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0:00:39 > 0:00:41- Hello, I'm Aled Jones.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44- I'm glad you could join me - on my classical journey.
0:00:44 > 0:00:48- In this series, - we'll get to know the composers...
0:00:48 > 0:00:51- ..who were inspired - by the world around them.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56- We will visit the cities - in which their work was performed...
0:00:57 > 0:01:00- ..and get to know the greats - a little better.
0:01:01 > 0:01:06- Before travelling the world, - I'm back in familiar surroundings.
0:01:10 > 0:01:14- This is Beaumaris Castle - on Anglesey, my birthplace.
0:01:14 > 0:01:18- Wales, land of song, - and its musical tradition...
0:01:18 > 0:01:21- ..is the focus - of our first programme.
0:01:33 > 0:01:37- On my return, it's easy to see - why views such as these...
0:01:37 > 0:01:40- ..leave a lasting impression - on a person.
0:01:40 > 0:01:44- Wales's landscape - has inspired many a composer.
0:01:44 > 0:01:48- It has certainly been a great - influence on my musical career.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53- Music is important to us - as a nation.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56- All our music festivals - are testament to that.
0:01:57 > 0:02:01- Llangollen, the Eisteddfodau - and the Cerdd Dant Festival.
0:02:01 > 0:02:05- Our hymns are even regarded - as classics in themselves.
0:02:16 > 0:02:17- Music is in our blood.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21- Wales has produced - many renowned singers...
0:02:21 > 0:02:26- ..such as Geraint Evans, Tom Jones, - Bryn Terfel, Katherine Jenkins...
0:02:26 > 0:02:29- ..and a little boy - by the name of Aled Jones too!
0:02:29 > 0:02:32- It was here in Llandegfan...
0:02:33 > 0:02:37- ..a quiet rural village, - that I was born and raised.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40- The views of Snowdonia...
0:02:40 > 0:02:43- ..are worth seeing - at any time of year.
0:02:44 > 0:02:49- Across the Menai Strait is the city - of Bangor with its famous pier...
0:02:49 > 0:02:52- ..that was restored - during my youth.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55- Bangor Pier - is the second largest in Wales.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59- Like many British piers, it was - at risk of closure in the 1970s.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02- But it survived - and is still as popular.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10- This is a very familiar road.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14- For many years - my parents would take me...
0:03:14 > 0:03:18- ..to choir practice and - church services at St Deiniol's...
0:03:18 > 0:03:20- ..one of - the oldest churches in Britain.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37- This is Bangor Cathedral, - a very important place in my life.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40- I have fond memories - of singing here...
0:03:40 > 0:03:44- ..on a Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, - Saturday and twice on a Sunday.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56- It was built during - the mid-12th century...
0:03:56 > 0:04:00- ..though the church - dates back many centuries to 525...
0:04:00 > 0:04:04- ..some 70 years earlier than - the church at Canterbury Cathedral.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08- It's nice knowing - that so many have been united...
0:04:08 > 0:04:11- ..by this building - over the centuries.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15- It will certainly - remain part of my life for ever.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19- It has been dedicated - to St Deiniol...
0:04:20 > 0:04:22- ..who established - the first monastery.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26- He became the first - Archbishop of Bangor in 546.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30- Since then, the building - has been destroyed many times.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33- Firstly by the Vikings - in the 11th century...
0:04:33 > 0:04:38- ..then King John's men in the 13thC - and Glyndwr's army in the 15thC.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41- But thankfully - it has been restored each time.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47- When I first walked in here - all those years ago...
0:04:48 > 0:04:51- ..I thought this was - the largest cathedral in Britain!
0:04:51 > 0:04:54- Though small...
0:04:54 > 0:04:58- ..what I like most about it - is the peace and tranquillity.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04- Without this building...
0:05:04 > 0:05:08- ..I doubt I would have progressed - with my music career.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16- Another - of my favourite cathedrals...
0:05:17 > 0:05:21- ..which is considerably larger - than St Deiniol's, is St Paul's.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24- The brainchild - of Sir Christopher Wren...
0:05:24 > 0:05:29- ..this building has witnessed many - momentous events in British history.
0:05:34 > 0:05:40- The marriage of Prince Charles to - Diana Spencer was one such occasion.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44- A special anthem - was written for the ceremony...
0:05:44 > 0:05:46- ..by Welsh composer, - William Mathias.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51- Following the wedding, he - became known throughout the world.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26- Mathias was one of Wales's most - renowned composers of the 20thC.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29- I was privileged to know him...
0:06:29 > 0:06:31- ..since he too lived on Anglesey.
0:06:31 > 0:06:37- This is the house in which he lived, - five minutes from my family's home.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41- His wife, Yvonne, - was my singing teacher...
0:06:41 > 0:06:45- ..at a significant time in my career - when my voice broke.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49- I remember him listening - to my lessons with a G&T in hand!
0:06:50 > 0:06:54- William was familiar - with Wales's musical traditions.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57- He would compare himself - to the old bards...
0:06:57 > 0:07:01- ..in the way he wrote - devotional and secular music.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05- He believed there was - little difference between them.
0:07:05 > 0:07:09- His most famous work - is the wedding anthem...
0:07:09 > 0:07:11- ..Let The People Praise Thee, - O God.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14- But his musical styles were varied.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19- By the time of his death in 1992, - he was internationally renowned.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27- He wished to be known - as a Welsh musician...
0:07:27 > 0:07:31- ..and acknowledged his Celtic roots, - but he was no nationalist.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35- He had been influenced - by international composers...
0:07:36 > 0:07:39- ..such as Britten, Tippett, - Stravinsky and Gershwin.
0:07:39 > 0:07:45- However, he was greatly inspired - by medieval Welsh literature...
0:07:45 > 0:07:47- ..and held it in high esteem.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52- It is those elements - of early Welsh poetry...
0:07:53 > 0:07:57- ..which provided the basis for - his 1972 work, Elegy For A Prince...
0:07:57 > 0:08:01- ..composed for - a baritone voice and an orchestra.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05- William began composing - at an early age.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09- One of his earliest works - included a concerto for the violin.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13- A recent recording was made - and released on the Naxos label.
0:08:13 > 0:08:17- One critic lauded - his confident composing technique.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20- Praise indeed for a boy of 17.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26- His wife, Yvonne, - was a competent teacher.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28- She was awarded an MBE...
0:08:28 > 0:08:33- ..for her contribution to music - and the arts in North Wales.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36- William - was always on hand with advice.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40- I'm so proud to have played a small - part in Wales's musical tradition...
0:08:40 > 0:08:44- ..and to have had - a personal connection with William.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48- His daughter, Rhiannon, - is continuing the tradition.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50- She is a talented musician.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53- Like her father, - she has gained a doctorate in music.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57- William - spent most of his life in Wales.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00- Originally from Whitland...
0:09:00 > 0:09:05- ..be became a music teacher - at Bangor between 1970 and 1988.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16- He founded the North Wales - Music Festival in St Asaph in 1972.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19- He continued in the role of director - until his death.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23- The music festival - still carries on to this day...
0:09:24 > 0:09:28- ..and is testament to Mathias's - contribution to classical music.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31- He wanted to lay firm foundations...
0:09:31 > 0:09:34- ..on which - Wales's young musicians...
0:09:34 > 0:09:38- ..could develop and become - part of a strong musical culture.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51- I love coming back to Anglesey...
0:09:51 > 0:09:54- ..not just because - my family is here...
0:09:54 > 0:09:58- ..but it allows me - to reconnect with my birthplace...
0:09:58 > 0:10:01- ..and those places - that have inspired me.
0:10:01 > 0:10:05- This has been a worthwhile beginning - to my classical journey.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14- These views that surround me - were part of my upbringing.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17- They have since become part of me.
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0:10:45 > 0:10:45- Subtitles
0:10:45 > 0:10:47- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:10:49 > 0:10:52- London is where - I currently live and work.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57- Next, we head to a city where - Johannes Brahms was brought up.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04- This is Hamburg, - Germany's second largest city...
0:11:04 > 0:11:07- ..and an important - industrial centre.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10- Its busy port - is the fourth largest in Europe...
0:11:10 > 0:11:14- ..yet the city manages to retain - a certain charm and beauty.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25- Around four million tourists - visit Hamburg each year.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29- They come here to enjoy - many of the city's attractions.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33- Historical buildings, - churches, cultural festivals...
0:11:33 > 0:11:37- ..and plenty or musical outlets - - from classical to contemporary.
0:11:38 > 0:11:44- Having one internationally-acclaimed - orchestra isn't enough for Hamburg.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46- It has three.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49- The North German Radio - Symphony Orchestra...
0:11:50 > 0:11:52- ..the Hamburg Symphonic Orchestra...
0:11:52 > 0:11:55- ..and the Hamburg - Philharmonic Orchestra...
0:11:56 > 0:11:58- ..conducted by Simone Young.
0:12:06 > 0:12:10- The Beatles' tour of Hamburg's - club circuit brought them fame.
0:12:10 > 0:12:15- They released their first single and - later there was no stopping them.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17- In terms of classical music...
0:12:18 > 0:12:21- ..Hamburg is famous as - the birthplace of Johannes Brahms...
0:12:22 > 0:12:24- ..and Felix Mendelssohn.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28- Despite Brahms's poor upbringing, - his talent prospered.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37- The Speckstrasse - the house - and street in which he was born...
0:12:37 > 0:12:40- ..was destroyed during WWII.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42- It was an ordinary house.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46- Today, a new house - has been erected in its place...
0:12:46 > 0:12:50- ..and a memorial stone - to commemorate his birthplace.
0:12:53 > 0:12:58- Brahms's father had broken family - tradition in terms of profession.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03- He chose a career as - a professional musician in Hamburg.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07- He married Johanna Nissen in 1830.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12- Three years later, - Johannes was born.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20- Unlike many - of the great composers...
0:13:20 > 0:13:23- ..Johannes Brahms - had a happy childhood.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26- When they realized - his musical talent...
0:13:26 > 0:13:28- ..the family made sacrifices...
0:13:29 > 0:13:31- ..to support his development.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35- At 10, he was - so proficient on the piano...
0:13:35 > 0:13:39- ..that they envisaged a bright - future for their gifted son.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43- At 15, he was making a name for - himself in Hamburg's music circles.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46- He was destined for greatness.
0:13:48 > 0:13:52- He embarked on his first - concert tour at the age of 20.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56- It was during this time - that he met Joseph Joachim...
0:13:56 > 0:13:59- ..who later - introduced him to Franz Liszt.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02- Liszt had - already established himself...
0:14:02 > 0:14:05- ..as a prominent pianist - and composer.
0:14:05 > 0:14:10- But strangely enough, Brahms - was indifferent to Liszt's work.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14- From an early age...
0:14:14 > 0:14:19- ..he tended to emulate the composers - of the classical period.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23- It was Joachim who also introduced - Brahms to the two Schumanns.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26- It became an influential step.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30- A short distance - from the family's former home...
0:14:30 > 0:14:36- ..is the Johannes Brahms Museum - located in the Peterstrasse.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38- Close by is another museum...
0:14:38 > 0:14:42- ..celebrating the life of - composer Georg Philipp Telemann.
0:14:42 > 0:14:47- The museum is housed in one of - Hamburg's old merchants' houses.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51- The house was built - during the mid-18th century...
0:14:51 > 0:14:56- ..and is much grander than anything - Brahms would have known as a boy.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59- The museum's extensive collection...
0:14:59 > 0:15:03- ..includes music, - concert programmes and photographs.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07- Brahms was a popular subject - for photographers.
0:15:07 > 0:15:11- One of the most precious things here - is this spectacular piano...
0:15:12 > 0:15:14- ..manufactured by - Baumgardten & Heins.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- Brahms used it - for his piano lessons.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23- It was on this piano that Brahms - played his Concerto in D Minor...
0:15:23 > 0:15:25- ..for the first time in 1859.
0:15:26 > 0:15:31- It's little wonder this is the - most precious object in the museum.
0:15:33 > 0:15:38- In his early twenties, Brahms was - very friendly with Joseph Joachim...
0:15:38 > 0:15:40- ..one of the era's great composers.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43- When the two - were in their forties...
0:15:43 > 0:15:47- ..Brahms composed - his only concerto for the violin...
0:15:47 > 0:15:49- ..and dedicated it to Joachim.
0:15:49 > 0:15:54- Brahms allowed Joachim to compose - the famous cadenza for the violin.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58- The score is kept at the museum.
0:15:58 > 0:16:03- According to one critic of the time, - Joachim's performance of the work...
0:16:03 > 0:16:06- ..was a spiritual interpretation.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17- Nearby is a square that was - renamed after the composer...
0:16:18 > 0:16:21- ..on the 100th anniversary - of his death.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25- There is a passionate statue - paying homage to Brahms...
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- ..which encapsulates his life.
0:16:28 > 0:16:33- This piece of modern art - depicting the composer's face...
0:16:33 > 0:16:38- ..is situated next to Hamburg's - main concert hall, the Musikhalle.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44- Inside the concert hall - is a classical statue of Brahms...
0:16:44 > 0:16:46- ..sculpted by Max Klinger.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50- No doubt Brahms would have much - preferred this statue of himself.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57- At one time, the citizens of Hamburg - were reluctant to embrace Brahms.
0:16:58 > 0:17:02- The dignitaries were unhappy - that he had moved out of the city.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06- In spite of that, he was made - an honorary citizen in 1889...
0:17:06 > 0:17:08- ..eight years before he died.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12- He had always - spoken fondly of his birthplace.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19- Brahms knew only too well where - Europe's musical heart was beating.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22- He headed to Vienna.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26- Central to Brahms's life and work...
0:17:27 > 0:17:30- ..was his relationship - with Clara Schumann...
0:17:31 > 0:17:33- ..who was 14 years his senior.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35- Clara was born here in Leipzig.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39- Her father, a piano teacher, - taught her to play.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43- She could play the piano - before she could talk.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46- She played in public - at the age of 10.
0:17:48 > 0:17:53- It was during this time that Robert - Schumann turned up at her home.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55- He was 10 years her senior at 18.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58- He began piano lessons.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01- He was - instantly attracted to Clara...
0:18:01 > 0:18:03- ..and vowed to marry her.
0:18:03 > 0:18:08- She was a talented pianist and - was bombarded with concert requests.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11- She was also an excellent composer.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14- A hand injury - put paid to Robert playing...
0:18:14 > 0:18:17- ..so he - turned his attention to composing.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20- Clara supported him - unconditionally.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24- They soon became renowned - in the classical world.
0:18:24 > 0:18:29- But he was plagued by mental illness - and suicidal tendencies.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35- When he eventually committed suicide - in 1854...
0:18:35 > 0:18:38- ..Clara started a relationship - with Brahms.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45- They often toured - and went on holiday together.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48- For Clara, - who was 14 years older...
0:18:48 > 0:18:52- ..their union was - more about companionship than love.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56- But Brahms had fallen - head over heels in love.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01- On the outskirts of Rudesheim...
0:19:01 > 0:19:07- ..on the banks of the Rhine, is - a popular path named after Brahms.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09- He spent many holidays here...
0:19:10 > 0:19:15- ..and stayed at this villa which - faces the Rhine and local vineyards.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19- The path begins here - and ends just above the vineyards.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23- For centuries the area - has been famous for its wines...
0:19:24 > 0:19:27- ..and this famous sculpture.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31- The Niederwald Monument Germania - overlooks the Rhine.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34- It was erected in the late 1700s...
0:19:34 > 0:19:38- ..to commemorate - the founding of the German Empire...
0:19:38 > 0:19:40- ..and the country's unity.
0:19:53 > 0:19:58- Brahms and Clara Schumann came here - when Robert committed suicide.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01- Their relationship - was under scrutiny.
0:20:07 > 0:20:12- Following Robert's suicide, Clara - was determined to pursue her career.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15- She was reluctant to remarry.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18- But Brahms thought the world of her.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27- His feelings are evident - in many of his works.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30- The hurt of the situation...
0:20:30 > 0:20:34- ..resonates in every note - of his first piano concerto.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41- Brahms embraced the energy - and vitality Vienna had to offer.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43- He was warmly welcomed there.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47- The musical tradition - was already strong.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50- In turn, he would also - leave his mark there.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54- The young Brahms. This is Brahms's - Room at the museum in Vienna.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57- He shares the room - with Joseph Haydn.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01- The furniture is from - Brahms's former home in Vienna.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04- This is where he would compose...
0:21:04 > 0:21:08- ..and this is where - he would smoke his pipe.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14- The photographs of him - are of a miserable old man.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16- He was a difficult character...
0:21:16 > 0:21:19- ..but sensitive at the same time.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22- He was generous - with his time and money.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25- I'm sure I would've liked him.
0:21:29 > 0:21:34- This is Brahms's ink well. - Dry ink remains at the bottom.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38- Brahms was a traditionalist - and continued to use a quill...
0:21:39 > 0:21:42- ..even though nib pens - had long taken over.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44- His water bottle is there too.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48- He was a traditionalist - in terms of music too...
0:21:48 > 0:21:52- ..gravitating towards - classical composers...
0:21:52 > 0:21:56- ..such as Haydn and Mozart rather - than contemporaries like Wagner.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59- Although much of his work remains...
0:21:59 > 0:22:02- ..it's believed - he composed much more.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08- He was self-critical and threw - many compositions onto the fire.
0:22:14 > 0:22:19- Some months after suffering - a stroke, poor Clara passed away.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21- Brahms was bereft.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26- During memorial concerts, - his tears regularly flowed.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33- It was clear that Clara Schumann - was the love of his life...
0:22:33 > 0:22:38- ..because his health began to - deteriorate after her death in 1896.
0:22:38 > 0:22:43- A year later, - the great Brahms also passed away.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48- Brahms was laid to rest - at Vienna's principal cemetery.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52- A pensive statue - adorns his simple grave.
0:22:52 > 0:22:57- Beethoven, Schubert, Salieri - and Schoenberg are also buried here.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01- Though Brahms didn't die - from a broken heart...
0:23:01 > 0:23:04- ..Clara's death - certainly took its toll on him.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08- He had lost his desire to compose - and had lost the will to live.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15- Join me on the second leg of my - journey through classical music...
0:23:15 > 0:23:20- ..as we head to the heart of Europe - which inspired numerous composers.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22- Until then, goodbye.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:23:54 > 0:23:54- .