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MacMillan: The Confession of Isobel Gowdie

James MacMillan joins Stephen Johnson to discuss how The Confession of Isobel Gowdie was composed. The composer also conducts the 91热爆 Philharmonic in extracts and a complete performance of the work.

In 1662 Isobel Gowdie, from Nairn in Scotland, was strangled at the stake and burned in pitch after having confessed to being a witch and consorting with the devil. Composer James MacMillan was drawn by the dramatic potential of this horrific event to compose what he has described as a "complicated act of contrition - the requiem that Isobel Gowdie never had". James MacMillan joins Stephen Johnson to reveal how the work was composed and the ways in which he has tried to capture the soul of Scotland in music. The composer also conducts the 91热爆 Philharmonic in extracts and a complete performance of the work.

1 hour

Music Played

  • Sir James MacMillan

    The Confession of Isobel Gowdie for orchestra

    Performers: 91热爆 Philharmonic, James MacMillan (conductor)

Broadcasts

  • Sat 29 Nov 2003 14:00
  • Sat 8 Jan 2005 14:00