05:45 AM
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Chaconne from the Partita no 2 in D minor, BWV.1004
Alena Baeva (violin)

06:01 AM
Dame Ethel Mary Smyth (1858-1944)
Concerto for violin and horn in A major
Agata Raatz (violin), Zora Slokar (horn), Bern Chamber Orchestra, Graziella Contratto (conductor)

TUE 06:30 Breakfast (m002hx6m)
Roll out of bed into classical music

Tom McKinney presents Radio 3’s Breakfast show live from Salford. With birdsong, Bach Before 7 and the best in classical music. You can contact the show by emailing 3breakfast@bbc.co.uk.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say, 'Ask BBC Sounds to play 3 Breakfast.'

TUE 09:30 Essential Classics (m002hx6p)
Great classical music for your morning

Georgia Mann plays the best classical music for your morning, with discoveries and surprises rubbing shoulders with familiar favourites. Including the Playlister challenge: our regular listener-created sequence inspired by a different piece of music each day. Plus a new classical release in focus for Album of the Week.

1000 Playlister starter: listen and send us your ideas for the next step in today's musical journey. Text 83111 or email essentialclassics@bbc.co.uk.

1030 Album of the Week: an exciting new classical release in focus throughout the week.

1115 Playlister reveal: an uninterrupted sequence of music suggested by you in response to today's starter piece.

1200 Feast of a Piece: indulge your ears with an orchestral masterpiece.

To listen on most smart speakers say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Essential Classics”

TUE 13:00 Classical Live (m002hx6r)
Grieg's Piano Concerto from the BBC Proms

Highlights from this year's major summer festivals including Schubert from the Schwarzenberg Festival in Austria and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra at the BBC Proms. And Grieg's evergreen Piano Concerto performed by the young prize-winning Austrian Lukas Sternath making his Proms debut with the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Presented by Linton Stephens and including:

From the Dundela Festival:
Franz Schubert
Piano Sonata in A major, D. 664
Elisabeth Brauss (piano)

From the BBC Proms:
Darius Milhaud
Le boeuf sur le toit (version for violin and orchestra)
Arabella Steinbacher (violin)
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Vasily Petrenko (conductor)

Ruth Gipps
Death on the Pale Horse
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Sakari Oramo (conductor)

Edvard Grieg
Piano Concerto in A minor
Lukas Sternath (piano)
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Sakari Oramo (conductor)

Ottorino Respighi
Pines of Rome
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Vasily Petrenko (conductor)

From the Schwarzenberg Schubertiade:
Franz Schubert
Piano Quintet in A, D. 667 ('Trout')
Noa Wildschut (violin)
Pauline Sachse (viola)
Harriet Krijgh (cello)
Dominik Wagner (double bass)
Magda Amara (piano)

To listen to this programme (using most smart speakers) just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Classical Live".

TUE 16:00 Composer of the Week (m002hx6t)
Robert Schumann (1810-1856)

The road to Dusseldorf

Donald Macleod explores the circumstances which led Schumann to move to the city of Dusseldorf.

Donald Macleod explores Robert Schumann’s years in Dusseldorf – the city where he would spend the final years of his life. Despite often being portrayed as a creative disaster, during this period Schumann was greatly inspired by the city and by the countryside which surrounded it, and would write some of his greatest music.

In Tuesday’s programme, Donald explores Schumann’s career, how his relationship with Dresden soured due to “terrible events”, and the job offer that led him to move to the city of Dusseldorf, where he would spend the final years of his life.

Konzertstück for 4 Horns and Orchestra, Op.86 – I. Lebhaft
Markus Maskuniitty, horn
Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra
Sakari Oramo, conductor

Symphony no 3 in E flat major, Op.97 ‘Rhenish’ - II. Scherzo
Philharmonia Orchestra
Christian Thielemann, conductor

Lieder und Gesange aus Wilhelm Meister, Op.98a – nos. 4,6 & 8
Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, tenor
Christoph Eschenbach, piano

Scenes from Goethe’s Faust – Part 3 (excerpt)
Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
Nikolaus Harnoncourt, conductor

Overture – The Bride of Messina
Swedish Chamber Orchestra
Thomas Dausgaard, conductor

Produced by Sam Phillips for BBC Audio Wales & West

TUE 17:00 In Tune (m002hx6w)
Julian Bliss, James Baillieu and pianist Clare Hammond

Julian Bliss and James Baillieu perform live and Katie Derham is also joined by pianist Clare Hammond.

TUE 18:30 BBC Proms (m002hx6y)
2025

The Vienna Philharmonic plays Tchaikovsky

Live at the BBC Proms: The Vienna Philharmonic perform Tchaikovsky's ‘Pathétique’ Symphony and Mozart's 'Prague' Symphony with conductor Franz Welser-Möst

Presented by Martin Handley, live from the Royal Albert Hall, London.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Symphony No. 38 in D major, ‘Prague’

c. 7.05pm
Interval: The cultural historian Rosamund Bartlett joins Martin Handley to talk about Tchaikovsky and his great love of tonight's other Proms composer, Mozart.

c. 7:30pm
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6 in B minor, ‘Pathétique’

Vienna Philharmonic
Franz Welser-Möst, conductor

Franz Welser-Möst and the Vienna Philharmonic round off their Proms visits with two late, great symphonies, each breaking the musical mould. Hot on the heels of The Marriage of Figaro, Mozart’s ‘Prague’ Symphony is animated by the same iconoclastic brilliance, bewitching audiences with a work whose thematic richness, breadth and ambition outpaced any previous symphony. A century later it was Tchaikovsky’s turn to defy convention with his final, ‘Pathétique’ Symphony – whose confessional intensity and turbulent passions conceal a secret narrative known only to the composer. Huge melodies soar and surge, but there’s no happy ending; the symphony closes not with a shout of triumph but a heart-breaking lament.

TUE 20:45 Night Tracks (m002hx70)
Blissful sounds for night owls

Sara Mohr-Pietsch presents an adventurous, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening, from classical to contemporary and everything in between.

TUE 22:15 BBC Proms (m002hx72)
2025

BBC Proms: Avi Avital: Between Worlds

Live at the BBC Proms: boundary-breaking mandolin virtuoso Avi Avital and his Between Worlds Ensemble and Georgia’s male-voice Ensemble Rustavi in music from the Black Sea.

Presented by Georgia Mann, live from the Royal Albert Hall, London.

Ensemble Rustavi
Between Worlds Ensemble
Avi Avital (mandolin/director)

Bordering Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine, the Black Sea is a musical crossroads – a junction between worlds. Join boundary-breaking mandolin virtuoso Avi Avital – making his Proms debut – his Between Worlds Ensemble and Georgia’s male-voice Ensemble Rustavi for a sonic tour of these vibrant neighbouring cultures that includes traditional Crimean Tatar music, Turkish folk and klezmer, as well as works by Bartók and David Bruce.

TUE 23:45 'Round Midnight (m002hx74)
A hypnotic classic from Alice Coltrane

‘Round Midnight is presented by award-winning saxophonist Soweto Kinch. This weekday late-night show celebrates the thriving UK jazz scene and spotlights the best new music alongside incredible acts from past decades.

Singer-songwriter and producer Raquel Martins is back with her second Flowers selection of the week. Tonight, she chooses to spotlight a virtuosic Brazilian artist who she admires.

Also in the programme, there’s music from Idrîsî Ensemble, Finn Rees & SHOLTO, and Rosie Turton & Miryam Solomon.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say: 'Ask BBC Sounds to play Round Midnight.'

WEDNESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2025

WED 00:30 Through the Night (m002hx76)
Music and Poetry of the Spanish Golden Age

The Spanish vocal ensemble Qvinta Essençia showcase the polyphonic musical tradition and poetry that flourished in the Iberian Peninsula of the 16th century. They sing beautifully shaped works by Guerrero, Morales and other less well known composers with texts by the preeminent poets of the age. John Shea presents.

12:31 AM
Pedro Guerrero (fl. c.1520-?), Garcilaso de la Vega (lyricist)
¡O más dura que mármol a mis quexas!
Qvinta Essençia

12:34 AM
Friar Juan Díaz (?-1651), Garcilaso de la Vega (lyricist)
¡Quién me dixera, Elisa, vida mía!
Qvinta Essençia

12:38 AM
Francisco Guerrero (1528-1599), Lope de Vega y Carpio, Félix (lyricist)
Si tus penas no pruevo
Qvinta Essençia

12:40 AM
Anon
Yntolerable rrayo
Qvinta Essençia

12:44 AM
Ginés de Morata (16th century)
Ninpha gentil
Qvinta Essençia

12:48 AM
Ginés de Morata (16th century), Jorge de Montemayor (lyricist)
Ojos que ya no véis
Qvinta Essençia

12:50 AM
Ginés de Morata (16th century), Jorge de Montemayor (lyricist)
Aquí me declaro
Qvinta Essençia

12:54 AM
Antonio Cebrián (16th Century), Garci Sánchez de Badajoz (lyricist)
Lagrimas de mi consuelo
Qvinta Essençia

12:57 AM
Anon
Hermosa Cathalina
Qvinta Essençia

01:00 AM
Rodrigo de Cevallos (c.1534-1581), Garcilaso de la Vega (lyricist)
¡Quán bienaventurado!
Qvinta Essençia

01:02 AM
Cristóbal de Morales (1500-1553), Juan Boscán (lyricist)
Si no os uviera mirado
Qvinta Essençia

01:07 AM
Juan Vásquez (1500-1560), Luís de Vivero (lyricist)
Si no os uviera mirado
Qvinta Essençia

01:08 AM
Juan Vásquez (1500-1560)
¡O dulce contemplación!
Qvinta Essençia

01:11 AM
Juan Vásquez (1500-1560), Comendador Escrivá (lyricist)
¿Qué sentís, coraçón mío?
Qvinta Essençia

01:15 AM
Rodrigo de Cevallos (c.1534-1581), Barrionuevo (lyricist)
Ojos hermosos
Qvinta Essençia

01:17 AM
Antonio Cebrián (16th Century)
Socórreme pastora
Qvinta Essençia

01:21 AM
Juan Vásquez (1500-1560)
Por vida de mis ojos (encore)
Qvinta Essençia

01:23 AM
Sebastián Iradier (1809-1865)
La Paloma
Victoria de los Ángeles (soprano), Sinfonia of London, Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos (conductor)

01:28 AM
Joaquin Rodrigo (1901-1999)
3 Piezas espanolas for guitar
Goran Listes (guitar)

01:42 AM
Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
Symphony no 9 in C major, D.944 "Great"
Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Juanjo Mena (conductor)

02:31 AM
Luciano Berio (1925-2003)
Folk Songs for mezzo-soprano and 7 players
Jean Stilwell (mezzo-soprano), Canadian Chamber Ensemble, Raffi Armenian (conductor)

02:54 AM
Alberto Ginastera (1916-1983)
Variaciones concertantes, Op 23
Berner Kammerorchester, Kaspar Zehnder (conductor)

03:19 AM
Clara Schumann (1810-1856)
Piano Trio in G minor, Op 17
Erika Radermacher (piano), Eva Zurbrugg (violin), Angela Schwartz (cello)

03:47 AM
Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924)
Pelleas et Melisande suite, Op 80
BBC Philharmonic, Yan Pascal Tortelier (conductor)

04:04 AM
Pierre-Gabriel Buffardin (c.1690-1768)
Concerto a 5 for flute and strings in E minor
Ernst-Burghard Hilse (flute), Musica Antiqua Köln

04:16 AM
Peter Philips (1560-1628)
Pavan Dolorosa
Concordia, Mark Levy (conductor)

04:21 AM
Alexander Scriabin (1871-1915)
Piano Sonata no 4 in F sharp major, Op 30
Jayson Gillham (piano)

04:31 AM
Jeanne Louise Dumont Farrenc (1804-1875)
Overture no 2, Op 24
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Anja Bihlmaier (conductor)

04:38 AM
Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767)
Fantasia No 8 in E minor from 12 Fantasies for flute
Lise Daoust (flute)

04:42 AM
Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber (1644-1704)
Sonata no 12 a 8 from sonatae tam aris, quam aulis servientes (1676)
Collegium Aureum, Georg Ratzinger (conductor)

04:47 AM
Eugen Suchoň (1908-1993)
Nocturne
Ján Slávik (cello), Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Mário Košik (conductor)

05:03 AM
Ruth Gipps (1921-1999)
Wind Sinfonietta, Op 73
BBC National Orchestra of Wales (conductor), Jonathan Bloxham (conductor)

05:21 AM
Max Bruch (1838-1920)
Scottish fantasy, Op 46
James Ehnes (violin), Orchestre symphonique de Montreal, Mario Bernardi (conductor)

05:51 AM
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Piano Sonata no 18 in E flat, Op 31 no 3
Annie Fischer (piano)

06:14 AM
Hans Gál (1890-1987)
Serenade for string orchestra, Op 46
Symphony Nova Scotia, Georg Tintner (conductor)

WED 06:30 Breakfast (m002hxjn)
Breakfast with the best classical music

Tom McKinney presents Radio 3’s Breakfast show live from Salford. With birdsong, Bach Before 7 and the best in classical music. You can contact the show by emailing 3breakfast@bbc.co.uk.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say, 'Ask BBC Sounds to play 3 Breakfast.'

WED 09:30 Essential Classics (m002hxjs)
The best classical morning music

Georgia Mann plays the best classical music for your morning, with discoveries and surprises rubbing shoulders with familiar favourites. Including the Playlister challenge: our regular listener-created sequence inspired by a different piece of music each day. Plus a new classical release in focus for Album of the Week.

1000 Playlister starter: listen and send us your ideas for the next step in today's musical journey. Text 83111 or email essentialclassics@bbc.co.uk.

1030 Album of the Week: an exciting new classical release in focus throughout the week.

1115 Playlister reveal: an uninterrupted sequence of music suggested by you in response to today's starter piece.

1200 Feast of a Piece: indulge your ears with an orchestral masterpiece.

To listen on most smart speakers say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Essential Classics”

WED 13:00 Classical Live (m002hxjx)
A feast of English music from the BBC Proms

Elizabeth Alker introduces a selection of specially made recordings from major summer festivals including Schubert performed by the great Austrian pianist Elisabeth Leonskaja from the Ludwigsburg Castle Festival and from the Proms, the Chineke! orchestra with music by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and members of the London Symphony Orchestra performing music by Percy Grainger. Including:

From the BBC Proms:
Percy Grainger
A Lincolnshire Posy
London Symphony Orchestra wind, brass and percussion
Sir Simon Rattle (conductor)

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
The Bamboula
Chineke! Orchestra
Sir Simon Rattle (conductor)

Percy Grainger
The Lads of Wamphray
London Symphony Orchestra wind, brass and percussion
Sir Simon Rattle (conductor)

From the Ludwigsburg Castle Festival:
Franz Schubert
Wanderer Fantasy D. 760
Elisabeth Leonskaja (piano)

To listen to this programme (using most smart speakers) just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Classical Live".

WED 15:00 Choral Evensong (m002hxk1)
London Oratory

Choral Vespers of St Nicholas of Tolentino, Confessor, live from the Church of the London Oratory.

Prelude: Dialogo secondo (Banchieri)
Invitatory: Deus in adjutorium meum (Zacharia)
Psalms 127, 128, 129, 130, 131 (Plainsong)
Hymn: Iste confessor (Scarlatti)
Magnificat Tone 8 (à 8) (Heredia)
Marian Antiphon: Salve regina (Victoria)
Voluntary: Toccata nona (Muffat)

Reverend Fr Edward van den Bergh (Celebrant)
Patrick Russill (Director of Music)
Ben Bloor (Organist)
Evan Lawrence (Pettman Organ Scholar)

To listen on most smart speakers just say “ask BBC Sounds to play Choral Evensong”.

WED 16:00 Composer of the Week (m002hxk5)
Robert Schumann (1810-1856)

A celebrated arrival

Donald Macleod explores the whirlwind of activity which followed Schumann’s arrival in Dusseldorf.

Donald Macleod explores Robert Schumann’s years in Dusseldorf – the city where he would spend the final years of his life. Despite often being portrayed as a creative disaster, during this period Schumann was greatly inspired by the city and by the countryside which surrounded it, and would write some of his greatest music.

In Wednesday’s episode, Donald explores Schumann’s slow journey to Dusseldorf and the celebrations which marked the family’s arrival in the city. Schumann’s hopes of success in his new post seemed initially to be well-founded as he set to work trying to impress and gain favour with his new Rhineland audiences and the city authorities.

Kinderszenen, Op.15 – no 7 Träumerei
Alfred Brendel, piano

Genovera, Op.81 – Overture
Gewandhausorchester
Riccardo Chailly, conductor

Sechs Gesange, Op.107 - no 6 Abendlied (Evening Song)
Anne Sofie von Otter, mezzo-soprano
Bengt Forsberg, piano

Schumann
Adventlied (excerpt)
Carolyn Sampson, soprano
Estonia Philharmonic Chamber Choir
Helsinki Baroque Orchestra
Aapo Hakkinen, conductor

Symphony no 3 in E-flat major, Op.97 ‘Rhenish’ – III. Nicht schnell
Accademia Bizantina
Ottavio Dantone, conductor

Mass in C minor, Op.147 - Gloria
Johan Hammarström, organ
Swedish Radio Choir
Kaspars Putniņš, conductor

Symphony no 4 in D minor, Op 120 – I. Ziemlich langsam - Lebhaft
Staatskapelle Dresden
Wolfgang Sawallisch, conductor

Produced by Sam Phillips for BBC Audio Wales & West

WED 17:00 In Tune (m002hxk9)
The Gesualdo Six with their new album Radiant Dawn

The Gesualdo Six perform from their new album Radiant Dawn.
Plus author Helen Dymond talks to Katie Derham about her new book Finding Handel.

WED 19:00 Classical Mixtape (m002hxkc)
Expand your horizons with classical music

Take time out with a 30-minute soundscape of classical music.

WED 19:30 BBC Proms (m002hxkf)
2025

Rachmaninov’s Second Symphony

Live at the BBC Proms: the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conductor Delyana Lazarova and cellist Anastasia Kobekina perform music by Rachmaninov, Shostakovich and Lili Boulanger.

Presented by Tom Service, live from the Royal Albert Hall, London.

Lili Boulanger: D’un matin de printemps
Shostakovich: Cello Concerto No. 1 in E flat major

c. 8:15pm interval Rachmaninov's Symphony No. 2, written between 1906 and 1907, was well received but later underwent various revisions and the original manuscript was thought to be lost. How common is this for manuscripts and what can we learn from them? Lead Curator of Music Manuscripts and Archives at the British Library Chris Scobie is Tom Service's guest for the interval.

c. 8:40pm Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 2 in E minor

Anastasia Kobekina, cello
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Delyana Lazarova, conductor

The ultimate Romantic symphony, Rachmaninov’s Second has it all: heart-on-sleeve emotions, endless melodies, a slow-movement whose two rival themes eventually find themselves locked in a passionate embrace and a radiant finale. The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and Principal Guest Conductor Designate Delyana Lazarova are joined by former BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist and ‘unrivalled musician’ Anastasia Kobekina for Shostakovich’s supremely demanding Cello Concerto No. 1. The Prom opens with dawn breaking on a spring morning in Lili Boulanger’s vivid tone-poem D’un matin de printemps.

WED 22:00 Night Tracks (m002hxkh)
Meditative music for late night solace

Sara Mohr-Pietsch presents an adventurous, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening, from classical to contemporary and everything in between.

WED 23:30 'Round Midnight (m002hxkk)
Fresh from Gretchen Parlato & Alan Hampton

‘Round Midnight is presented by award-winning saxophonist Soweto Kinch. This weekday late-night show celebrates the thriving UK jazz scene and spotlights the best new music alongside incredible acts from past decades.

Raquel Martins has a third bouquet of Flowers to give to a contemporary artist that has influenced her, and tonight she chooses a legend of Brazilian percussion and musical exploration.

Plus there’s music from Ill Considered, Pouya Ehsaei, and Andy Hay.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say: 'Ask BBC Sounds to play Round Midnight.'

THURSDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 2025

THU 00:30 Through the Night (m002hxkm)
Wolf, Beethoven and Schubert at the Schubertiade Schwarzenberg

The Modigliani Quartet, with cellist Clemens Hagen, perform Wolf's Italian Serenade, Beethoven's String Quartet No 3 and Schubert's String Quintet in C major. John Shea presents.

12:31 AM
Hugo Wolf (1860-1903)
Italian Serenade in G major
Modigliani Quartet

12:38 AM
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
String Quartet no 3 in D major, Op 18 no 3
Modigliani Quartet

01:04 AM
Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
String Quintet in C major, D.956
Clemens Hagen (cello), Modigliani Quartet

01:58 AM
Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
Symphony no 5 in B flat major, D.485
Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Tamas Vasary (conductor)

02:25 AM
Franz Schubert (1797-1828), arr. Ralf Gothoni
Der Muller und der Bach - from Die schone Mullerin (D.795) [orig voice/piano)
Ralf Gothoni (piano)

02:31 AM
Alessandro Stradella (1639-1682)
L'anime del Purgatorio (1680) - cantata for 2 voices, chorus & ensemble
Emma Kirkby (soprano), Evelyn Tubb (soprano), David Thomas (bass), Richard Wistreich (bass), Consort of Musicke, Anthony Rooley (director), Anthony Rooley (lute)

03:12 AM
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Suite for cello solo no 1 in G major, BWV.1007, arranged for viola
Maxim Rysanov (viola)

03:29 AM
Jean Sibelius (1865-1957)
Suite Champetre, Op 98b
Danish Radio Concert Orchestra, Hannu Koivula (conductor)

03:37 AM
Franz Berwald (1796-1868)
Fantasia on 2 Swedish Folksongs for piano (1850-59)
Lucia Negro (piano)

03:46 AM
Jacques-Francois Halevy (1799-1862)
Gerard & Lusignan's duet: "Salut, salut, à cette noble France"
Benjamin Butterfield (tenor), Brett Polegato (baritone), Canadian Opera Company Orchestra, Richard Bradshaw (conductor)

03:57 AM
Gaspar Sanz (1640-1710)
Marizapalos
Eduardo Eguez (guitar)

04:03 AM
Francesco Maria Veracini (1690-1768)
Overture VI for 2 oboes, bassoon & strings
Michael Niesemann (oboe), Alison Gangler (oboe), Adrian Rovatkay (bassoon), Musica Antiqua Koln, Reinhard Goebel (conductor)

04:14 AM
Fryderyk Chopin (1810-1849)
Introduction & variations on a theme from 'Herold's Ludovic' in B flat, Op 12
Ludmil Angelov (piano)

04:21 AM
Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893), arr. Markus Theinert
The Nutcracker Suite, Op 71a
Brass Consort Koln

04:31 AM
Jan Sandstrom (b.1954)
Surge, aquilo for 16 voices
Erik Westberg Vocal Ensemble

04:38 AM
Johann Jacob de Neufville (1684-1712)
Aria Prima for organ
Jaco van Leeuwen (organ)

04:45 AM
Carl Nielsen (1865-1931)
An Imaginary journey to the Faroes, FS 123
Baltic Sea Youth Philharmonic, Kristjan Jarvi (conductor)

04:51 AM
George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
Sonata in A major, HWV 361 (transposed to B flat)
Blagoj Angelovski (trumpet), Velin Iliev (organ)

05:00 AM
Ignacy Jan Paderewski (1860-1941)
Two works: Nocturne in B flat major, Op 16 no 4; Dans le désert, Op 15
Kevin Kenner (piano)

05:13 AM
Sergey Prokofiev (1891-1953)
Violin Concerto no 1 in D major, Op 19
David Oistrakh (violin), Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Bernard Haitink (conductor)

05:35 AM
Johann Gottfried Eckard (1735-1809)
Sonata in F minor, Op 1 no 3
Arthur Schoonderwoerd (pianoforte)

05:56 AM
Michael Haydn (1737-1806)
Missa Tempore Quadragesimae, MH 553
Ex Tempore, Marian Minnen (cello), Elise Christiaens (violone), David Van Bouwel (organ), Florian Heyerick (director)

06:10 AM
Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)
Oboe Concerto in A minor
Matthias Arter (oboe), I Tempi Chamber Orchestra, Gevorg Gharabekyan (conductor)

THU 06:30 Breakfast (m002hxky)
Birdsong and Bach to banish those morning blues

Tom McKinney presents Radio 3’s Breakfast show live from Salford. With birdsong, Bach Before 7 and the best in classical music. You can contact the show by emailing 3breakfast@bbc.co.uk.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say, 'Ask BBC Sounds to play 3 Breakfast.'

THU 09:30 Essential Classics (m002hxl0)
The ideal mix of classical music

Georgia Mann plays the best classical music for your morning, with discoveries and surprises rubbing shoulders with familiar favourites. Including the Playlister challenge: our regular listener-created sequence inspired by a different piece of music each day. Plus a new classical release in focus for Album of the Week.

1000 Playlister starter: listen and send us your ideas for the next step in today's musical journey. Text 83111 or email essentialclassics@bbc.co.uk.

1030 Album of the Week: an exciting new classical release in focus throughout the week.

1115 Playlister reveal: an uninterrupted sequence of music suggested by you in response to today's starter piece.

1200 Feast of a Piece: indulge your ears with an orchestral masterpiece.

To listen on most smart speakers say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Essential Classics”

THU 13:00 Classical Live (m002hxl2)
Shostakovich's 10th Symphony at the Proms

One of Shostakovich's greatest symphonies, his 10th, is performed at the Proms fifty years after the composer's death, performed by Chineke! Also, continuing this week's "Schubertiade" theme, the celebrated Austrian pianist Elisabeth Leonskaja performs Schubert at the Ludwigsburg Castle Festival in Germany, one of the country's oldest summer music festivals.

Introduced by Elizabeth Alker and including:

From the BBC Proms:
Antonín Dvořák
Symphony No. 6 in D major
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Jaime Martín (conductor)

Dmitry Shostakovich
Symphony No. 10 in E minor, Op. 93
Chineke! Orchestra
Sir Simon Rattle (conductor)

Valerie Coleman
Fanfare for Uncommon Times
Chineke! Orchestra
Sir Simon Rattle (conductor)

George Walker
Pageant and Proclamation
Chineke! Orchestra
Sir Simon Rattle (conductor)

From the Ludwigsburg Castle Festival Schubertiade:
Franz Schubert
Four Impromptus D. 899
Elisabeth Leonskaja (piano)

To listen to this programme (using most smart speakers) just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Classical Live".

THU 16:00 Composer of the Week (m002hxl4)
Robert Schumann (1810-1856)

Troubles

Donald Macleod explores the first signs that Robert Schumann's tenure in Dusseldorf might not go as smoothly as he had thought, as the composer’s conducting comes under scrutiny.

Donald Macleod explores Robert Schumann’s years in Dusseldorf – the city where he would spend the final years of his life. Despite often being portrayed as a creative disaster, during this period Schumann was greatly inspired by the city and by the countryside which surrounded it, and would write some of his greatest music.

In today’s programme, Donald explores the first signs of trouble for Robert Schumann in Dusseldorf as the composer’s conducting comes under scrutiny, and his quarrels with city officials and his own assistant lead to unrest. He begins to wonder whether his tenure in the city might not be the success he initially thought, just as visible signs of illness come to haunt him. However, away from Dusseldorf, he is still lauded with praise. Donald also recounts Schumann's fractious evening with the visiting virtuoso pianist and composer Franz Liszt.

Symphony no 3 in E flat, Op.97 “Rhenish” – IV. Feierlich
Staatskapelle Berlin
Daniel Barenboim, conductor

Manfred Overture, Op.115
Swedish Chamber Orchestra
Thomas Dausgaard, conductor

Cello Concerto in A minor, Op 129
Jean-Guihen Queyras, cello
Freiburger Barockorchester
Pablo Heras-Casado, conductor

Violin Sonata No. 1 in A minor, Op. 105 – II. Lebhaft
Isabelle Faust, violin
Silke Avenhaus, piano

Der Rose Pilgerfahrt, Op.112 – Die Fruhlingslufte bringen
Inga Nielsen, soprano
Annemarie Moller, mezzo-soprano
Deon van der Walt, tenor
Christian Christiansen, bass
Danish National Symphony Orchestra and Radio Choir
Gustav Kahn, conductor

Produced by Sam Phillips for BBC Audio Wales & West

THU 17:00 In Tune (m002hxl6)
Violinist James Ehnes and soprano Véronique Gens

Star violinist James Ehnes performs live ahead of his BBC Prom.
Plus French operatic soprano, Véronique Gens, chats to Katie Derham about her upcoming Wigmore Hall recital.

THU 19:00 Classical Mixtape (m002hxl8)
Take 30 minutes out with a relaxing classical mix

Take time out with a 30-minute soundscape of classical music.

THU 19:30 BBC Proms (m002hxlb)
2025

Brahms’s Second Symphony

Live from the BBC Proms: the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and conductor Ilan Volkov perform music by Brahms, Stravinsky and Gabrieli.

Presented by Tom Service, live from the Royal Albert Hall, London.

Gabrieli: In ecclesiis (ed. Maderna)
Stravinsky: Requiem Canticles

c. 8pm interval Booker Prize-winning author John Banville's latest novel is called Venetian Vespers. He shares his interest in classical music with Tom Service and talks about Venice as an inspiration for writers and composers.

c. 8:25pm Gabrieli: Canzone a tre core (ed. Maderna)
Brahms: Symphony No. 2 in D major

Jess Dandy, contralto
Ashley Riches, bass-baritone
National Youth Choir
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Ilan Volkov, conductor

Solemn ritual and holiday sunshine collide in a concert by Ilan Volkov and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. The incense-scented processional splendour of Gabrieli’s In ecclesiis and Canzone a tre core, transcribed with contemporary clarity by Bruno Maderna, frame Stravinsky’s last major work – the ‘pocket-requiem’ he knew he was ‘writing for himself’. Step out of church and into the pastoral warmth of Brahms’s happiest symphony, written on the slopes of the Austrian Alps: 'all blue sky, babbling streams, sunshine and cool green shade.'

THU 22:00 Night Tracks (m002hxld)
Nocturnal music to bewitch the senses

Sara Mohr-Pietsch presents an adventurous, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening, from classical to contemporary and everything in between.

THU 23:30 'Round Midnight (m002hxlg)
One from Rosie Frater-Taylor

‘Round Midnight is presented by award-winning saxophonist Soweto Kinch. This weekday late-night show celebrates the thriving UK jazz scene and spotlights the best new music alongside incredible acts from past decades.

All this week, Portuguese London based singer-songwriter and producer Raquel Martins has been highlighting some of the artists who inspire her, for Flowers. Tonight, she chooses to give her last bunch to a pioneering American jazz guitarist.

Raquel’s debut album “LONDON, WHEN ARE U GONNA FEEL LIKE HOME?” is out today via Bridge The Gap.

Also in the programme, there's music from Amina Claudine Myers, Finn Carter, and Cécile McLorin Salvant.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say: 'Ask BBC Sounds to play Round Midnight.'

FRIDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2025

FRI 00:30 Through the Night (m002hxlj)
Mahler's Resurrection Symphony

The Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra and conductor Daniel Harding are joined by Orfeó Català and soloists Johanna Wallroth and Avery Amereau in Mahler's Resurrection Symphony. John Shea presents.

12:31 AM
Gustav Mahler (1860-1911)
Symphony no 2 in C minor 'Resurrection'
Johanna Wallroth (soprano), Avery Amereau (mezzo soprano), Orfeó Català, Pablo Larraz (director), Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Daniel Harding (conductor)

01:52 AM
Traditional Swedish
Swedish Folk Dance
Andreas Borregaard (accordion)

01:54 AM
Carl Maria von Weber (1786-1826)
Piano Sonata No 4 in E minor, Op 70
Stanley Hoogland (fortepiano)

02:17 AM
Richard Strauss (1864-1949)
Prelude (Introduction) from Capriccio - opera in 1 act, Op 85
Henschel Quartett, Soo-Jin Hong (violin), Soo-Kyung Hong (cello)

02:31 AM
Sergey Rachmaninov (1873-1943), Konstantin Balmont (author)
The Bells (Kolokola) for soloists, chorus and orchestra, Op 35
Roumiana Bareva (soprano), Pavel Kourchoumov (tenor), Stoyan Popov (baritone), Sons de la mer Mixed Choir, Bulgarian National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Vassil Stefanov (conductor)

03:09 AM
Max Bruch (1838-1920)
Violin Concerto no 1 in G minor, Op 26
Roland Orlik (violin), Polish Radio National Symphony Orchestra Katowice, Marek Pijarowski (conductor)

03:35 AM
Josip Raffaelli (1767-1843)
Introduction and theme with variations in A major
Vladimir Krpan (piano)

03:45 AM
Jacob Obrecht (1457-1505)
Omnis spiritus laudet - offertory motet for 5 voices
Ensemble Daedalus

03:51 AM
Hugo Wolf (1860-1903)
Italian Serenade in G major for string quartet, Op 120
Kyoko Ogawa (violin), Clara Mesplé (violin), Anne Sophie Van Riel (viola), Zuzanna Szambelan (cello)

03:58 AM
Carl Nielsen (1865-1931)
Serenata in vano, FS.68
Kari Kriikku (clarinet), Jonathan Williams (horn), Per Hannisdahl (bassoon), Øystein Sonstad (cello), Katrine Öigaard (double bass)

04:05 AM
David Popper (1843-1913)
Hungarian rhapsody, Op 68
Shauna Rolston (cello), Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Mario Bernardi (conductor)

04:14 AM
Fryderyk Chopin (1810-1849)
Preludes, Op 28 Nos 16-20
Krzysztof Jablonski (piano)

04:22 AM
Leopold Ebner (1769-1830)
Trio in B flat major
Zagreb Woodwind Trio

04:31 AM
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)
Violin Concerto in A minor, RV 357, Op 4 no 4
Fabio Biondi (violin), Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi (director)

04:39 AM
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
12 Variations for piano in B flat major, K.500
Simon Crawford-Phillips (piano)

04:48 AM
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
3 Songs for chorus, Op 42
Danish National Radio Choir, Stefan Parkman (conductor)

04:59 AM
Alfonso Ferrabosco (1543-1588)
Pavan and Fantasie for lute
Nigel North (lute)

05:06 AM
Edvard Grieg
Evening in the Mountains, Op 68 No 4; At the cradle, Op 68 No 5
CBC Vancouver Orchestra, Mario Bernardi (conductor)

05:14 AM
Witold Lutosławski (1913-1994)
Dance Preludes for clarinet and piano
Seraphin Maurice Lutz (clarinet), Eugen Burger-Yonov (piano)

05:25 AM
Maurice Ravel (1875-1937)
Piano Trio in A minor
Bernt Lysell (violin), Mats Rondin (cello), Bengt-Åke Lundin (piano)

05:52 AM
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Orchestral Suite no 2 in B minor, BWV.1067
Jan Dewinne (flute), Ensemble 415

06:13 AM
Anton Arensky (1861-1906)
Suite no 2 for 2 pianos, Op 23 'Silhouettes'
James Anagnoson (piano), Leslie Kinton (piano)

FRI 06:30 Breakfast (m002hxnw)
Launch the day with classical music

Tom McKinney presents Radio 3’s Breakfast show live from Salford. With birdsong, Bach Before 7 and the best in classical music. You can contact the show by emailing 3breakfast@bbc.co.uk.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say, 'Ask BBC Sounds to play 3 Breakfast.'

FRI 09:30 Essential Classics (m002hxny)
Refresh your morning with classical music

Georgia Mann plays the best classical music for your morning, with discoveries and surprises rubbing shoulders with familiar favourites. Including the Playlister challenge: our regular listener-created sequence inspired by a different piece of music each day. Plus a new classical release in focus for Album of the Week.

1000 Playlister starter: listen and send us your ideas for the next step in today's musical journey. Text 83111 or email essentialclassics@bbc.co.uk.

1030 Album of the Week: an exciting new classical release in focus throughout the week.

1115 Playlister reveal: an uninterrupted sequence of music suggested by you in response to today's starter piece.

1200 Feast of a Piece: indulge your ears with an orchestral masterpiece.

To listen on most smart speakers say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Essential Classics”

FRI 13:00 Classical Live (m002hxp0)
Arthur Bliss' 'Beatitudes' from the Proms

It is fifty years since the death of Arthur Bliss, Sakari Oramo conducts a major choral work from the composer, his cantata 'The Beatitudes' at the BBC Proms. And this week's Schubertiade theme continues with more from Elisabeth Leonskaja at the Ludwigsburg Castle Festival in Germany, one of the country's oldest summer festivals. Introduced by Elizabeth Alker and including:

From the Ludwigsburg Castle Festival Schubertiade:
Franz Schubert
Piano Sonata in G major, D. 894
Elisabeth Leonskaja (piano)

From the BBC Proms:
Ralph Vaughan Williams
Symphony No. 2 (A London Symphony)
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Vasily Petrenko (conductor)

Arthur Bliss
The Beatitudes
Elizabeth Watts (soprano)
Laurence Kilsby (tenor)
BBC Singers
BBC Symphony Chorus
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Sakari Oramo (conductor)

To listen to this programme (using most smart speakers) just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Classical Live".

FRI 16:00 Composer of the Week (m002hxp2)
Robert Schumann (1810-1856)

The allure of the Rhineland

Donald Macleod examines Schumann’s connection to the landscape around Düsseldorf and his daily life in the city.

Donald Macleod explores Robert Schumann’s years in Dusseldorf – the city where he would spend the final years of his life. Despite often being portrayed as a creative disaster, during this period Schumann was greatly inspired by the city and by the countryside which surrounded it, and would write some of his greatest music.

In Friday’s programme, Donald explores Schumann’s connection to the landscape around Düsseldorf, and his daily life in the city where a strict routine was needed in the wake of an onslaught of work. Donald also finds new friends come into the composer’s life – the violinist Joseph Joachim and the composer Johannes Brahms.

Dichterliebe – Im Rhein, im heiligen Strome
Matthias Goerne, baritone
Vladimir Ashkenazy, piano

Marchenerzahlungen, Op.132 - no 3
Sabine Meyer, clarinet
Tabea Zimmermann, viola
Harmut Holl, piano

Fantasy for Violin and Orchestra in C major, Op.131
Patricia Kopatchinskaja, violin
WDR Sinfonieorchester Koln
Heinz Holliger, conductor

Introduction and Concert Allegro, Op.134
Jan Lisiecki, piano
Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia
Antonio Pappano, conductor

Symphony in E flat, Op.97 “Rhenish” – V. Lebhaft
Stavanger Symphony Orchestra
Jan Willem de Vriend, conductor

Blumenstuck in D-flat Major, Op.19
Benjamin Grosvenor, piano

Wenn mein Stundlein vorhanden ist
Seicento Vocale
Jan Croonenbroeck, director

Produced by Sam Phillips for BBC Audio Wales & West

FRI 17:00 In Tune (m002hxp4)
Oscar-winning composer Rachel Portman

Oscar-winning British Composer, Rachel Portman, talks to Katie Derham ahead of the world premiere of her piece 'The Gathering Tree' at this year's Last Night of the Proms.

Plus there's live music from Flamenco Orígenes.

FRI 19:00 Classical Mixtape (m002hxp6)
Classical music for focus or relaxation

Take time out with a 30-minute soundscape of classical music.

FRI 19:30 BBC Proms (m002hxp8)
2025

John Wilson Conducts Bernstein and Ravel

John Wilson conducts Sinfonia of London in music by Strauss, Bernstein and Ravel.

Hannah French presents, live from the Royal Albert Hall, London.

Richard Strauss: Don Juan
Leonard Bernstein: Serenade

c20.25
Interval: Hannah French is joined by the director, lyricist and composer Jeremy Sams to find out more about the paradoxical life of Maurice Ravel. Famously guarded in his private life, he wrote music of brilliance and passion.

Maurice Ravel: Daphnis and Chloe

Sinfonia of London
John Wilson (conductor)

Critics have praised their Proms performances as ‘breathtaking’, ‘blazing’ and ‘simply as good as it gets’. Now John Wilson and the Sinfonia of London double down with a passion-soaked programme of 20th-century orchestral showpieces. Love is the theme of a Prom that opens with history's greatest seducer, Don Juan, in Strauss’s swashbuckling tone-poem and closes with the sensuous, diaphanous textures of Ravel’s ballet Daphnis and Chloe. At the centre is one of Bernstein’s most lyrical orchestral works. James Ehnes is the soloist in Serenade – a violin concerto by another name that muses on, and interrogates, the nature of love itself.

FRI 22:15 Late Junction (m002hxpb)
Joanne Robertson’s mixtape

Verity Sharp presents the latest exclusive Late Junction mixtape from musician, painter and poet Joanne Robertson, ahead of the release of her new album Blurrr.

Joanne Robertson is an artist, singer-songwriter and guitarist from Manchester. Now based in Glasgow, she creates raw, intimate songs that are akin to sketches or diary entries, primarily working with her voice and guitar.

Joanne’s choices explore the key role collaboration plays in her music, and features artists she’s frequently worked with including Dean Blunt and Oliver Coates. Her mixtape explores the thin line between painting and songwriting, the power of immediacy, and ruminates on the work of Luc Ferrari and Grouper.

Elsewhere in the show, there’s melding of club cultures and experimental art with Rian Treanor & Cara Tolmie’s brand of ‘dissociative dance music’; playfully intense piano melodies from Joanna Duda’s forthcoming album ‘Delighted’; and Swedish jazz pioneer Christer Bothén’s stunning and sacred meditations on the Malian harp.

Produced by Alex Yates
A Reduced Listening production for BBC Radio 3

To listen on most smart speakers just say “ask BBC Sounds to play Late Junction”

FRI 23:30 'Round Midnight (m002hxpd)
Sheila Jordan in tribute

‘Round Midnight is presented by award-winning saxophonist Soweto Kinch. This weekday late-night show celebrates the thriving UK jazz scene and spotlights the best new music alongside incredible acts from past decades.

In this Friday night programme, Soweto pays tribute to the late pioneering American jazz singer Sheila Jordan, who sadly died on 11 August 2025 aged 96.

Tonight, Soweto presents a conversation which aired exclusively for ‘Round Midnight back in January 2025. Sheila had sat down in her New York apartment to share some highlights and stories from her incredible career.

A core member of the bebop era, Sheila had befriended Charlie Parker, who nicknamed her the singer with the golden ears, hung out at the legendary Minton’s Playhouse and took harmony lessons with Lennie Tristano. She had stories about everyone – from Mingus, Monk and Miles Davis to Kenny Dorham and Bud Powell.

Join us to remember Sheila and her phenomenal life and legacy.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say: 'Ask BBC Sounds to play Round Midnight.'

LIST OF THIS WEEK'S PROGRAMMES
(Note: the times link back to the details; the pids link to the BBC page, including iPlayer)

'Round Midnight 23:30 MON (m002hwtp)

'Round Midnight 23:45 TUE (m002hx74)

'Round Midnight 23:30 WED (m002hxkk)

'Round Midnight 23:30 THU (m002hxlg)

'Round Midnight 23:30 FRI (m002hxpd)

BBC Proms 19:30 SAT (m002hy0p)

BBC Proms 11:00 SUN (m002hwrw)

BBC Proms 15:00 SUN (m002hws0)

BBC Proms 19:30 SUN (m002hws3)

BBC Proms 19:30 MON (m002hwtk)

BBC Proms 18:30 TUE (m002hx6y)

BBC Proms 22:15 TUE (m002hx72)

BBC Proms 19:30 WED (m002hxkf)

BBC Proms 19:30 THU (m002hxlb)

BBC Proms 19:30 FRI (m002hxp8)

Breakfast 06:30 SAT (m002hy04)

Breakfast 06:30 SUN (m002hwrr)

Breakfast 06:30 MON (m002hwt4)

Breakfast 06:30 TUE (m002hx6m)

Breakfast 06:30 WED (m002hxjn)

Breakfast 06:30 THU (m002hxky)

Breakfast 06:30 FRI (m002hxnw)

Choral Evensong 15:00 WED (m002hxk1)

Classical Live 13:00 MON (m002hwt8)

Classical Live 13:00 TUE (m002hx6r)

Classical Live 13:00 WED (m002hxjx)

Classical Live 13:00 THU (m002hxl2)

Classical Live 13:00 FRI (m002hxp0)

Classical Mixtape 19:00 MON (m002hwth)

Classical Mixtape 19:00 WED (m002hxkc)

Classical Mixtape 19:00 THU (m002hxl8)

Classical Mixtape 19:00 FRI (m002hxp6)

Composer of the Week 16:00 MON (m002hwtb)

Composer of the Week 16:00 TUE (m002hx6t)

Composer of the Week 16:00 WED (m002hxk5)

Composer of the Week 16:00 THU (m002hxl4)

Composer of the Week 16:00 FRI (m002hxp2)

Earlier... with Jools Holland 12:00 SAT (m002bv59)

Essential Classics 09:30 MON (m002hwt6)

Essential Classics 09:30 TUE (m002hx6p)

Essential Classics 09:30 WED (m002hxjs)

Essential Classics 09:30 THU (m002hxl0)

Essential Classics 09:30 FRI (m002hxny)

In Tune 17:00 MON (m002hwtf)

In Tune 17:00 TUE (m002hx6w)

In Tune 17:00 WED (m002hxk9)

In Tune 17:00 THU (m002hxl6)

In Tune 17:00 FRI (m002hxp4)

Late Junction 22:15 FRI (m002hxpb)

Music Map 13:30 SUN (m002hwry)

Music Matters 13:00 SAT (m0026whh)

Music Planet 18:00 SAT (m002hy0k)

New Generation Artists 19:00 SAT (m002hy0m)

New Music Show 22:30 SAT (m002hy0r)

Night Tracks 22:00 SUN (m002hws5)

Night Tracks 22:00 MON (m002hwtm)

Night Tracks 20:45 TUE (m002hx70)

Night Tracks 22:00 WED (m002hxkh)

Night Tracks 22:00 THU (m002hxld)

Record Review 14:00 SAT (m002hy0c)

Saturday Morning 09:00 SAT (m002hy06)

Sound of Cinema 16:00 SAT (m002hy0f)

Sunday Morning 09:00 SUN (m002hwrt)

The Early Music Show 17:00 SUN (m0020hvv)

This Classical Life 17:00 SAT (m002hy0h)

Through the Night 00:30 SAT (m002hls7)

Through the Night 00:30 SUN (m002hy0t)

Through the Night 00:30 MON (m002hws7)

Through the Night 00:30 TUE (m002hwtr)

Through the Night 00:30 WED (m002hx76)

Through the Night 00:30 THU (m002hxkm)

Through the Night 00:30 FRI (m002hxlj)

Unclassified 23:30 SUN (m002cbtz)

Words and Music 18:00 SUN (m001r87s)

LIST OF THIS WEEK'S PROGRAMMES ORDERED BY GENRE
(Note: the times link back to the details; the pids link to the BBC page, including iPlayer)

Drama

Words and Music 18:00 SUN (m001r87s)

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Music Matters 13:00 SAT (m0026whh)

Sound of Cinema 16:00 SAT (m002hy0f)

Music

Late Junction 22:15 FRI (m002hxpb)

Music: Classical

Breakfast 06:30 SAT (m002hy04)

Breakfast 06:30 SUN (m002hwrr)

Breakfast 06:30 MON (m002hwt4)

Breakfast 06:30 TUE (m002hx6m)

Breakfast 06:30 WED (m002hxjn)

Breakfast 06:30 THU (m002hxky)

Breakfast 06:30 FRI (m002hxnw)

Classical Live 13:00 MON (m002hwt8)

Classical Live 13:00 TUE (m002hx6r)

Classical Live 13:00 WED (m002hxjx)

Classical Live 13:00 THU (m002hxl2)

Classical Live 13:00 FRI (m002hxp0)

Classical Mixtape 19:00 MON (m002hwth)

Classical Mixtape 19:00 WED (m002hxkc)

Classical Mixtape 19:00 THU (m002hxl8)

Classical Mixtape 19:00 FRI (m002hxp6)

Composer of the Week 16:00 MON (m002hwtb)

Composer of the Week 16:00 TUE (m002hx6t)

Composer of the Week 16:00 WED (m002hxk5)

Composer of the Week 16:00 THU (m002hxl4)

Composer of the Week 16:00 FRI (m002hxp2)

Earlier... with Jools Holland 12:00 SAT (m002bv59)

Essential Classics 09:30 MON (m002hwt6)

Essential Classics 09:30 TUE (m002hx6p)

Essential Classics 09:30 WED (m002hxjs)

Essential Classics 09:30 THU (m002hxl0)

Essential Classics 09:30 FRI (m002hxny)

In Tune 17:00 MON (m002hwtf)

In Tune 17:00 TUE (m002hx6w)

In Tune 17:00 WED (m002hxk9)

In Tune 17:00 THU (m002hxl6)

In Tune 17:00 FRI (m002hxp4)

Music Map 13:30 SUN (m002hwry)

Night Tracks 22:00 SUN (m002hws5)

Night Tracks 22:00 MON (m002hwtm)

Night Tracks 20:45 TUE (m002hx70)

Night Tracks 22:00 WED (m002hxkh)

Night Tracks 22:00 THU (m002hxld)

Record Review 14:00 SAT (m002hy0c)

Saturday Morning 09:00 SAT (m002hy06)

Sunday Morning 09:00 SUN (m002hwrt)

This Classical Life 17:00 SAT (m002hy0h)

Through the Night 00:30 SAT (m002hls7)

Through the Night 00:30 SUN (m002hy0t)

Through the Night 00:30 MON (m002hws7)

Through the Night 00:30 TUE (m002hwtr)

Through the Night 00:30 WED (m002hx76)

Through the Night 00:30 THU (m002hxkm)

Through the Night 00:30 FRI (m002hxlj)

Words and Music 18:00 SUN (m001r87s)

Music: Classical: Chamber & Recital

New Generation Artists 19:00 SAT (m002hy0m)

Music: Classical: Choral

Choral Evensong 15:00 WED (m002hxk1)

Music: Classical: Early Music

The Early Music Show 17:00 SUN (m0020hvv)

Music: Classical: Experimental & New

New Music Show 22:30 SAT (m002hy0r)

Unclassified 23:30 SUN (m002cbtz)

Music: Classical: Orchestral

BBC Proms 19:30 SAT (m002hy0p)

BBC Proms 11:00 SUN (m002hwrw)

BBC Proms 15:00 SUN (m002hws0)

BBC Proms 19:30 SUN (m002hws3)

BBC Proms 19:30 MON (m002hwtk)

BBC Proms 18:30 TUE (m002hx6y)

BBC Proms 22:15 TUE (m002hx72)

BBC Proms 19:30 WED (m002hxkf)

BBC Proms 19:30 THU (m002hxlb)

BBC Proms 19:30 FRI (m002hxp8)

Music: Easy Listening, Soundtracks & Musicals

Sound of Cinema 16:00 SAT (m002hy0f)

Music: Jazz & Blues: Jazz

'Round Midnight 23:30 MON (m002hwtp)

'Round Midnight 23:45 TUE (m002hx74)

'Round Midnight 23:30 WED (m002hxkk)

'Round Midnight 23:30 THU (m002hxlg)

'Round Midnight 23:30 FRI (m002hxpd)

Music: World

Late Junction 22:15 FRI (m002hxpb)

Music Planet 18:00 SAT (m002hy0k)

Night Tracks 22:00 SUN (m002hws5)

Night Tracks 22:00 MON (m002hwtm)

Night Tracks 20:45 TUE (m002hx70)

Night Tracks 22:00 WED (m002hxkh)

Night Tracks 22:00 THU (m002hxld)

Religion & Ethics

Choral Evensong 15:00 WED (m002hxk1)