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0:00:33 > 0:00:35- Hello and welcome.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38- We've travelled Europe - in this series...
0:00:38 > 0:00:41- ..but now - I'm down under in Australia.
0:00:56 > 0:00:58- We've arrived in Melbourne...
0:00:58 > 0:01:02- ..to learn more about - the remarkable life...
0:01:02 > 0:01:06- ..of Australia's most famous - composer, Percy Grainger.
0:01:06 > 0:01:10- Though Australia is home - to many talented composers...
0:01:10 > 0:01:14- ..there is none more famous in - classical terms than Percy Grainger.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21- Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, - was his birthplace.
0:01:21 > 0:01:23- It is Australia's - second largest city.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34- Melbourne was founded in 1835...
0:01:34 > 0:01:36- ..and became a city in 1847.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40- Four years later, it became - the state's capital city...
0:01:41 > 0:01:45- ..and saw a population increase - propelled by the gold industry.
0:01:45 > 0:01:50- Many of its grand buildings - are products of generated wealth.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58- The Yarra River - is integral to city life...
0:01:58 > 0:02:02- ..as is the Thames in London - and the Seine in Paris.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09- Southbank has become - a centre for arts and leisure...
0:02:10 > 0:02:15- ..with shops and restaurants - capitalizing on the prime location.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24- The Victorian Arts Centre - is also situated in Southbank...
0:02:24 > 0:02:29- ..housing Hamer Hall, Melbourne's - concert hall and Theatres Building.
0:02:30 > 0:02:35- It is home to Melbourne's Symphony - Orchestra, theatre company...
0:02:35 > 0:02:38- ..Australian ballet - and Opera Australia.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41- I've also sung here myself.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45- They are spending more than 80m - on renovations to Hamer Hall...
0:02:46 > 0:02:48- ..from top to bottom.
0:02:52 > 0:02:57- It's played an important role in - Australia's classical music history.
0:02:58 > 0:03:03- Speaking from personal experience, - it's a special place to perform.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15- Melbourne is proud to be - a cultural focal point.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20- They take great pride in the fact - this is Percy Grainger's birthplace.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28- He would have been - well accustomed to Brighton Beach...
0:03:28 > 0:03:32- ..situated conveniently close - to the city and his home.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37- The beach is renowned - for its colourful beach huts...
0:03:38 > 0:03:40- ..which have stood here - for 150 years.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43- They come with a high price tag...
0:03:44 > 0:03:47- ..and cost as much - as the city dwellings nearby.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54- George Percy Grainger was born - in this Brighton residence...
0:03:55 > 0:03:57- ..on 8 July, 1882.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02- Though the interior - has altered considerably...
0:04:02 > 0:04:05- ..the exterior facade - has remained...
0:04:05 > 0:04:09- ..since the days when - the pianist and composer lived here.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15- He was one of classical music's - more colourful characters.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18- To begin with, he was Australian...
0:04:18 > 0:04:23- ..which would have been a talking - point in England and America...
0:04:23 > 0:04:25- ..where he spent most of his time.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30- He has been described - as an anarchist and revolutionary.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32- His talent was unquestionable.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36- He was passionate - and believed anything was possible.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39- Failure was never an option.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44- At the end of the 19th century...
0:04:44 > 0:04:49- ..the family moved around a lot, - sometimes staying in hotels.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53- This was one of them - - Hotel Esplanade in St Kilda...
0:04:54 > 0:04:56- ..overlooking Port Phillip Bay.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59- These days, - modern music is all the rage.
0:05:00 > 0:05:02- With its extensive pier...
0:05:03 > 0:05:07- ..St Kilda resembles a Welsh - seaside resort from years ago.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16- The historical Luna Park - completes the picture.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20- Opened in 1912, this was - a centre for live entertainment.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27- The Palais Theatre - opened 15 years later.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31- It was one of the largest cinemas - in the southern hemisphere.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35- In 1962, operas and ballets - were being staged here.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38- Music and plays - took over from there.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42- Margot Fonteyn and - The Royal Ballet performed here...
0:05:42 > 0:05:45- ..along with Dame Joan Sutherland.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47- ITALIAN OPERA
0:06:01 > 0:06:06- The Graingers settled in this house - in Hawthorn, east Melbourne...
0:06:06 > 0:06:09- ..where his mother, Rose, - was a piano teacher.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13- His father, John, - was a gifted architect and artist.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16- He was also - a renowned civil engineer.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18- He designed the Princess Bridge.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21- He was a heavy drinker - and a womaniser.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25- The young Percy - witnessed many arguments.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28- His parents separated - when he was eight years old.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31- Rose focused entirely on her son...
0:06:32 > 0:06:36- ..creating a close relationship - until her death in 1922.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38- Ten years prior to her death...
0:06:38 > 0:06:42- ..he acknowledged - his closeness to his mother...
0:06:42 > 0:06:45- ..by adopting - her maiden name, Aldridge.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50- She had taught him to play the piano - from the age of five.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53- Since his parents' separation...
0:06:53 > 0:06:56- ..she was solely responsible - for his education.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59- He would take cultural trips - to Chinatown...
0:07:00 > 0:07:03- ..and the colours and sounds - made an impact on him.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19- As a single mother, - she had very little money...
0:07:19 > 0:07:22- ..so they moved to a cheaper place - in South Yarra.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26- While the other children played - on the river bank...
0:07:26 > 0:07:29- ..Percy would practise the piano - for hours at a time.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52- His diligence paid off - and he became a gifted pianist.
0:07:52 > 0:07:57- He was accomplished enough to hold - his first public performance...
0:07:57 > 0:08:00- ..the day after his 12th birthday.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03- He was praised for his technique...
0:08:03 > 0:08:06- ..with critics lauding - his "almost perfect" performance.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- He went on to hold further concerts.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12- The Royal Exhibition Building, - built in 1880...
0:08:13 > 0:08:16- ..had a 20,000 seating capacity.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19- It has been restored - to its former glory.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23- This is the only 19th-century - pavilion of its kind in the world...
0:08:23 > 0:08:25- ..that still functions.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33- Even with poor acoustics, - Grainger was outstanding.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36- In 1895, Percy and his mother...
0:08:36 > 0:08:40- ..sailed to Germany - in search of a formal education.
0:08:41 > 0:08:46- For the next six years he studied - at the Hoch Conservatory of Music.
0:08:46 > 0:08:50- It was here in Frankfurt - that he met Karl Klimsch...
0:08:50 > 0:08:54- ..who had turned to music - later in life.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57- His kind nature - and energetic disposition...
0:08:58 > 0:09:01- ..influenced - the young composer's musical ideas.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06- Percy claimed that Klimsch - allowed him freedom of thought.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10- By the end of 1901...
0:09:10 > 0:09:13- ..Percy and his mother - arrived in London...
0:09:14 > 0:09:16- ..where they stayed for 13 years.
0:09:16 > 0:09:21- # The poor soul sat sighing
0:09:21 > 0:09:26- # By a sycamore tree #
0:09:27 > 0:09:32- It was during this time that he took - an interest in English folk music.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35- He used an Edison Bell - cylinder phonograph...
0:09:35 > 0:09:37- ..to record the folk singers.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41- He was one of the first - in England to do this.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43- He and his contemporaries...
0:09:43 > 0:09:46- ..enjoyed reproducing - this kind of music.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51- # Willow, willow, willow, willow
0:09:51 > 0:09:58- # Oh, willow, willow, - willow, willow
0:09:58 > 0:10:00- # Shall be
0:10:01 > 0:10:04- # My garland #
0:10:04 > 0:10:06- His love of folk music continued...
0:10:07 > 0:10:10- ..inspiring many - of his famous compositions...
0:10:10 > 0:10:14- ..among which are Handel In - The Stand and Lincolnshire Posy.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17- Listening to his music...
0:10:18 > 0:10:21- ..you would assume - he was an English composer.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25- He was also brazen enough - to rearrange the work of others.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28- Often they sounded better!
0:10:32 > 0:10:36- Willow Willow is one - of his famous rearrangements...
0:10:36 > 0:10:40- ..performed by Vivien Hamilton - and Glenn Riddle...
0:10:40 > 0:10:43- ..who's playing - Percy Grainger's own piano.
0:10:43 > 0:10:48- # He sighed in his singing
0:10:49 > 0:10:53- # And made a great moan
0:10:54 > 0:10:59- # Sing willow, willow, willow
0:10:59 > 0:11:04- # I am dead to all pleasure
0:11:05 > 0:11:10- # My true love, she is gone
0:11:11 > 0:11:17- # Oh, willow, willow, willow, willow
0:11:18 > 0:11:25- # Oh, willow, willow, - willow, willow #
0:11:25 > 0:11:28- In 1905 he came across the song, - Brigg Fair...
0:11:29 > 0:11:31- ..in a small village - in Lincolnshire.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35- Delius was given the task - of adapting it for an orchestra.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39- The English composer and he - were birds of a feather.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43- They hated the work - of Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven.
0:11:43 > 0:11:48- The became close friends because - they both shared the same vision.
0:11:48 > 0:11:55- # Willow must be my garland #
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0:12:05 > 0:12:10- We're in Melbourne, Australia, - birthplace of Percy Grainger.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14- Though he detested the work - of some of the great masters...
0:12:15 > 0:12:17- ..Grainger had his favourites too.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21- Edvard Grieg had been - one of his heroes since childhood.
0:12:21 > 0:12:26- When the Norwegian composer toured - London on his last visit in 1906...
0:12:27 > 0:12:30- ..he said he wanted - to meet the young Australian.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34- When they met, Grainger - gave a flawless performance...
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- ..of Grieg's challenging - Norwegian folk music.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41- Grieg later wrote - that Percy Grainger was a genius.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46- The following year, Grainger - visited Grieg and wife, Nina...
0:12:47 > 0:12:50- ..at Troldhaugen, their home - on the outskirts of Bergen.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53- The couple were astounded...
0:12:53 > 0:12:57- ..by his regular swimming sessions - in the freezing lake.
0:12:57 > 0:13:01- Every day at four he would - run to the railway station...
0:13:01 > 0:13:03- ..to collect the mail.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07- "What a performer. What a man," - wrote Grieg in his journal.
0:13:07 > 0:13:12- Following Edvard Grieg's death, Nina - presented his watch to Percy...
0:13:13 > 0:13:15- ..to remember him by.
0:13:16 > 0:13:21- They had planned to tour Europe - together, along with Delius...
0:13:21 > 0:13:24- ..but Grieg died in the meantime.
0:13:24 > 0:13:29- Percy Grainger was the last visitor - to stay at Troldhaugen.
0:13:29 > 0:13:35- # Must be my garland #
0:13:38 > 0:13:42- Following the outbreak of WWI, - Percy emigrated to America.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45- He and his mother, Rose, - settled in New York.
0:13:46 > 0:13:51- He had a recording contract - with Columbia since 1908.
0:13:51 > 0:13:56- He continued recording and embarked - on his first American tour in 1915.
0:13:57 > 0:14:02- Within a year, he and - Australian singer, Nellie Melba...
0:14:02 > 0:14:05- ..performed concerts for the troops.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09- Their parents had been - lifelong friends in Australia.
0:14:09 > 0:14:14- It's possible they met as children, - though there is no certainty.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25- In 1917, America - entered the war with Germany.
0:14:26 > 0:14:31- Percy joined the military band, - playing the saxophone and oboe.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34- A year later - he became an American citizen.
0:14:48 > 0:14:53- His mother's health was in decline. - She was physically and mentally ill.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57- The syphilis she had contracted - from her husband worsened.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01- There were also - vicious rumours circulating...
0:15:01 > 0:15:06- ..that she had forged an incestuous - relationship with her son.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16- The rumours affected her sanity.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20- Five years later, - while Percy was on tour...
0:15:20 > 0:15:23- ..Rose went to see his manager, - Antonia Sawyer...
0:15:24 > 0:15:27- ..on the 18th floor - of the Aeolian Building.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29- She was all alone in the room...
0:15:30 > 0:15:33- ..and either she fell - or she leapt from the window.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37- We'll never know - if it was an accident or not.
0:15:39 > 0:15:44- Percy salvaged some of the contents - of her handbag the day she died.
0:15:44 > 0:15:46- They were personal items.
0:15:46 > 0:15:51- A plait of hair and a ripped-up note - she had written the day before.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55- Percy pieced together the note - and later published a book...
0:15:55 > 0:15:58- ..in memory of Rose - for family and friends.
0:16:00 > 0:16:05- Percy eventually came to terms - with the shock and married.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- He continued performing - and won more praise as a composer.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12- His wife, Ella Strom, - was a Swedish poet and artist...
0:16:13 > 0:16:17- ..whom he'd met on a voyage - across the Pacific Ocean.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21- The wedding was held at - the Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles...
0:16:22 > 0:16:24- ..in front of - an audience of 25,000...
0:16:25 > 0:16:29- ..who listened to the first - performance of To A Nordic Princess.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31- The score - was his wedding gift to Ella.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38- Since he had spent so much - of his life outside of Australia...
0:16:38 > 0:16:43- ..it took a while for him to be - taken seriously in his own country.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45- That is no longer the case.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58- It was Percy's own idea - to establish the Grainger Museum.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01- He hoped - that by opening the museum...
0:17:01 > 0:17:04- ..he could use his expertise...
0:17:04 > 0:17:07- ..to help others - understand the creative process.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15- He adhered to the notion...
0:17:15 > 0:17:18- ..that no art exists - in a social or cultural vacuum.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23- He set about collecting - and exhibiting everyday items...
0:17:23 > 0:17:25- ..to accompany his music.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27- He asked friends - from around the world...
0:17:28 > 0:17:30- ..to return - the letters he had written.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34- They were copied - and stored for safekeeping.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38- The University of Melbourne...
0:17:39 > 0:17:44- ..provided the land for the museum - while he funded the construction.
0:17:50 > 0:17:55- He contributed to the design, - alongside architect, John Gawler.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13- Today it contains more than 50,000 - contributions from correspondents.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17- Letters from Grieg, Delius - and Ralph Vaughan Williams.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20- Others are from before his time...
0:18:20 > 0:18:24- ..such as the letter from - Tchaikovsky, another of his heroes.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39- Grainger was - a self-proclaimed genius.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43- The museum manages - to encapsulate his life and work...
0:18:44 > 0:18:49- ..from his own perspective rather - than how others interpreted him.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10- In order to fund the museum...
0:19:10 > 0:19:15- ..he embarked on a two-year tour - of Australasia in the mid-1930s.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19- He gave 56 concerts and - three times that amount for radio.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- He also helped - with the museum's construction.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28- Sometimes he would arrive on site - at 6.00am to lay bricks.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35- The Grainger Museum was officially - opened in December 1938...
0:19:35 > 0:19:39- ..though it wasn't open - to the public during his lifetime.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42- He returned to America - a year later...
0:19:42 > 0:19:45- ..and managed the museum remotely.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48- Following Grainger's death - in 1961...
0:19:48 > 0:19:52- ..the University of Melbourne - took over ownership.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56- There is nothing like it - in Australia.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00- It is an excellent collection - of artefacts...
0:20:00 > 0:20:06- ..giving an insight into the life of - a complex yet talented individual.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12- Grainger was greatly interested - in technological advances.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17- In the 1950s, he worked alongside - scientist, Bernard Cross...
0:20:17 > 0:20:19- ..on Free Music experiments.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24- He wanted to liberate music - from the performer's oppression.
0:20:24 > 0:20:29- These are his designs - for the Kangaroo-Pouch Machine...
0:20:30 > 0:20:34- ..the forerunner of the synthesizer - to tackle hard-to-play variations.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38- One of the earliest examples - can be found in the museum...
0:20:39 > 0:20:42- ..which works on - the same principle as the pianola.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51- Like his father, he was - a gifted artist and painter.
0:20:52 > 0:20:56- He was also slightly alternative - and a bit of an eccentric.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00- He made his own clothes - from colourful terry towelling.
0:21:00 > 0:21:05- They were intended for wear in - summer and winter and were washable.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08- He might have been - on to something there!
0:21:09 > 0:21:12- Percy Grainger - held his final concert in 1960.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16- He died a year later - in the United States on 20 February.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19- His body - was repatriated to Australia...
0:21:20 > 0:21:23- ..and buried in the Aldridge - family grave in Adelaide.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26- He left - a myriad original works behind.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30- Over the years, - he has been acknowledged...
0:21:30 > 0:21:34- ..as one of the prolific composers - of the 20th century.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37- Percy Grainger - was an exceptional man.
0:21:37 > 0:21:42- I doubt people these days would - find him as eccentric as all that.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46- Australia has every right - to be proud of him.
0:21:57 > 0:22:02- It's been great exploring Melbourne - and learning about Percy Grainger.
0:22:03 > 0:22:07- I've enjoyed my time in Australia, - especially Sydney.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18- I've wanted to head out - onto the water since I arrived.
0:22:18 > 0:22:23- Apparently, the best time - for a harbour cruise is at night.
0:22:27 > 0:22:32- Even for residents, a harbour cruise - is considered a bit of a treat.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35- It's easy to see why.
0:22:35 > 0:22:40- The best views are to be found - under Harbour Bridge.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44- A night-time cruise with all - the illuminations is thrilling.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56- Unfortunately, - my time in Australia is over.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58- Until next time, goodbye.
0:23:02 > 0:23:07- Grieg and Sibelius are the focus - of our next episode in Scandinavia.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09- We then head to England...
0:23:09 > 0:23:15- ..to explore the life of another of - Grainger's musical friends, Delius.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:23:48 > 0:23:49- .