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Kindred Spirits

Composer of the Week Musical Olympians - Ethel Smyth
Episode 3 of 5

Donald Macleod explores the world of Ethel Smyth through five love affairs that shaped her life and music. Today, her muse Mary Ponsonby and her brushes with royalty

Donald Macleod explores a musician also remarkable for her sporting prowess. Today, introducing Ethel Smyth’s muse, Mary Ponsonby, and her brushes with royalty.

British composer Dame Ethel Smyth was one of the early 20th century’s most original cultural voices. A prodigious musical talent who was best known for her operas, she was a force of nature, an unapologetic eccentric who didn’t suffer fools gladly, and a rule-breaking, trailblazing feminist. Alongside music, she was an accomplished sportswoman, and her driven and playful nature - as well as her endurance - would not only shape her career but her personal life too. All this week, Donald Macleod explores Smyth’s story through what she termed her “passions” – the key all-consuming relationships that changed the course of her life, and how they were a necessary force for her creativity.

Today, the woman who matched Ethel’s spirit and “changed the colour” of her life. In Mary Ponsonby, Ethel found a kindred soul who similarly defied gender norms and conventions. Despite their tempestuous rows, Mary was a dedicated friend and musical supporter, who ran in influential and royal circles. We hear about Ethel’s talent for making friends in high places, and her encounters with the Empress Eugenie and Queen Victoria.

Lieder, Op 4 No 4 “Nachtreiter”
Maarten Koningsberger, baritone
Kelvin Grout, piano

KlavierstĂĽck in E major
Antonio Oyarzabal, piano

Cello Sonata in C minor (i. Allegro Appassionato, ii. Andante)
Friedemann Kupsa cello
Anna Silova, piano

The Wreckers, Act II: Prelude “On the Cliffs of Cornwall” (arr. for winds)
Swedish Wind Ensemble
Cathrine Winnes, director

Mass in D: Gloria
Susanna Hurrell, soprano
Catriona Morison, mezzo
Ben Johnson, tenor
Duncan Rock, baritone
±«Óătv Singers
±«Óătv Symphony Orchestra
Sakari Oramo, conductor

FĂŞte Galante: Joy unbounded; Heigh Ho; Hushed is the world
Charmian Bedford, soprano
Alessandro Fisher, tenor
Felix Kemp, baritone
Simon Wallfisch, baritone
Ensemble Lontano
Odaline de la Martinez, conductor

Produced by Amelia Parker for ±«Óătv Audio Wales and West

59 minutes

Last on

Wed 31 Jul 2024 16:00
±«Óătv Radio 3

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SoulmateMusical Olympians - Ethel Smyth

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Questions of DevotionMusical Olympians - Ethel Smyth

See all episodes from Composer of the Week

Music Played

  • Ethel Smyth

    Lieder, Op 4, No 4 "Nachtreiter"

    Performer: Kelvin Grout. Singer: Maarten Koningsberger.
    • TROUBADISC : tro-cd-01417.
    • TROUBADISC.
    • 4.

  • Ethel Smyth

    KlavierstĂĽck in E major

    Performer: Antonio Oyarzabal.
    • IBS CLASSICAL : IBS52021.
    • IBS CLASSICAL.
    • 12.

  • Ethel Smyth

    Cello Sonata in C minor (1st & 2nd mvt)

    Performer: Friedemann Kupsa. Performer: Anna Silova.
    • Troubadisc: TrocCD01417.
    • Troubadisc.
    • 11.

  • Ethel Smyth

    The Wreckers, Act II: Prelude "On the Cliffs of Cornwall" (arr. for winds)

    Music Arranger: Anders Högstedt. Ensemble: Swedish Wind Ensemble. Director: Cathrine Winnes.
    • NILENTO : NILCD2102.
    • NILENTO.
    • 5.

  • Ethel Smyth

    Mass in D (Gloria)

    Singer: Susanna Hurrell. Singer: Catriona Morison. Singer: Ben Johnson. Singer: Duncan Rock. Choir: ±«Óătv Singers. Orchestra: ±«Óătv Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Sakari Oramo.
    • CHANDOS : CHSA 52-40.
    • CHANDOS.
    • 7.

  • Ethel Smyth

    FĂŞte Galante (Joy unbounded; Heigh Ho; Hushed is the world)

    Singer: Charmain Bedford. Singer: Alessandro Fisher. Singer: Felix Kemp. Ensemble: Lontano. Conductor: Odaline de la Martinez.
    • RETROSPECT : RO007.
    • RETROSPECT.
    • 15.

Broadcast

  • Wed 31 Jul 2024 16:00
    ±«Óătv Radio 3

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