The Sunday Feature

John Drummond explores critical moments in the history of Western music when things might well have turned out differently. In the Spanish 'flu epidemic millions died, but one survived to become one… Read more Audio

John Drummond explores critical moments in the history of Western music when things might well have turned out differently. Verdi's chance meeting. In 1841 Verdi decided to compose no more. But a… Read more Audio

Nodding off caused a war in Germany whose repercussions are still being felt. John Drummond explores critical moments in the history of Western music when things might well have turned out… Read more Audio

 A story of poison, heroism, stupidity and the future of opera. John Drummond explores critical moments in the history of Western music when things might well have turned out differently. Read more Audio

John Drummond explores critical moments in the history of Western music when things might well have turned out differently. Mixing in the wrong company would prove fatal for the great Viennese… Read more Audio

John Drummond explores critical moments in the history of Western music when things might well have turned out differently. He changed the musical world, but he would have been no-one if it hadn't… Read more Audio

John Drummond explores critical moments in the history of Western music when things might well have turned out differently. The opera reform we attribute to Gluck was actually the result of five… Read more Audio

John Drummond explores critical moments in the history of Western music when things might well have turned out differently. When Mozart arrived in London at the age of eight he needed someone to teach… Read more Audio

John Drummond explores critical moments in the history of Western music when things might well have turned out differently. What lucky meeting in Florence brought to Paris the man who would be… Read more Audio

In Stuttgart, Wagner's debts were catching up with him. Read more Audio

In La Spezia a walk by the harbour may have inspired the opening of the Ring Cycle Read more Audio

In Chemnitz the composer narrowly avoids arrest after his involvement in the Dresden Uprising Read more Audio