From Schuman to Szymanowski

Last week BBC Radio 3 featured composer was William Schuman (one n). This week focuses on  Karol Szymanowski (1882-1937). Five hours, Monday to Friday with repeats.  Online, international and on demand, as always.  Szymanowski is fascinating because he's so eclectic. He was a Polish intellectual fascinated with Middle Eastern culture. A man perhaps more relevant to our time than we think. We underestimate just how open Europeans in Szymanowski's time were to "foreign" things. Szymanowski used his adventures to create unique music beyond the limits of western tradition. So enjoy this Szymanowski series. Fortunately, Szymanowski is by no means as obscure as he was, say, 25 years ago. Recordings are easily available - read about the best ever Third Symphony CD here (Tetzlaff/Boulez) and book to hear it live at the Barbican in May. Lots more on Szymanowski on this blog, incl Krol Roger.