SATURDAY 08 NOVEMBER 2025
SAT 00:30 Through the Night (m002lcsb)
Mariam Batsashvili at London's Wigmore Hall
Mariam Batsashvili's recital shows the breadth of her artistic expression: the haunting music of Bach's Third Concerto and Chopin's Andante spianato to Haydn's joyful Sonata in D and the earthy drama of Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsodies. Penny Gore presents.
12:31 AM
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Concerto no 3 in D minor (after Marcello's Oboe Concerto), BWV.974
Mariam Batsashvili (piano)
12:40 AM
Fryderyk Chopin (1810-1849)
Andante spianato et grande polonaise brillante, Op 22
Mariam Batsashvili (piano)
12:54 AM
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
Sonata in D, HobXVI:37
Mariam Batsashvili (piano)
01:05 AM
Franz Liszt (1811-1886)
Hungarian Rhapsody no 11 in A minor, S. 244
Mariam Batsashvili (piano)
01:11 AM
Franz Liszt (1811-1886)
Hungarian Rhapsody no 12 in C Sharp Minor, S.244
Mariam Batsashvili (piano)
01:22 AM
Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
Waltz in G flat, D.Anh.I/14 'Kupelwieser Walzer' (encore)
Mariam Batsashvili (piano)
01:24 AM
Franz Liszt (1811-1886)
Les Preludes - symphonic poem after Lamartine (S.97)
Hungarian State Orchestra, János Ferencsik (conductor)
01:41 AM
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Aria: Il mio tesoro intanto - from Don Giovanni
Michael Schade (tenor), Canadian Opera Company Orchestra, Richard Bradshaw (conductor)
01:46 AM
Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
Piano Quintet in A major (D.667) "Trout"
Nikolai Demidenko (piano), Marianne Thorsen (violin), Are Sandbakken (viola), Leonid Gorokhov (cello), Dan Styffe (double bass)
02:31 AM
Grace Williams (1906-1977)
Symphony no 2
BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Martyn Brabbins (conductor)
03:12 AM
Christopher Simpson (c.1605-1669)
The Four Seasons - Winter
Les Voix Humaines
03:27 AM
Shih (b.1950)
Der letzte Walzer
Anika Vavic (piano)
03:38 AM
Artur Kapp (1878-1952)
Cantata 'Päikesele' (To the Sun)
Hendrik Krumm (tenor), Aime Tampere (organ), Eesti Raadio Segakoor [Estonian Radio Choir], Eesti Poistekoor, Eesti Raadio Sümfooniaorkester (Estonia Radio Symphony Orchestra), Neeme Järvi (conductor)
03:49 AM
Giuseppe Tartini (1692-1770), arr. Øivind Westby
Trumpet Concerto in D major
Ole Edvard Antonsen (trumpet), Argovia Philharmonic, Rune Bergmann (conductor)
03:59 AM
Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971)
Three pieces for Clarinet Solo
Martins Circenis (clarinet)
04:04 AM
Arvo Pärt (b.1935)
Magnificat
Jauna Muzika, Vaclovas Augustinas (conductor)
04:10 AM
Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)
Norfolk Rhapsody no 1 in E minor
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Sir Bernard Heinze (conductor)
04:21 AM
Nicolas Gombert (c.1495-c.1560)
Elegie sur la mort de Josquin Musae Jovis
Studio de Musique Ancienne de Montréal, Christopher Jackson (director)
04:31 AM
Elfrida Andrée (1841-1929)
Concert Overture in D major
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Chloé van Soeterstède (conductor)
04:43 AM
François Couperin (1668-1733), arr. Yasunori Imamura
Les Baricades Misterieuses de Mr F. Couperin
Yasunori Imamura (theorbo)
04:46 AM
Sergey Rachmaninov (1873-1943), arr. Alan Arnold
Vocalise, Op 34 no 14 arr. Arnold for viola and piano
Gyözö Máté (viola), Balázs Szokolay (piano)
04:52 AM
Genevieve Calame (1946-1993)
Sur la margelle du monde
Bienne Symphony Orchestra, Franco Trinca (conductor)
05:03 AM
Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179)
Spiritus Sanctus vivificans vite, antiphon for solo voice
Sequentia
05:14 AM
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Sonata for Viola da Gamba in A major, BWV.1015
Teodoro Baù (viola da gamba), Andrea Buccarella (harpsichord)
05:30 AM
Pavle Merkù (1927-2014)
Concerto lirico for clarinet and orchestra
Franc Trzan (clarinet), Slovenska Filharmonija, Anton Kolar (conductor)
05:48 AM
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
Piano Trio in C minor, MWV.Q3
Irene Abrigo (violin), Jürg Dähler (viola), Gilles Vonsattel (piano)
06:05 AM
Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)
Serenade for tenor, horn and string orchestra, Op 31
Benjamin Butterfield (tenor), James Sommerville (horn), Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, Simon Streatfield (conductor)
SAT 06:30 Breakfast (m002lnjt)
Wake up your senses with classical music
Hannah French presents Radio 3’s Breakfast show. 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 (m002lnjw)
Mandolinist Chris Thile talks bluegrass and Bach
Tom Service with guests, stories and the perfect classical soundtrack for the weekend!
Mandolinist Chris Thile has been described by NPR as a ‘genre-defying musical genius’ - whether he's playing in folk and bluegrass bands The Punch Brothers or Nickel Creek, collaborating with Brad Mehldau or Yo-Yo Ma or performing solo music by JS Bach, his musical imagination always shines through. Chris talks to Tom about his new Bach album, upcoming gig at London Jazz Festival and living life as a musical chameleon.
Composer Mark-Anthony Turnage, better known for acclaimed explosive operas like Greek or Festen, is taking a trip into childhood nostalgia with his new opera based on the beloved children's classic The Railway Children. Mark talks to Tom about writing the score and his own childhood experiences in music.
To listen on most smart speakers just say 'Ask BBC Sounds to play Saturday Morning'.
SAT 12:00 Earlier... with Jools Holland (m002cbrg)
Jools with some of his most-loved recordings
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 Pergolesi, Szymanowska and Bennie Moten, with performances by Philippe Jaroussky, Julia Lezhneva and Mason Bates. His guest is the singer songwriter Billy Bragg who introduces music he loves by Orff, Beethoven and Vaughan Williams, as well as some Gaelic psalm-singing.
To listen on most smart speakers just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Earlier with Jools Holland".
SAT 13:00 Music Matters (m002lnk0)
Piano Stories
Murray Perahia
Piano technician to the greats, Ulrich Gerhartz is in conversation about pianos with his friend Murray Perahia.
Ulrich Gerhartz is talking pianos with some of the greatest pianists of our age. Ulrich is Director of Concert and Artist Services at Steinway and Sons in London. For the last 30 years he’s been piano technician to the stars of the piano world. When they sit down at a keyboard, it's his job to ensure that these top musicians have the best instrument possible set up for their particular taste and touch.
Great pianists take Ulrich on tour; into recording studios; and to the world’s finest concert halls. Tuning is a small part of what he does as he spends hours preparing each piano to suit each performer.
Here Ulrich is in conversation with his friend, the great pianist Murray Perahia. They discuss memories of recording the Goldberg Variations in Switzerland; choosing a piano to record Brahms; and Murray’s memories of his mentor Vladimir Horowitz.
Mendelssohn: Lieder ohne Worte, Book 1, Op.19 no.3
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 24 in C minor, K491: II. Larghetto
J.S Bach: Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Var. 29, 30, Aria da capo
Chopin: Etudes, Opus 25 - No.1 in A flat major
Schubert: Piano Sonata No. 19 in C minor, D958: II. Adagio
Brahms: Intermezzo in A major, Op.118 no.2;
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 29 in B flat major, Op. 106 - "Hammerklavier": IV. Largo - Allegro risoluto
Producer: Rosie Boulton
A Must Try Softer Production
SAT 14:00 Record Review (m002lnk2)
Gershwin's 'An American in Paris' in Building a Library with Ben Gernon and Andrew McGregor
Andrew McGregor with the best new recordings of classical music.
1405
Kate Kennedy selects her choice of the best new releases
1500
Ben Gernon picks his favourite recording of Gershwin's symphonic poem, An American in Paris.
1545
Record of the Week: Andrew’s top pick.
To listen on most smart speakers just say “ask BBC Sounds to play Record Review”
SAT 16:00 Sound of Cinema (m002lnk4)
Edith talks to Ludwig Göransson
Join Edith Bowman each week as she explores the best music from cinema and television. On this week’s show Edith talks to Black Panther and Oppenheimer composer Ludwig Göransson about his recent score for Sinners directed by Ryan Coogler, the music of The Mandalorian and much more. Emma Thompson chooses her Pick of the Flicks, and in Harmonising Hollywood, Doctor Who composer Segun Akinola is celebrating John Powell's music for the Bourne films.
Plus recent releases from Joe Hisaishi and his music for the romantic fantasy film A Big, Bold, Beautiful Journey, new music from composer Max Richter from the upcoming historical drama Hamnet.
SAT 17:00 This Classical Life (m002lnk6)
Jess Gillam with... Rushil Ranjan
This week Jess Gillam is joined by the composer and multi-disciplinary artist Rushil Ranjan, whose work combines Sufi and classical influences. He is a Collaborative Artist of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Artistic Partner at Manchester Camerata, and has composed for BAFTA-nominated films and award-winning dance productions. His picks include music by Nitin Sawhney and Hozier, and Jess's choices include tracks by Miklós Rózsa and Laura Misch.
To listen on most smart speakers just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Radio 3”.
SAT 18:00 Opera on 3 (m002lnk8)
Mozart's The Magic Flute
Mozart's The Magic Flute from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.
Set in a fantastical land, Mozart's last opera is a fantastical coming-of-age story about true love and the search for wisdom, with an enchanting cast of characters. Written in 1791, and first performed at Vienna's popular Theater auf der Wieden, in September 1791, Mozart was dead just two months later at the age of 35.
Presenter Martin Handley is joined by Naomi Waltham-Smith who talks about Mozart's genius in writing music which would appeal to his different audiences.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Die Zauberflöte (K. 620) - The Magic Flute.
A two-act opera (Singspiel) with a German libretto by Emanuel Schikaneder.
Pamina.... Lucy Crowe (soprano)
Tamino.... Amitai Pati (tenor)
Papageno.... Huw Montague Rendall (baritone)
Queen of the Night.... Kathryn Lewek (soprano)
Sarastro.... Soloman Howard (bass)
Monostatos.... Gerhard Siegel (tenor)
Papagena.... Marianna Hovanisyan (soprano)
First Lady.... Hannah Edmunds (soprano)
Second Lady.... Ellen Pearson (soprano)
Third Lady.... Emma Carrington (soprano)
Speaker of the Temple.... Matthew Rose (bass-baritone)
First Priest.... Harry Nicoll (tenor)
Second Priest.... Wyn Pencarreg (bass)
Third Priest.... Nigel Cliffe (bass)
First Man in Armour.... Stuart Jackson (tenor)
Second Man in Armour.... Graeme Broadbent (bass)
Royal Opera Chorus
Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Marie Jacquot (conductor)
When the Queen of the Night tasks young Prince Tamino with rescuing her daughter, Princess Pamina, Tamino falls in love with Pamina’s portrait immediately. Accompanied by his reluctant sidekick, the bird-catcher Papageno, they set out on their quest, encountering a mysterious brotherhood of men led by Sarastro, Pamina’s captor. Although Sarastro may not be the villain that Tamino has been led to believe he is, he still orders Tamino to undergo a series of trials before he and Pamina are finally, joyfully united. To Papageno’s delight, he also finds the woman of his dreams, Papagena, in the opera’s joyful finale.
SAT 21:30 Music Planet (m002lnkb)
A Percussion Special with Sarathy Korwar
Tabla maestro and composer Sarathy Korwar selects global roots-based music that has informed his approach to rhythm and melody in a special edition of Music Planet focusing on percussion traditions from around the world.
Born in the US, Sarathy Korwar grew up in Ahmedabad and Chennai, India, where he started learning to play the tabla before moving to London to complete his musical studies. Since then, he has become one of the most respected voices in jazz and contemporary music, leading the UPAJ Collective - a group of South Asian jazz and Indian classical musicians - and collaborating with the likes of Shabaka Hutchings, clarinettist Arun Ghosh and producer Hieroglyphic Being. His new album, There Is Beauty, There Already - made up entirely of live drums, drum-triggered electronics and human voices - will be presented live for the first time on the 15th of November at the ICA Institute of Contemporary Arts as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival.
Produced by Silvia Malnati
A Reduced Listening production for BBC Radio 3
To listen on most smart speakers, just say: “Ask BBC Sounds to play Music Planet.”
SAT 22:30 New Music Show (m002lnkd)
Leo Chadburn's Listen List
Tom Service finds out what composer Leo Chadburn is listening to at the moment, and he presents more highlights from the Donaueschingen Music Days 2025, including the world premiere of Georges Aperghis' Tell Tales, performed by EXAUDI and the violist Tabea Zimmermann making her debut at the festival.
SUNDAY 09 NOVEMBER 2025
SUN 00:30 Through the Night (m002lnkg)
Italian choral music from Renaissance to Baroque
Berlin Cathedral resonates with the sound of forty voices in Alessandro Striggio's motet Ecce beata lucem, as well as works by other Italian musicians including Gabrieli, Caccini and Benevoli. Robert Hollingworth directs the RIAS Chamber Chorus, Berlin with the instrumental ensemble Capella de la Torre. Jonathan Swain presents.
12:31 AM
Giovanni Gabrieli (1557-1612)
Magnificat à 14
Joachim Bührmann (tenor), Andrew Redmond (baritone), RIAS Chamber Chorus, Berlin, Capella de la Torre, Robert Hollingworth (conductor)
12:38 AM
Orazio Benevoli (1605-1672)
Kyrie And Gloria From Missa Si Deus pro nobis à 16
RIAS Chamber Chorus, Berlin, Capella de la Torre, Robert Hollingworth (conductor)
12:56 AM
Francesco Usper (1560-1641)
Sonata à 8
Capella de la Torre, Katharina Bäuml (conductor)
01:00 AM
Orazio Benevoli (1605-1672)
Credo From Missa Si Deus pro nobis à 16
RIAS Chamber Chorus, Berlin, Capella de la Torre, Robert Hollingworth (conductor)
01:14 AM
Alessandro Grandi (1586-1630)
Plorabo die ac nocte
Julienne Mbodjé (alto), Minsub Hong (tenor), Robert Hollingworth (conductor)
01:20 AM
Francesca Caccini (1587-1640)
Sinfonia / Bergamasca
Capella de la Torre, Katharina Bäuml (conductor)
01:25 AM
Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643)
Ave Maris Stella
RIAS Chamber Chorus, Berlin, Capella de la Torre, Robert Hollingworth (conductor)
01:35 AM
Orazio Benevoli (1605-1672)
Sanctus And Agnus Dei From Missa Si Deus pro nobis à 16
RIAS Chamber Chorus, Berlin, Capella de la Torre, Robert Hollingworth (conductor)
01:40 AM
Maurizio Cazzati (1616-1678)
Passacaglia
Capella de la Torre, Katharina Bäuml (conductor)
01:45 AM
Alessandro Striggio (c.1573-1630)
Ecce beata lucem
Rias Kammerchor (classic performer), Capella de la Torre, Robert Hollingworth (conductor)
01:53 AM
Vincenzo Petrali (1832-1889)
Organ Sonata per flauto
Cor van Wageningen (organ)
01:58 AM
Sergey Prokofiev (1891-1953)
Symphony No 7 in C sharp minor, Op 131
Orchestre Métropolitain, Agnes Grossmann (conductor)
02:31 AM
Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)
Quintet in D major for clarinet, horn, violin, cello and piano
Stephan Siegenthaler (clarinet), Thomas Müller (horn), Matthias Enderle (violin), Patrick Demenga (cello), Hiroko Sakagami (piano)
02:57 AM
Herbert Howells (1892-1983)
Requiem
Gabrieli Consort, Paul McCreesh (director)
03:19 AM
Grażyna Bacewicz (1909-1969)
Partita for orchestra
Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Jan Krenz (conductor)
03:33 AM
Felipe Lluch (c.1700-c.1750)
Flute Sonata in D major
La Guirlande
03:46 AM
Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)
Tatyana's Letter Scene from the opera "Eugene Onegin" (Act I Scene 2)
Joanne Kolomyjec (soprano), Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Mario Bernardi (conductor)
03:59 AM
Maddalena Laura Lombardini Sirmen (1745-1818)
String Quartet no 1 in E flat major, Op 3
Eos Quartet
04:09 AM
Richard Wagner (1813-1883)
Good Friday music from 'Parsifal'
Felix Mottl (piano)
04:19 AM
Jan Dismas Zelenka (1679-1745)
E voi siete d'altri, o labra soavi, ZWV 176
Delphine Galou (contralto), Les Ambassadeurs, Alexis Kossenko (director)
04:31 AM
Claude Debussy (1862-1918)
Syrinx for solo flute
Ivica Gabrisova-Encingerova (flute)
04:33 AM
Nadia Boulanger (1887-1979)
3 Pieces for cello and piano
Zoltán Despond (cello), Vesselin Stanev (piano)
04:41 AM
Ruth Gipps (1921-1999)
Jane Grey Fantasy, Op 15
Scott Dickinson (viola), BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Teresa Riveiro Bohm (conductor)
04:52 AM
Edvard Grieg (1843-1907)
Wedding Day at Troldhaugen (no 6 from Lyric pieces, Op 65)
Valerie Tryon (piano)
05:00 AM
William Byrd (1543-1623)
Content is rich
Emma Kirkby (soprano), Rose Consort of Viols
05:04 AM
Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971)
8 Instrumental miniatures for 15 instruments
Canadian Chamber Ensemble, Raffi Armenian (director)
05:12 AM
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
Symphony no 4 in D major, H.1.4
Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ondrej Lenárd (conductor)
05:23 AM
Erwin Schulhoff (1894-1942)
5 Pieces for string quartet
Signum Quartet
05:37 AM
Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767)
Concerto in A minor for Recorder, Viola da Gamba, Strings and Continuo
La Stagione Frankfurt
05:52 AM
Stephen Michael Reich (b.1936)
Eight Lines
Ricercata Ensemble, Ivan Siller (piano), Fero Király (piano), Ján Kruzliak (violin), Daniel Herich (violin), Peter Dvorský (viola), Branislav Beilik (cello)
06:10 AM
Susan Spain-Dunk (1880-1962)
Stonehenge
BBC Concert Orchestra, Anna-Maria Helsing (conductor)
SUN 06:30 Breakfast (m002lqld)
The finest classical music to elevate your morning
Mark Forrest presents Radio 3’s Breakfast show live from Salford. With 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’
SUN 09:00 Sunday Morning (m002lqlg)
Three hours of classical sparkle
This week, Sarah starts the day with calm and radiant music to start your Sunday with warmth and light, before heading north for sounds full of freshness and open air. There’s a touch of mischief too, as lively dances and symphonic surprises bring plenty of twists and turns along the way.
This week’s Choral Reflection features the Kiev Chamber Choir in Valentin Silvestrov’s Agnus Dei, a quiet, glowing piece written in response to the Maidan events of 2014.
And for our Sunday Morning Long Play - an opportunity to settle in for an unhurried masterpiece - Sarah has chosen Mozart’s majestic Symphony No. 39. Get the coffee prepped.
Plus, there are musical adventures with a violinist who can’t sit still, a dance that keeps changing its mind, and a nocturne that’s far too awake to say goodnight…
A Tandem Production for BBC Radio 3.
SUN 12:00 Private Passions (m002lqlj)
Hugh Bonneville
Hugh Bonneville is one of the most familiar faces on British TV and film. You might know him as the Earl of Grantham from Downton Abbey, or the long-suffering Mr Brown in the Paddington films, or the baffled Ian Fletcher in the London Olympics sitcom Twenty Twelve and its BBC-centred sequel W1A.
Hugh was captivated by acting from an early age, staging his own plays at home and even making the tickets to sell to his family.
More recently he’s has branched out into writing, with a memoir Playing Under the Piano and a children’s book Rory Sparkes and the Elephant in the Room, which is inspired by some of the events of his childhood.
Hugh's selection of music includes works by Beethoven, Strauss, Elgar and Faure.
Presenter: Michael Berkeley
Producer: Clare Walker
SUN 13:30 Music Map (m002lqll)
A journey to Schubert's Piano Trio No. 2
Sara Mohr-Pietsch embarks on a musical journey from boozy taverns to snowy wastes, towards the second movement of Schubert's Piano Trio No. 2 in E-Flat Major - one of the composer's final works before he died.
Along the way, we'll meet some of the other composers who died young, including Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. We'll also discover where Baroque chamber music intersects with jazz, and explore the sounds of Schubert's Vienna with Johann Schrammel and Ludwig van Beethoven.
To listen to this programme (using most smart speakers), just say 'ask BBC Sounds to play Music Map'.
SUN 15:00 Choral Evensong (m002lcjn)
Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, London
From the Chapel of the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, London, with the Trinity Laban Chapel Choir.
Introit: Fecisti nos (Radcliffe)
Responses: Ralph Allwood
Psalms 27, 28, 29 (Wolstenholme, Allwood, Howells)
First Lesson: Proverbs 3 vv27-35
Office Hymn: Be still, my soul (Finlandia)
Canticles: Collegium Regale (Howells)
Second Lesson: Matthew 18 vv21-35
Anthem: And I saw a new heaven (Bainton)
Hymn: Eternal Father, strong to save (Melita)
Final Anthem: For the fallen (Robert Kendrick)
Voluntary: The Spirit of England (Solemn Prelude ‘In memoriam’) (Elgar)
Ralph Allwood (Director of Music)
Alexander Knight (Organist)
Recorded 22 October.
To listen on most smart speakers just say “ask BBC Sounds to play Choral Evensong”.
SUN 16:00 Jazz Record Requests (m002lqln)
London Jazz Festival Special
Alyn Shipton presents jazz records of all styles and eras as requested by you alongside special requests from some of the artists playing at this year's EFG London Jazz Festival including Tinita Tikaram, Art Themen, Mali Sheard and Rob Luft.
Get in touch: jrr@bbc.co.uk or use #jazzrecordrequests on social
To listen on most smart speakers just say “ask BBC Sounds to play Jazz Record Requests”
SUN 17:00 The Early Music Show (m002lqlr)
The Brook Street Band at Love:Handel
Hannah French presents a concert of Handel Trio Sonatas given by The Brook Street Band at the Octagon Chapel in Norwich as part of last month's Love:Handel Festival. The programme also includes the two winning pieces from the 2025 National Centre for Early Music Young Composers Award - by Avram Harris and Kit McCarthy.
George Frederick Handel - Trio Sonata in F major, Op.5 No.6
Avram Harris - Transient Variations (World Premiere)
George Frederick Handel - Trio Sonata in G minor, Op.2 No.5
Kit McCarthy - Molten Kaleidoscope
George Frederick Handel - Trio Sonata in G major, Op.5 No.4
To listen to this programme using most smart speakers just say 'Ask BBC Sounds to play The Early Music Show'.
SUN 18:00 Words and Music (m002lqlx)
Travel: on land, over water, in the air
Katherine Kelly and Clive Hayward read from poetry and prose about travelling by road, sea and air including passages from the diaries of Dorothy Wordsworth, the thoughts of aviator Amelia Earhart, and cyclist Dervla Murphy, poetry from Walt Whitman, Imtiaz Dharker and Michael Donaghy, and descriptions of bike riding from HG Wells and Julian Barnes. The music includes Gustav Holst's Moorside Suite and George Dyson's Four Songs for Sailors, Johnny Cash singing I've been everywhere, Oliver Davis's composition Airborne Dances II, Laurie Anderson's piece To circle the world and her collaboration with the Kronos Quartet Riding Bicycles Through the Muddy Streets. We also hear Sana Masasama reading from her piece Why do I travel? and Stuart Maconie reading from Country Walking Magazine.
Produced in Salford by Rebecca Gaskell
Readings:
Machines by Michael Donaghy
Up-Hill by Christina Rossetti
Extract from Country Walking Magazine by Stuart Maconie
Flight Radar by Imtiaz Dharker
For The Traveler by John O'Donohue
Summit of Corrie Etchachan by Nan Sheperd
Song of the Open Road by Walt Whitman
Courage by Amelia Earhart
Chance: A Bicycling Idyll by HG Wells
Extract from Dorothy Wordsworth's Journal
Brambilla by Julian Barnes
Le Voyage by Charles Baudelaire, translated by F.P. Sturm
Why Do I Travel? by Sana Masasama
Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
Full Tilt by Dervla Murphy
Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Journey Home by Rabindranath Tagore
SUN 19:15 Sunday Feature (m002lqlz)
When the Words Leave
For Caroline Bird, writing poetry has always occurred in 'seasons.' 'I'll have a year or two of frantic writing, where every billboard, every conversation, sparks a magpie thirst in me and the words just seem to connect and spark off each other. And then it will disappear. Suddenly, overnight...'
In this documentary, Caroline Bird seeks out the company of other poets to explore these anxious silences, where it feels as if words have abandoned you. She speaks with Marie Howe, Vanessa Kisuule, Liz Berry, Oliver Carmichael, Jack Underwood and Hannah Copley.
Original music composed by Phil Smith
Produced by Eleanor McDowall
A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 3
SUN 20:00 Record Review (m002lqm1)
Gershwin: An American in Paris
A thorough look at the week's classical music releases, plus news and the Radio 3 Disc of the Week recommendation.
SUN 21:00 20th Century Radicals (m002lqm3)
The Two Pierres: War as creator, machine as musician
Kate Molleson and Gillian Moore introduce BBC Radio 3's series exploring the pivotal 'modern' musical works of the 20th century, the groundbreaking composers who created them, and the radical cultural and artistic movements which gave rise to them.
This week, Gillian explores the role of the two Pierres - Schaeffer and Henry, and their Groupe de Recherche de Musique Concrète - in the development of electronic music. We’ll track the influence of artists like Wassily Kandinsky on this revolution in music-making; travel to Britain, Japan and Egypt to see how a German invention propelled composers all across the globe down the path of manipulating recorded sound; and enjoy the whole of Schaeffer and Henry’s mid-century masterpiece ‘Symphonie pour un homme seul’ (1949–1950).
Produced by Sam Phillips
A Reduced Listening production for BBC Radio 3
To listen on most smart speakers just say, “ask BBC Sounds to play 20th Century Radicals”
SUN 22:00 Night Tracks (m002lqm5)
Dissolve into a nocturnal soundworld
Hannah Peel presents an adventurous, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening, from classical to contemporary and everything in between.
SUN 23:30 Unclassified (m002lqm7)
Unclassified Live at The Trades Club
The Trades Club in the West Yorkshire town of Hebden Bridge is not only Elizabeth Alker’s local, it’s also one of the most lively and well-loved music venues in the north of England. In this very special episode of Unclassified, Elizabeth welcomes three of the show’s favourite performers to play in front of a packed, enthusiastic crowd. Carmel Smickersgill trained at the Royal Northern College of Music and is now one of the most exciting and playful artists around, with a scintillating live set full of floating vocals and arpeggios cranked out in what she describes as her ‘electronic DIY’ style. LINDT is the latest project from Nigerian-born artist Iyunoluwa Yemi-Shodimu, who under a range of different guises has become a fixture of the experimental, multi-disciplinary scene in the North West. Yorkshire Modular Society, meanwhile, is the fabulously eclectic ambient project of Bradford-based Dominick Schofield, who draws on key musical influences like Aphex Twin as well as TV, films and video games for his inspiration.
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 10 NOVEMBER 2025
MON 00:30 Through the Night (m002lqm9)
Mozart and Rimsky-Korsakov from Stockholm
The Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra's principal guest conductor designate Maxim Emelyanychev introduces himself to Berwaldhallen’s audience as a soloist in Mozart’s bright and jovial 23rd piano concerto. Emelyanychev then takes the podium to lead the orchestra in Rimsky-Korsakov’s colourful fairy tale suite, Scheherazade.
12:31 AM
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Piano Concerto no 23 in A major, K.488
Maxim Emelyanychev (piano), Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra
01:00 AM
Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908)
Scheherazade, Op 35, symphonic suite
Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Maxim Emelyanychev (conductor)
01:47 AM
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Clarinet Quintet in A major, K581
Andrzej Ciepliński (clarinet), Royal String Quartet
02:19 AM
Jacob Adolf Hägg (1850-1928)
Fantasy Pieces for piano (excerpts)
Tore Uppström (piano)
02:26 AM
Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908)
Sleep my beauty (cradle song from "May Night")
Joanne Kolomyjec (soprano), Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Mario Bernardi (conductor)
02:31 AM
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Brandenburg Concerto no 5 in D major, BWV.1050
Ensemble 415, Lars Ulrik Mortensen (harpsichord)
02:52 AM
Fryderyk Chopin (1810-1849)
24 Preludes, Op 28
David Kadouch (piano)
03:28 AM
Giovanni Picchi (1572-1643)
3 Ballos - Ballo alla Polacca; Ballo Ongaro; Ballo ditto il Pichi
Rinaldo Alessandrini (harpsichord)
03:35 AM
Fredrik Pacius (1809-1891)
Overture from the Hunt of King Charles
Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Jukka-Pekka Saraste (conductor)
03:42 AM
Serge Koussevitsky (1874-1951)
Andante Cantabile & Valse Miniature (Op 1 nos 1 & 2)
Gary Karr (double bass), Harmon Lewis (piano)
03:52 AM
Elisabeth Kuyper (1877-1953)
Der Pfeil und das Lied; Marien Lied; Ich komme Heim (Op 17 nos 1, 2 & 3)
Irene Maessen (soprano), Frans van Ruth (piano)
03:59 AM
Arthur Butterworth (1923-2014)
Romanza for horn and strings
Martin Hackleman (horn), CBC Vancouver Orchestra, Mario Bernardi (conductor)
04:09 AM
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
Piano Sonata in G major, H.
16.27
Niklas Sivelöv (piano)
04:20 AM
Christoph Demantius (1567-1643)
Intraden und Tanze - from Conviviorum Deliciae, Nuremberg 1608
Hortus Musicus, Andres Mustonen (director)
04:31 AM
Väinö Raitio (1891-1945)
Joutsenet , Op 15
Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Okko Kamu (conductor)
04:39 AM
Nikita Koshkin (b.1956)
The Fall of Birds
Goran Listes (guitar)
04:48 AM
Costanzo Porta (1528/9-1601)
Sub Tuum Praesidium
Banchieri Singers, Dénes Szabó (conductor)
04:51 AM
Carlo Gesualdo da Venosa (1566-1613)
Ave, regina coelorum for 5 voices
Banchieri Singers, Dénes Szabó (conductor)
04:55 AM
Ottorino Respighi (1879-1936)
Prelude in D minor
David Rumsey (organ)
05:02 AM
Richard Wagner (1813-1883)
Tristan and Isolde (Prelude)
Norwegian Radio Orchestra, Tabita Berglund (conductor)
05:13 AM
Anonymous
The Uhrovec Collection
Enikö Ginzery (cimbalom)
05:22 AM
Ernest Chausson (1855-1899)
Poeme de l'amour et de la mer, Op 19 vers. for voice and orchestra
Iwona Socha (soprano), Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Marcin Nalecz-Niesiolowski (conductor)
05:49 AM
Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767)
Suite in G major, TWV.55:G2, 'La Bizarre'
B'Rock, Jürgen Groß (conductor)
06:07 AM
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
4 Ballades for piano, Op 10
Paul Lewis (piano)
MON 06:30 Breakfast (m002lpqd)
Kickstart your day 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’
MON 09:30 Essential Classics (m002lpqg)
A classical soundtrack 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'
MON 13:00 Classical Live (m002lpqj)
Songs of the Sea live from Wigmore Hall
Linton Stephens introduces an afternoon of specially recorded music including highlights from this summer's Glenarm Festival of Voice in Northern Ireland, featuring Radio 3 New Generation Artist, tenor Santiago Sanchez and mezzo-soprano Carolyn Dobbin.
Also this week Linton features concerto recordings from the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Today, the orchestra is joined by R3 New Generation flautist Elizaveta Ivanova for a performances of the flute concerto by Jacques Ibert.
But we begin the week with a live concert from Wigmore Hall. Baritone James Newby and pianist Joseph Middleton perform a programme inspired by the sea, including songs by Schubert, Elgar, Rachmaninov, Finzi and Weill, among others.
Wigmore Hall Live
introduced by Hannah French
Franz Schubert
Gruppe aus dem Tartarus, D. 583
Nikolai Medtner
Meeresstille [12 Songs after Goethe, Op.15 No.7]
Granville Bantock
Song to the Seals
Cheryl Frances-Hoad
The Thought Machine – Rita the Pirate
John Ireland
Sea Fever
Franz Schubert
Des Fischers Liebesglück
Charles Ives
From ‘The Swimmers’
Henri Duparc
L’invitation au voyage
Emmanuel Chabrier
L’ile heureuse
Sergei Rachmaninov
The Isle [12 Songs, Op. 14 No. 2]
Edward Elgar
Where Corals Lie [Sea Pictures, Op. 37]
Franz Schubert
Der Schiffer, D. 536
Cecil Armstrong Gibbs
Sailing homeward
Gerald Finzi
Channel firing [Before and after Summer, Op. 16]
Eric Coates
Sleepy Lagoon
Charles Villiers Stanford
Drake’s Drum [Songs of the Sea, Op. 91]
Kurt Weill
My Ship [Lady in the Dark]
Cole Porter
The Tale of the Oyster [Fifty Million Frenchmen]
***
From
2pm
Jacques Ibert
Flute Concerto
Elizaveta Ivanova (flute)
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Vinay Parameswaran (conductor)
Joseph Haydn
Keyboard Trio No. 45 in E flat, Hob. XV:29
Esther Hoppe (violin)
Christian Poltera (cello)
Ronald Brautigam (piano)
From the London International Festival of Early Music 2024:
Trad. Polish
A selection of improvised Polonaises based on Telemann
Erik Bosgraaf (recorder)
filoBarocco
From the Glenarm Festival of Voice 2025:
Joan Trimble
The County Mayo (Song-Cycle)
Carolyn Dobbin (mezzo-soprano)
Simon Lepper (piano)
César Franck
Symphony in D minor
Ulster Orchestra
Jac van Steen (conductor)
To listen to this programme (using most smart speakers) just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Classical Live".
MON 16:00 Composer of the Week (m002lpql)
Elfrida Andrée (1841-1929)
Breaking Boundaries
Donald Macleod journeys into the early life of Elfrida Andrée, including her belief from childhood in the equality between the men and women. With guests Anastasia Belina and Jonas Lundblad, Donald also delves into the impact of Andrée’s parents, and her determination to become an organist.
Fritiof Suite (excerpt)
Norrkoping Symphony Orchestra
Hermann Bäumer, conductor
Summer memories from Bjurslätt (Allegro)
Strings of the Gothenburg Opera
Piano Sonata in A, Op 3 (excerpt)
Oskar Ekberg, piano
Organ Sonata No 2
Jonas Lundblad, organ
An angel walks through the room
Lukas Gustafsson, vocalist
Palaestra Vocal Ensemble
Cecilia Martin-Löf, director
Symphony No 1 (excerpt)
Norrkoping Symphony Orchestra
Hermann Bäumer, conductor
Produced by Luke Whitlock
MON 17:00 In Tune (m002lpqn)
Live classical music for your drive
Live music and interviews from the world's finest classical musicians.
MON 19:00 Classical Mixtape (m0024574)
Your daily classical fix
Take time out with a 30-minute soundscape of classical favourites.
MON 19:30 Radio 3 in Concert (m002lpqq)
Mahler's Eighth Symphony
“Imagine the whole universe bursting into song!” said Gustav Mahler about his great Symphony No. 8. To mark their 100th anniversary, the Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra performs it together with three choirs: the Danish Radio Concert Choir, the BBC Singers and the Copenhagen Boys’ Choir. Conducted by Fabio Luisi, they are joined by a glittering line-up of soloists including Camilla Nylund, David Butt Philip and Christoph Pohl.
Also know as the 'Symphony of a Thousand' because of the great number of performers required, it is music that depicts the unfathomable and infinite with great beauty and energy. Mahler himself said, a few days after he finished writing the symphony: “It is the greatest thing I have ever created!”.
Recorded on 31 October 2025 at at the Danish National Concert Hall.
Mahler: Symphony No. 8
Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra
Danish Radio Concert Choir
BBC Singers
Copenhagen Boys' Choir
Camilla Nylund (soprano)
Valentina Farcas (soprano)
Liv Redpath (soprano)
Wiebke Lehmkuhll (mezzo-soprano)
Jasmin Jorias (mezzo-soprano)
David Butt Philip (tenor)
Christoph Pohl (baritone)
David Steffens (bass)
Fabio Luisi (conductor)
To listen on most smart speakers just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Radio 3 in Concert".
MON 21:45 The Essay (m001zghb)
A Different Way to Listen
Ruth Montgomery
A five-part series of essays that explore the dichotomy between being a deaf professional and working with music. Each essayist tells their own story from across the deaf spectrum, including a sign language performer with a passion for music, a violinist who switched to classical piano after a cochlear implant, and a flautist who uses visual art to describe music to deaf children. From horn players to punchy performance artists, all of the essayists consider music from a deaf perspective with illuminating results.
Ruth Montgomery is a profoundly deaf professional flautist and flute teacher who grew up the only deaf person at home. In her essay she details the challenges of her early years, and how being introduced to the flute at her secondary school; a school for deaf children, led to her becoming a professional musician and music educator. She describes the hurdles she faced to be taken seriously, and the dedication that this fostered in her to help other deaf children gain musical appreciation and skills as a vital part of life. Ultimately Ruth has created her own musical education programme, as a way of inspiring deaf children, blending art and music as a way to address the huge gaps she discovered in this field.
A Different Way to Listen is produced by Sophie Allen and Emma Glassar with Mark Rickards as Executive Producer. It is a Flashing Lights Media production for BBC Radio 3. A British Sign Language version was filmed, edited and subtitled by Fifi Garfield.
MON 22:00 Night Tracks (m002lpqs)
Eclectic music for after dark
Hannah Peel presents an adventurous, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening, from classical to contemporary and everything in between.
MON 23:30 'Round Midnight (m002lpqv)
Tomoki Sanders’ 4/4
‘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.
Soweto’s guest this week is saxophonist, drummer, multi-instrumentalist and child of saxophone colossus Pharoah Sanders, Tomoki Sanders. Since graduating from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Tomoki has become a core part of the New York jazz community, and has worked with artists including Ravi Coltrane, Kassa Overall and Jack DeJohnette. They also co-lead duo project Planet Q with musician Kyoko Takenaka and have a debut solo project on the horizon.
To start their week, Tomoki selects a track by a jazz vocalist that they admire. Also in the programme, there is music from Anmol Mohara, Yuhan Su, and Tom McEwen Trio.
To listen on most smart speakers, just say: 'Ask BBC Sounds to play Round Midnight.'
TUESDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2025
TUE 00:30 Through the Night (m002lpqx)
Music from Copenhagen celebrating spring
Lars Ulrik Mortensen directs Concerto Copenhagen from the harpsichord in music by Fischer, Vivaldi, Avison and Respighi. Jonathan Swain presents.
12:31 AM
Johann Caspar Ferdinand Fischer (c.1670-1746)
Ouverture in C no 1 from 'Le Journal du Printemps'
Concerto Copenhagen, Lars Ulrik Mortensen (harpsichord), Lars Ulrik Mortensen (director)
12:42 AM
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)
Violin Concerto in A, RV 335, 'Il Rosignuolo'
Fredrik From (violin), Concerto Copenhagen, Lars Ulrik Mortensen (harpsichord), Lars Ulrik Mortensen (director)
12:53 AM
Charles Avison (1709-1770),Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757)
Concerto grosso no 3 in D minor, after D. Scarlatti
Concerto Copenhagen, Lars Ulrik Mortensen (harpsichord), Lars Ulrik Mortensen (director)
01:04 AM
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)
Flute Concerto in D, RV 428 'Il Gardellino'
Torun Torbo (baroque flute), Concerto Copenhagen, Lars Ulrik Mortensen (harpsichord), Lars Ulrik Mortensen (director)
01:14 AM
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)
Violin Concerto no 1 in E, RV 269 'La Primavera - Spring'
Fredrik From (violin), Concerto Copenhagen, Lars Ulrik Mortensen (harpsichord), Lars Ulrik Mortensen (director)
01:24 AM
Ottorino Respighi (1879-1936), Karl Aage Rasmussen (b.1947)
Gli uccelli (The Birds), P. 154, suite for orchestra
Concerto Copenhagen, Lars Ulrik Mortensen (harpsichord), Lars Ulrik Mortensen (director)
01:43 AM
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)
Violin Concerto no 4 in F minor, RV 297 (Largo)
Concerto Copenhagen, Lars Ulrik Mortensen (harpsichord), Lars Ulrik Mortensen (director)
01:46 AM
Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757)
Sonata in D minor, L.413 - Allegro
Natalya Pasichnyk (piano)
01:49 AM
Frederick Jacobi (1891-1952)
Fantasy for viola and piano
Cathy Basrak (viola), William Koehler (piano)
01:59 AM
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)
Dixit Dominus in D major, RV.595
Choir of Latvian Radio, Riga Chamber Players, Sigvards Kļava (conductor)
02:31 AM
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
Double Concerto in A minor for Violin and Cello, Op 102
Sølve Sigerland (violin), Ellen Margrete Flesjø (cello), Norwegian Radio Orchestra, Peter Szilvay (conductor)
03:04 AM
Modest Mussorgsky (1839-1881)
Pictures from an exhibition for piano
Fazil Say (piano)
03:36 AM
Friedrich Kunzen (1761-1817)
Overture to the play 'Husitterne' (The Hussites)
Danish Radio Concert Orchestra, Peter Marschik (conductor)
03:44 AM
Stanisław Moniuszko (1819-1872)
4 Choral Songs
Polish Radio Choir, Marek Kluza (director)
03:52 AM
Paul Müller-Zürich (1898-1993)
Capriccio for flute and piano, Op 75
Andrea Kollé (flute), Desmond Wright (piano)
04:00 AM
William Byrd (1543-1623)
Susanna fair
Emma Kirkby (soprano), Rose Consort of Viols, John Bryan (viol), Alison Crum (viol), Sarah Groser (viol), Roy Marks (viol), Peter Wendland (viol)
04:04 AM
Aldemaro Romero (1928-2007)
Fuga con pajarillo
Polish Radio Orchestra in Warsaw, Christian Vasquez (conductor)
04:13 AM
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Fantasy in C minor, K.396
Juho Pohjonen (piano)
04:21 AM
Giovanni Battista Fontana (1589-1630)
Sonata undecima for cornett, violin and bass continuo
Le Concert Brisé
04:31 AM
Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
Overture in D major 'in the Italian style', D.590
Stavanger Symphony Orchestra, Paul McCreesh (conductor)
04:39 AM
Fryderyk Chopin (1810-1849)
Three Mazurkas, Op 59
Kevin Kenner (piano)
04:49 AM
Artemy Vedel (1767-1808)
Choral concerto No.5 "I cried unto the Lord With my voice" Psalm 142
Platon Maiborada Academic Choir, Viktor Skoromny (conductor)
04:59 AM
John Field (1782-1837)
Rondo for piano and strings in A flat major, H.18A
Eckart Selheim (pianoforte), Collegium Aureum, Franzjosef Maier (director)
05:07 AM
Johann Philipp Kirnberger (1721-1783)
Flute Sonata in G major
Konrad Hünteler (flute), Wouter Möller (cello), Ton Koopman (harpsichord)
05:17 AM
Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767)
Quartet in G major TWV.43:G7 (Concerto alla Polonese)
Aira Maria Lehtipuu (violin), Kore Ensemble
05:26 AM
Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904)
Serenade for wind instruments in D minor Op 44
Canadian Chamber Ensemble, Raffi Armenian (director)
05:51 AM
Giovanni Maria Trabaci (1575-1647)
2 works for Arpa Doppia
Margret Köll (arpa doppia)
06:00 AM
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
Symphony no. 1 in C minor, Op 11
BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Thierry Fischer (conductor)
TUE 06:30 Breakfast (m002lnp3)
Embrace the morning calm of classical music and birdsong
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 (m002lnp5)
The very best 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'
TUE 13:00 Classical Live (m002lnp7)
Dvorak’s 8th Symphony
Linton Stephens presents an afternoon of specially made recordings for the afternoon, including highlights from this summer's Glenarm Festival of Voice in Northern Ireland, featuring performances from Radio 3 New Generation Artist Santiago Sanchez as well as mezzo-soprano Carolyn Dobbin. There’s also more Telemann Polonaises from the 2024 London International Festival of Early Music, and from our featured orchestra this week – the BBC Symphony Orchestra.
Including:
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Symphony No. 29 in A major, K.201
Ulster Orchestra
Kerem Hasan (conductor)
From the London International Festival of Early Music 2024:
Trad. Polish
A selection of improvised Polonaises based on Telemann
Erik Bosgraaf (recorder)
filoBarocco
Alexander Scriabin
Symphony No. 4, Op. 54 "The Poem of Ecstasy"
Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra
Christoph Koncz (conductor)
Ralph Vaughan Williams
Fantasia for piano & orchestra
Andrew von Oeyen (piano)
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Martin Yates (conductor)
Alessandro Grandi
Plorabo die ac nocte
RIAS Chamber Choir
Capella della Torre
Robert Hollingworth (conductor)
Robert Schumann
Overture - Genoveva
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Emilie Godden (conductor)
From the Glenarm Festival of Voice 2025:
Franz Liszt
Im Rhein, im schönen Strome, S.272 No. 2
Die Loreley, S.273 No. 2
Santiago Sanchez (tenor)
Simon Lepper (piano)
Dorothy Parke
The house and the road
Joan Trimble
Son ri en los Ojos [The Blind Raftery]
Carolyn Dobbin (mezzo-soprano)
Simon Lepper (piano)
Thea Musgrave
In Memoriam 2022
Johan Dalene (violin)
Nicholas Daniel (oboe)
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Nil Venditti (conductor)
Antonin Dvorak
Symphony No. 8 in G major, Op. 88
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Sakari Oramo (conductor)
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 (m002lnpc)
Elfrida Andrée (1841-1929)
Lobbying the King
Donald Macleod follows Andrée's story as she battles to become the first female cathedral organist in Europe. With guests Anastasia Belina and Jonas Lundblad, Donald delves into Andrée’s disagreements with the clergy, and her lobbying of the Swedish King.
Romance No 2 (excerpt)
Jean-Claude Bouveresse, violin
Bénédicte Péran, piano
Serenade
Elin Eriksson, soprano
Martin Vanberg, tenor
Palaestra Vocal Ensemble
Markus Kvint, piano
Cecilia Martin-Löf, director
String Quartet in A major (excerpt)
Klarakvartetten
Josef Haydn arr. Andrée
Die Schöpfung (Overture)
Jonas Lundblad, organ
Piano Sonata Op 3 (Allegretto)
Lena Johnson, piano
Symphony No 1 (excerpt)
Norrkoping Symphony Orchestra
Hermann Bäumer, conductor
Produced by Luke Whitlock
TUE 17:00 In Tune (m002lnpj)
Star cellist Gautier Capuçon, and the Tim Kliphuis Trio play live
Katie chats to celebrated cellist Gautier Capuçon and The Tim Kliphuis Trio perform live.
TUE 19:00 Classical Mixtape (m002lnpl)
Classical music for your journey
Take time out with a 30-minute soundscape of classical music.
TUE 19:30 Radio 3 in Concert (m002lnpn)
Schumann's Piano Quintet
The Chiaroscuro Quartet, which plays on gut strings and with period bows, play two contrasting string quartets from Haydn's Opus 20: No.4 in D major is sunny and playful, while No.5 in F minor is melancholic. In the second part of their programme, they are joined by the French pianist Cédric Tiberghien to perform Robert Schumann's effervescent Piano Quintet.
Presented by Martin Handley and recorded on 13th October at Wigmore Hall in London.
HAYDN
String Quartet in D Op. 20 No. 4
HAYDN
String Quartet in F minor Op. 20 No. 5
Interval
SCHUMANN
Piano Quintet in E flat Op. 44
Cédric Tiberghien (piano)
Chiaroscuro Quartet
To listen on most smart speakers just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Radio 3 in Concert".
TUE 21:45 The Essay (m001zgjq)
A Different Way to Listen
Nigel Braithwaite
A five-part series of essays that explore the dichotomy between being a deaf professional and working with music. Each essayist tells their own story from across the deaf spectrum, including a sign language performer with a passion for musicals, a violinist who switched to classical piano after a cochlear implant, and a flautist who uses visual art to describe music to deaf children. From horn players to punchy performance artists, all of the essayists consider music from a deaf perspective with illuminating results.
Horn and Wagner tuba player Nigel Braithwaite looks back at his musical life and gives a humorous take on his time as a semi-professional musician. How did he continue to play in the face of mitochondrial disease which robbed him of his ability to hear the very low notes in which he specialised as a player? How did traumatic brain injury affect his ability to find his place in an orchestral setting? What else could possibly go wrong? A semi-professional musician throughout his whole life, he tackles his travails with honesty and humour, musing on what it takes to get through life’s challenges and how key musical tracks along with his family and friends have got him safely through.
A Different Way to Listen is produced by Sophie Allen and Emma Glassar with Mark Rickards as Executive Producer. It is a Flashing Lights Media production for BBC Radio 3. A British Sign Language version was filmed, edited and subtitled by Fifi Garfield.
TUE 22:00 Night Tracks (m002lnpq)
Meditative music for night owls
Hannah Peel presents an adventurous, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening, from classical to contemporary and everything in between.
TUE 23:30 'Round Midnight (m002lnps)
A classic from Duke Ellington and Mahalia Jackson
‘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.
Tomoki Sanders has a second 4/4 selection to share, and tonight they choose music by an innovative American jazz pianist and organist. Plus, there is music from Jazzmeia Horn, LVDF, and Anne Paceo.
To listen on most smart speakers, just say: 'Ask BBC Sounds to play Round Midnight.'
WEDNESDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2025
WED 00:30 Through the Night (m002lnpv)
Mahler's Ninth Symphony from Helsinki
Legendary Swedish conductor Herbert Blomstedt with the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra perform Mahler's Ninth Symphony. Jonathan Swain presents.
12:31 AM
Gustav Mahler (1860-1911)
Symphony no 9 in D
Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Herbert Blomstedt (conductor)
01:53 AM
Alban Berg (1885-1935), Rainer Maria Rilke (lyricist)
Traumgekrönt
Franziska Heinzen (soprano), Benjamin Mead (piano)
01:56 AM
Alma Mahler (1879-1964), Rainer Maria Rilke (lyricist)
Bei dir ist es traut
Franziska Heinzen (soprano), Benjamin Mead (piano)
01:58 AM
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
Quartet for piano and strings no 3 in C minor, Op 60 "Werther"
Rian de Waal (piano), Joan Berkhemer (violin), Michel Samson (viola), Nadia David (cello)
02:31 AM
Jacobus Gallus Carniolus (1550-1591)
Missa super Adesto dolori meo a 5 (SQM III/9)
Madrigal Quintett Brno, Roman Válek (director)
02:53 AM
Henri Dutilleux (1916-2013)
Tout un monde lointain, cello concerto
Marc Coppey (cello), Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Katowice, Alexander Humala (conductor)
03:22 AM
Franjo von Lucic (1889-1972)
Elegy for organ
Ljerka Ocic-Turkulin (organ)
03:29 AM
Gabriel Fauré (1845 - 1924)
Nocturne for piano in E flat minor, Op 33 no 1
Livia Rev (piano)
03:37 AM
Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)
3 Characteristic Pieces
Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble, Vassil Kazandjiev (conductor)
03:48 AM
František Jiránek (1698-1778)
Flute Concerto in G major
Jana Semerádová (flute), Collegium Marianum, Jana Semerádová (artistic director)
03:59 AM
Wilhelm Kienzl (1857-1941)
Selig sind, die Verfolgung leiden (from Act 2 of 'Der Evangelimann')
Benjamin Butterfield (tenor), Peter Neelands (treble), Canadian Children's Opera Chorus, Canadian Opera Company Orchestra, Richard Bradshaw (conductor)
04:06 AM
Edvard Grieg (1843-1907)
Andante con moto for piano trio in C minor
Kungsbacka Trio
04:16 AM
François Couperin (1668-1733)
La Sultane
Concerto Copenhagen, Lars Ulrik Mortensen (director)
04:27 AM
Traditional Chinese, arr. Peter Sculthorpe
Beautiful Fresh Flower (Chinese melody)
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Geoffrey Simon (conductor)
04:31 AM
Orlande de Lassus (1532-1594)
Dulces Exuviae - motet
Currende, Erik van Nevel (conductor)
04:37 AM
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Sonata for violin and keyboard in B flat major, K.15
Les Ambassadeurs
04:44 AM
Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
Impromptu no 3 in B flat major (from 4 Impromptus D 935)
Ilze Graubina (piano)
04:53 AM
Lodewijk Mortelmans (1868-1952)
Lyrisch gedicht voor klein orkest
Vlaams Radio Orkest [Flemish Radio Orchestra], Bjarte Engeset (conductor)
05:05 AM
Imre Kálmán (1882-1953), Leo Stein (librettist), Bela Jenbach (librettist)
Excerpts from 'Die Csárdásfürstin'
Aleksander Nohr (baritone), Birgitte Christensen (soprano), Norwegian Radio Orchestra, Petr Popelka (conductor)
05:19 AM
Charles Avison (1709-1770)
Concerto Grosso no 2 in G major for strings and continuo
Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra, Jeanne Lamon (director)
05:32 AM
Boris Papandopulo (1906-1991)
Tri Studije / Za B.J.M (3 Studies, dedicated to B.J.M)
Branka Janjanin-Magdalenič (harp)
05:44 AM
Maurice Ravel (1875-1937)
Ma mere l'oye - suite vers. for orchestra
Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, Michel Plasson (conductor)
06:03 AM
Gustav Uwe Jenner (1865-1920)
Trio in E flat major for clarinet, horn and piano
James Campbell (clarinet), Martin Hackleman (horn), Jane Coop (piano)
WED 06:30 Breakfast (m002lqxd)
Ease into 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’
WED 09:30 Essential Classics (m002lqxg)
Relax into the day with classical
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 (m002lqxj)
Florence Price's 2nd Violin Concerto
Linton Stephens with an afternoon of specially made recordings, including further highlights from this summer's Glenarm Festival of Voice in Northern Ireland, featuring performances from Radio 3 New Generation Artist Santiago Sanchez as well as mezzo-soprano Carolyn Dobbin. There’s also more from our featured orchestra this week – the BBC Symphony Orchestra, including Ravel’s Mother Goose ballet, Sibelius’s Luonnotar with soprano soloist Anu Komsi, and Florence Price's Violin Concerto No.2 with soloist Hyeyoon Park.
Maurice Ravel
Mother Goose
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Kristian Sallinen (conductor)
Johann Friedrich Fasch
Suite in D, FaWV K:D2
Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
Erik Bosgraaf (conductor)
Jozef Suk
Dramatic Overture
Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
Axel Kober (conductor)
Florence Price
Violin Concerto No. 2
Hyeyoon Park (violin)
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Kristian Sallinen (conductor)
From the Glenarm Festival of Voice 2025:
Reynaldo Hahn
Sopra l‘acqua indormenzada; La barcheta; L’avertimento [Venezia]
Paysage
Santiago Sanchez (tenor)
Simon Lepper (piano)
Dorothy Parke
A Honeycomb (song-cycle)
Carolyn Dobbin (mezzo-soprano)
Simon Lepper (piano)
John Foulds
Le Cabaret Overture, Op. 72a
Ulster Orchestra
Michael Seal (conductor)
Jean Sibelius
Luonnotar, Op. 70
Anu Komsi (soprano)
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Sakari Oramo (conductor)
To listen to this programme (using most smart speakers) just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Classical Live".
WED 15:00 Choral Evensong (m002lqxl)
Chichester Cathedral
Live from Chichester Cathedral.
Introit: We will remember them (Elgar)
Responses: Radcliffe
Office Hymn: In Christ there is no East or West (St Stephen)
Psalms 65, 66, 67 (Russell, Marsh, Hopkins)
First Lesson: Daniel 5 vv13–30
Canticles: Wood in E flat No 2
Second Lesson: Revelation 7 vv1-4, 9-17
Anthem: Greater love (Ireland)
Hymn: For the healing of the nations (Alleluia, dulce carmen)
Voluntary: Te Deum (Timothy Ravalde)
Charles Harrison (Organist and Master of the Choristers)
Timothy Ravalde (Assistant Organist)
To listen on most smart speakers just say “ask BBC Sounds to play Choral Evensong”.
WED 16:00 Composer of the Week (m002lqxn)
Elfrida Andrée (1841-1929)
Publications and Prejudice
Donald Macleod sees Elfrida Andrée work to reposition herself as an orchestral composer, including publications of her works, and seeking advice from more famous composers. With guests Anastasia Belina and Jonas Lundblad, Donald also explores Andrée’s development as an organist of repute, and the composition of her second symphony.
Chorale with variations in D minor (Variation III)
Ralph Gustafsson, organ
Piano Quintet in E minor
Midsummer’s Music
Andante quasi recitativo
Strings of the Gothenburg Opera
Swedish Mass No 1 (Glory to God)
Gothenburg Cathedral Choir
Erik Groenestein-Hendriks, harp
Ann-Marie Rydberg, conductor
Symphony No 2 (excerpt)
Stockholm Symphony Orchestra
Gustav Sjökvist, conductor
Produced by Luke Whitlock
WED 17:00 In Tune (m002lqxq)
Live music and chat with classical artists
Live music and interviews from the world's finest classical musicians.
WED 19:00 Classical Mixtape (m002lqxs)
Ease into the evening with classical
Take time out with a 30-minute soundscape of classical music.
WED 19:30 Radio 3 in Concert (m002lqxv)
A Sea Symphony
Mark Elder conducts the London Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra in a sea-themed concert as part of the orchestra's Harmony with Nature season. Sibelius's powerful depiction of the ocean waves in his Oceanides is paired with Vaughan Williams's mighty first symphony, the Sea Symphony with soloists Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha and David Stout.
Recorded last month at the Royal Festival Hall, presented by Ian Skelly.
Sibelius: Scènes historiques (Suite II)
Sibelius: The Oceanides
Interval
Vaughan Williams: A Sea Symphony
Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha (soprano)
David Stout (baritone)
The London Philharmonic Choir
The London Philharmonic Orchestra
Mark Elder (conductor)
To listen on most smart speakers just say 'ask BBC Sounds to play Radio 3 in Concert'.
WED 21:45 The Essay (m001zgkd)
A Different Way to Listen
Chisato Minamimura
A five-part series of essays that explore the dichotomy between being a deaf professional and working with music. Each essayist tells their own story from across the deaf spectrum, including a sign language performer with a passion for musicals, a violinist who switched to classical piano after a cochlear implant, and a flautist who uses visual art to describe music to deaf children. From horn players to punchy performance artists, all of the essayists consider music from a deaf perspective with illuminating results.
Chisato Minamimura shares her journey of exploring sound and music. Growing up in Japan before later moving to the UK, Chisato lost her hearing at seven months, yet despite this she learned the piano - becoming the star pupil.
Inspired by artists like John Cage and Tōru Takemitsu, Chisato delves into the concept of sound and music from a deaf perspective. She details how she began creating visual scores based on mathematical algorithms, turning dancers into her instruments. And she explains how she innovates new ways to interact with sound, such as feeling vibrations with her teeth or using Woojer strap to create multi-sensory experiences.
Throughout her work, she invites audiences to explore the rich tapestry of sound and music through a deaf lens, opening up new possibilities for artistic expression. Dreaming of experiencing phenomena like whale songs first hand, Chisato imagines translating these experiences into tactile vibrations, further expanding her exploration of sound.
A Different Way to Listen is produced by Sophie Allen and Emma Glassar with Mark Rickards as Executive Producer. It is a Flashing Lights Media production for BBC Radio 3. A British Sign Language version was filmed, edited and subtitled by Fifi Garfield.
WED 22:00 Night Tracks (m002lqxx)
Blissful sounds for after-hours
Hannah Peel presents an adventurous, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening, from classical to contemporary and everything in between.
WED 23:30 'Round Midnight (m002lqxz)
Fresh from Awen Ensemble
‘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.
This Wednesday night, Soweto’s 4/4 guest Tomoki Sanders has another piece of music that they are inspired by and would like to share. This time it's from an album by an internationally celebrated trumpeter.
Also in the programme, there is music from The Forever Presence, Samadhi Quartet, and Emma Dayhuff, Kahil El’Zabar, Isaiah Collier, and Dee Alexander.
To listen on most smart speakers, just say: 'Ask BBC Sounds to play Round Midnight.'
THURSDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2025
THU 00:30 Through the Night (m002lqy1)
Mozart from Rome
The Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia performs works by Mozart and an Italian premiere of Musica serena by Pēteris Vasks. Adriana Ferreira and Silvia Podrecca join the ensemble for Mozart's Concerto for flute and harp. Jonathan Swain presents.
12:31 AM
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Serenata notturna in D, K. 239
Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, Ottavio Dantone (conductor)
12:44 AM
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Concerto for Flute and Harp in C, K. 299/277c
Adriana Ferreira (flute), Silvia Podrecca (harp), Orchestra dell'Academia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, Ottavio Dantone (conductor)
01:14 AM
Jacques Ibert (1890-1962)
Entr'acte (encore)
Adriana Ferreira (flute), Silvia Podrecca (harp), Orchestra dell'Academia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, Ottavio Dantone (conductor)
01:17 AM
Pēteris Vasks (b.1946)
Musica Serena
Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, Ottavio Dantone (conductor)
01:27 AM
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Symphony no 38 in D, K.504 'Prague'
Orchestra dell'Academia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, Ottavio Dantone (conductor)
01:58 AM
George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
Radamisto (excerpt 'Già che morir non posso')
Delphine Galou (contralto), Les Ambassadeurs, Alexis Kossenko (director)
02:03 AM
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
Violin Sonata no 1 in G major, Op 78
Veronika Eberle (violin), Francesco Piemontesi (piano)
02:31 AM
Robert Schumann (1810-1856)
Symphony No 4 in D minor, Op 120
Norwegian Radio Orchestra, Oleg Caetani (conductor)
03:02 AM
Maurice Ravel (1875-1937)
Trio for piano and strings in A minor
Altenberg Trio Vienna
03:27 AM
Michael Haydn (1737-1806)
Cantata: Lauft, ihr Hirten allzugleich (Run ye shepherds, to the light)
Salzburger Hofmusik, Wolfgang Brunner (director)
03:37 AM
Gustav Holst (1874-1934)
The Perfect Fool, Op 39, ballet music
Argovia Philharmonic, Douglas Bostock (conductor)
03:49 AM
Robert de Visée (c.1655-1733)
Suite in D minor
Eduardo Egüez (lute)
04:04 AM
Guillaume Dufay (1397-1474)
Balsamus et munda cera
Orlando Consort
04:09 AM
Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971)
Symphonies of Wind Instruments
Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Katowice, Domingo Hindoyan (conductor)
04:19 AM
Morton Feldman (1926-1987)
Christian Wolff in Cambridge for chorus
BBC Singers, Stephen Cleobury (conductor)
04:22 AM
Maurice Ravel (1875-1937)
Pavane pour une infante defunte
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Jorge Mester (conductor)
04:31 AM
Anonymous
El piove & Ave maris stella
Clare Wilkinson (mezzo soprano), Musica Antiqua of London, John Bryam (viole), Alison Crum (viole), Roy Marks (viole), Philip Thorby (viole), Philip Thorby (director)
04:39 AM
Susan Spain-Dunk (1880-1962)
The Farmer's Boy
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Stephen Bell (conductor)
04:46 AM
Ernest Chausson (1855-1899)
Pavane & Forlane from Quelques danses for piano, Op 26
Bengt-Åke Lundin (piano)
04:56 AM
Edward Elgar (1857-1934)
Cello Concerto in E minor, Op 85
Anastasia Kobekina (cello), George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra, Alexander Bloch (conductor)
05:25 AM
Paolo Benedetto Bellinzani (1690-1757)
Recorder Sonata in D minor, Op.3'2
Lea Sobbe (recorder), Halldór Bjarki Arnarson (harpsichord)
05:39 AM
Louise Farrenc (1804-1875)
Symphony no 3 in G minor, Op 36
Bern Chamber Orchestra, Graziella Contratto (conductor)
06:15 AM
Giacomo Carissimi (1605-1674)
Dixit Dominus
Capella Regia Musicalis, Robert Hugo (organ), Robert Hugo (director)
THU 06:30 Breakfast (m002lq0g)
Wake up 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’
THU 09:30 Essential Classics (m002lq0j)
Celebrating classical greats
Ian Skelly 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 (m002lq0l)
BBC Symphony Orchestra Live
Linton Stephens introduces a selection of specially made recordings for the afternoon, including more highlights from this summer's Glenarm Festival of Voice in Northern Ireland, featuring performances from Radio 3 New Generation Artist Santiago Sanchez and mezzo-soprano Carolyn Dobbin. Today also features a live afternoon concert from Maida Vale studios, featuring the BBC Symphony Orchestra and conductor Kirill Karabits in music by Thomas de Hartmann, Karl Amadeus Hartmann and Tchaikovsky.
Including:
Leonard Bernstein
Overture to Candide
Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
Stéphane Denève (conductor)
Johannes Brahms
Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 77
Francesca Dego (violin)
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Dalia Stasevska (conductor)
From the London International Festival of Early Music 2024:
Trad. Polish
A selection of improvised Polonaises based on Telemann
Erik Bosgraaf (recorder)
filoBarocco
From the Glenarm Festival of Voice 2025:
Richard Strauss
Freundliche Vision, Op. 48 No. 1
Die Nacht, Op.10 No. 3
Franz Liszt
Im Rhein, im schönen Strome, S.272 No. 2
Santiago Sanchez (tenor)
Simon Lepper (piano)
2.30pm Live from Maida Vale Studios, London
Introduced by Ian Skelly
Thomas de Hartmann
Musique pour la fête de la Patronne, d’après Degas Op. 77
Karl Amadeus Hartmann
Chamber Concerto for clarinet, string quartet & string orchestra
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Francesca da Rimini
Oleg Shebata-Dragan (clarinet)
Chaos Quartet
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Kirill Karabits (conductor)
From the Glenarm Festival of Voice 2025:
Carlos Guastavino
Se equivocó la paloma
Bonita rama de sauce
Los llantos del alba
El cerro estaba plateado
El paso de las estrelas
El albeador
Santiago Sanchez (tenor)
Simon Lepper (piano)
THU 16:00 Composer of the Week (m002lq0n)
Elfrida Andrée (1841-1929)
Journeys Abroad
Donald Macleod sees Andrée leave her native Sweden to travel abroad, including to London where she tries out the organ at the Royal Albert Hall. With guests Anastasia Belina and Jonas Lundblad, Donald also delves into Andrée’s meeting with Swedish opera star, Jenny Lind. They also discuss Andrée's work on her two organ symphonies.
Four Piano Pieces (Allegretto)
Oskar Ekberg, piano
Symphony No 2 (Andante)
Stockholm Symphony Orchestra
Gustav Sjökvist, conductor
Piano Trio in G minor (Allegro agitato)
Trio Nordica
Organ Symphony No 1 in B minor
Kimbely Marshall, organ
Summer memories from Bjurslätt (Allegro grazioso pastorale)
Strings of the Gothenburg Opera
Symphony No 2 in E flat for organ and brass (Finale)
Ralph Gustafsson, organ
Massingsensemble
Ragnar Bohlin, conductor
Produced by Luke Whitlock
THU 17:00 In Tune (m002lq0q)
Fiddle player Isla Ratcliff plays from her new album The Scottish Four Seasons
Scottish fiddle player, singer and composer, Isla Radcliff, plays live with her band from her new album The Scottish Four Seasons.
THU 19:00 Classical Mixtape (m002lq0s)
Find your focus with calming classical music
Take time out with a 30-minute soundscape of classical music.
THU 19:30 Radio 3 in Concert (m002lq0v)
Mahler's 7th Symphony
The Philharmonia continues its 80th anniversary season with a live performance of Mahler's 7th Symphony. Nicknamed 'Song of the Night', Mahler's epic symphony packs a lot into five contrasting movements, including mandolin, cowbells and guitar and a shifting landscape of waltzes, serenades, fanfares, marches and mysterious ‘night-wandering’.
Live from the Royal Festival Hall, presented by Martin Handley.
Mahler: Symphony no.7
The Philharmonia
Jakub Hrůša (conductor)
To listen on most smart speakers just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Radio 3 in Concert".
THU 21:45 The Essay (m001zgj1)
A Different Way to Listen
Paul Whittaker OBE
A five-part series of essays that explore the dichotomy between being a deaf professional and working with music. Each essayist tells their own story from across the deaf spectrum, including a sign language performer with a passion for musicals, a violinist who switched to classical piano after a cochlear implant, and a flautist who uses visual art to describe music to deaf children. From horn players to punchy performance artists, all of the essayists consider music from a deaf perspective with illuminating results.
Professional music sign language performer Paul Whittaker OBE explains how he has carved out a unique space in the classical musical world by being a pioneer in the field of sign language performance. Despite initial scepticism, he pursued a career in music starting with a degree from Oxford, before founding 'Music and the Deaf' to promote musical accessibility. With meticulous preparation and passion, Paul talks us through how he translates complex musical pieces into expressive sign language, capturing the essence of each composition. He details how he makes his sign language performance ‘sing’ in genres stretching from iconic musicals to Handel’s Messiah and how he hopes his interpretations enhance the audience's understanding and enjoyment, bridging the gap between deaf and hearing communities.
A Different Way to Listen is produced by Sophie Allen and Emma Glassar with Mark Rickards as Executive Producer. It is a Flashing Lights Media production for BBC Radio 3. A British Sign Language version was filmed, edited and subtitled by Fifi Garfield.
THU 22:00 Night Tracks (m002lq0x)
Immersive music for moonlight
Hannah Peel presents an adventurous, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening, from classical to contemporary and everything in between.
THU 23:30 'Round Midnight (m002lq0z)
Brand new from Margomool
‘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.
Saxophonist, drummer, multi-instrumentalist Tomoki Sanders is back to share a fourth and final 4/4 choice. Tonight, they choose music from an experimental jazz group led by one of Japan’s in-demand drummers.
Also in the programme, music from Donovan Haffner, Ella Zirinha, Otis Sansjö, Carole Nelson Trio.
To listen on most smart speakers, just say: 'Ask BBC Sounds to play Round Midnight.'
FRIDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2025
FRI 00:30 Through the Night (m002lq11)
Mozart from Warsaw
Mozart's Late Symphonies with the Polish Radio Orchestra and conductor Michał Klauza. Jonathan Swain presents
12:31 AM
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Symphony no 39 in E flat major, K.543
Polish Radio Orchestra in Warsaw, Michał Klauza (conductor)
12:58 AM
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Symphony no 40 in G minor, K.550
Polish Radio Orchestra in Warsaw, Michał Klauza (conductor)
01:27 AM
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Symphony no 41 in C major, K.551 'Jupiter'
Polish Radio Orchestra in Warsaw, Michał Klauza (conductor)
02:00 AM
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
String Quartet no 19, K.465 "Dissonance"
Quatuor Ysaÿe
02:31 AM
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Cantata BWV.21 'Ich hatte viel Bekummernis'
Thomas Hobbs (tenor), Hana Blažíková (soprano), Peter Kooij (bass), Collegium Vocale, Collegium Vocale Gent Orchestra, Philippe Herreweghe (conductor)
03:08 AM
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Violin Sonata no 6 in A major, Op 30 no 1
Mats Zetterqvist (violin), Mats Widlund (piano)
03:31 AM
Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924)
Crisantemi (Chrysanthemums)
Moyzes Quartet
03:37 AM
Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757)
Sonata in C major, K.86
Eduardo Lopez Banzo (harpsichord)
03:45 AM
Giuseppe Martucci (1856-1909)
Notturno, Op 70 no 1
Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, Nello Santi (conductor)
03:52 AM
Claude Debussy (1862-1918)
Sonata for cello and piano in D minor
Zara Nelsova (cello), Grant Johannesen (piano)
04:03 AM
Rued Langgaard (1893-1952)
3 Rose Gardens Songs
Danish National Radio Choir, Kaare Hansen (conductor)
04:14 AM
Gabriel Fauré (1845 - 1924)
Nocturne in C sharp minor, Op 74
Stéphane Lemelin (piano)
04:22 AM
Maurice Ravel (1875-1937)
Alborada del gracioso 'Miroirs'
BBC Philharmonic, Juanjo Mena (conductor)
04:31 AM
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)
Violin Concerto, Op 8 no 12, RV.178
Fabio Biondi (violin), Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi (director)
04:40 AM
Karol Szymanowski (1882-1937)
Prelude and fugue in C sharp minor
Jerzy Godziszewski (piano)
04:48 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)
04:58 AM
George Enescu (1881-1955)
Konzertstuck in F major for viola and piano
Gyözö Máté (viola), Balázs Szokolay (piano)
05:07 AM
Luka Sorkočević (1734-1789), arr, Frano Matušic
Symphony no 3 in D major
Dubrovnik Guitar Trio
05:14 AM
Leopold Ebner (1769-1830)
Trio in B flat major
Zagreb Woodwind Trio
05:22 AM
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
Piano Sonata in E major, Op 6
Sveinung Bjelland (piano)
05:46 AM
Lars-Erik Larsson (1908-1986), Sigfrid Siwertz (lyricist)
De nakna tradens sanger, Op 7 (Songs of the Naked Trees)
Swedish Radio Choir, Göte Widlund (conductor)
06:02 AM
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897), arr. Edmund Rubbra
25 Variations and fugue on a theme by G F Handel, Op 24
Norwegian Radio Orchestra, Johannes Fritzsch (conductor)
FRI 06:30 Breakfast (m002lnyy)
Start your 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 (m002lnz0)
A feast of great music
Ian Skelly 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 (m002lnz2)
Dvorak's Cello Concerto
Linton Stephens concludes his week of highlights from this summer's Glenarm Festival of Voice in Northern Ireland, with songs by Alberto Ginastera performed by Radio 3 New Generation Artist Santiago Sanchez and pianist Simon Lepper. There’s also more Telemann Polonaises from last year’s London International Festival of Early Music, and from this week’s featured orchestra – the BBC Symphony Orchestra, you can hear Manuel de Falla’s “El amor brujo” and Dvorak’s Cello Concerto with soloist Sterling Elliott.
Manuel de Falla
El amor brujo
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Francisco Coll (conductor)
From the London International Festival of Early Music 2024:
Trad. Polish
A selection of improvised Polonaises based on Telemann
Erik Bosgraaf (recorder)
filoBarocco
Joseph Haydn
Symphony No.26 in D minor, H.
1.26
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Harry Bicket (conductor)
Antonin Dvorak
Cello Concerto in B minor, Op.104
Sterling Elliott (cello)
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Natalia Ponomarchuk (conductor)
From the Glenarm Festival of Voice 2025:
Alberto Ginastera
La tarde, Op. 11 No. 3
La Danza de la Moza donosa, Op. 2 No. 2
Cinco canciones populares argentinas, Op. 10
Santiago Sanchez (tenor)
Simon Lepper (piano)
George Frederick Handel
Dixit Dominus in G minor, HWV. 232
Nóra Ducza & Alíz Ballabás (sopranos)
József Csapó (counter-tenor)
Attila Sebők (tenor)
Szabolcs Hámori (bass)
Hungarian Radio Symphony Chorus & Orchestra
Václav Luks (conductor)
Maurice Ravel
Rapsodie espagnole
Brussels Philharmonic Orchestra
Lio Kuokman (conductor)
FRI 16:00 Composer of the Week (m002lnz4)
Elfrida Andrée (1841-1929)
Sagas and Sea Voyages
Donald Macleod delves into Andrée's final decades, when she composes her only opera - on a Wagnerian scale. With guests Anastasia Belina and Jonas Lundblad, Donald also explores the overall impact Andrée had upon music in Sweden, and the impact she also had on the rights of women.
Fritiof Suite (excerpt)
Norrkoping Symphony Orchestra
Hermann Bäumer, conductor
Summer memories from Bjurslätt (Allegro)
Strings of the Gothenburg Opera
Fritiofs Saga (excerpt)
Sabina Bisholt, soprano
Gothenburg Opera Orchestra
Patrik Ringborg, conductor
Symphonic Poem
Jonas Lundblad, organ
Swedish Mass No 1 (Lord have mercy)
Gothenburg Cathedral Choir
Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra
Ann-Marie Rydberg, conductor
Fritiof Suite (excerpt)
Norrkoping Symphony Orchestra
Hermann Bäumer, conductor
Swedish Mass No 1 (My firm hope in the Lord stands)
Gothenburg Cathedral Choir
Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra
Ann-Marie Rydberg, conductor
Produced by Luke Whitlock
FRI 17:00 In Tune (m002lnz6)
Live music from pianist Alexander Ullman and the Levitation Orchestra
Katie Derham introduces live music from the Levitation Orchestra, and British pianist Alexander Ullman performs live from his new Grieg album.
FRI 19:00 Classical Mixtape (m002lnz8)
A classical mix to centre and ground you
Take time out with a 30-minute soundscape of classical music.
FRI 19:30 Radio 3 in Concert (m002lnzb)
EFG London Jazz Festival's opening gala: Jazz Voice 2025
Join presenter Jumoké Fashola for Jazz Voice - the spectacular opening gala of the 2025 EFG London Jazz Festival - live from the Royal Festival Hall in London.
Guest conductor Jack Murray joins Guy Barker to direct the specially-created EFG London Jazz Festival Orchestra in a programme of soul music, jazz-infused contemporary R&B, and epic jazz songs in this annual celebration of singers and song-writing. With featured artists including Dee Dee Bridgewater, Tanita Tikaram, Stella Cole, Tyreek McDole, Caleb Kunle, Natalie Williams, Vula Malinga and other surprise guests.
The event is hosted on stage by Jumoké Fashola.
To listen on most smart speakers just say “ask BBC Sounds to play Radio 3 in concert”
FRI 21:45 The Essay (m001zgl2)
A Different Way to Listen
Elizabeth Elliott
A five-part series of essays that explore the dichotomy between being a deaf professional and working with music. Each essayist tells their own story from across the deaf spectrum, including a sign language performer with a passion for music, a violinist who switched to classical piano after a cochlear implant, and a flautist who uses visual art to describe music to deaf children. From horn players to punchy performance artists, all of the essayists consider music from a deaf perspective with illuminating results.
From her childhood immersed in music to her early career as a professional violinist, Elizabeth Elliott's passion for classical music endured even as she became deaf. Despite the shock of losing her hearing, she muses on how she found solace in teaching and performing in smaller groups, before concentrating on bringing up her young family.
In middle age, she had a cochlear implant fitted, and she describes how this felt - reclaiming her ability to hear note by musical note. Filling us all in with a very different way to listen, Elizabeth details how through careful trial and error she pieces together a piano piece and drills herself to perform it to a high standard. She shares with us how it felt to once again be able to perform music publicly, through dedication and technology.
A Different Way to Listen is produced by Sophie Allen and Emma Glassar with Mark Rickards as Executive Producer. It is a Flashing Lights Media production for BBC Radio 3. A British Sign Language version was filmed, edited and subtitled by Fifi Garfield.
FRI 22:00 Late Junction (m002lnzd)
Warped laments, serpentine hums
Verity Sharp presents another round of experimental listening taking in the unusual and exhilarating from around the globe. There’s chastening, contorted, laments from Peru’s Alejandra Cardenas (Ale Hop) as she delves into the trauma not only of her own life but that of her homeland - charting colonialism, cultural turbulence and addiction with a steely gaze. Plus an inquisitive and emotionally immediate return from Japanese experimenter Phew, paired this time with American multimedia artist Danielle de Picciotto, the duo melding their singular voices into sparse yet tense collages. Berlinde Deman meanwhile offers droning reflections on the Serpent, a unique wind instrument enhanced with effects pedals and her unique vocal stylings; and Will Glaser presents a bewildering collection of ‘Ethnographic Recordings From An Imagined Future’.
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'
We want to hear your favourite sounds - albums, tracks, self-made recordings - of 2025! Email us at latejunction@bbc.co.uk
FRI 23:30 'Round Midnight (m002lnzg)
Dee Dee Bridgewater in conversation
‘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 edition of ‘Round Midnight, Soweto welcomes jazz vocal icon Dee Dee Bridgewater as his Friday night guest. Dee Dee is a multi award-winning and Tony award-winning artist, who has forged her path as a formidable jazz singer and as a genre transcending musician. As well as being a pioneering solo artist, Dee Dee has worked with greats including Horace Silver, Max Roach, and Dizzy Gillespie.
In their conversation, Soweto and Dee Dee discuss everything from her current projects, her time performing with the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, and her work as a mentor to some the exciting new voices in jazz.
To listen on most smart speakers, just say: 'Ask BBC Sounds to play Round Midnight.'