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Donald Macleod introduces us to young Tom and some of the mysteries surrounding his story.

English composer, Thomas Linley the Younger, was destined to become one of the brightest musical stars of eighteenth century. No less a person than Mozart, who was also a personal friend, hailed him as a ‘true genius’. Even so, Linley’s life was troubled. He and his siblings were ruthlessly driven by their ambitious father. He saw his beloved sister become fodder for the celebrity-hungry gossip mongers of the British press and must have wondered if he might be next. He was forced to navigate a dangerous atmosphere of prurience and moral suspicion about the private lives of ‘theatre people’ like himself. A cloud of mystery hovers over Tom’s shocking and early death at the age of just 22. Donald Macleod is joined by Linley’s biographer, Tony Scotland, to shine a light on this charming and often enigmatic composer, alongside music by Tom and his circle.

Today, Donald introduces us to young Tom and also his colourful family, who’ll play a significant role in his many triumphs and struggles to come.

Linley the Younger: Music for The Tempest (No 1, Arise! ye spirits of the storm)
Julia Gooding, soprano
Paul Goodwin, oboe
The Parley of Instruments Baroque Orchestra and Choir, conducted by Paul Nicholson

Geminiani: Violin Sonata in D Major, Op 5, No 4 (1st & 2nd mvts)
Anton Steck, violin
Markus Mollenbeck, cello
Christian Rieger, harpsichord

Linley the Younger: The Song of Moses (extracts)
Julia Gooding, soprano
Sophie Daneman, soprano
Andrew King, tenor
Andrew Dale Forbes, bass
The Parley of Instruments
Holst Singers, directed by Peter Holman

Boyce: Symphony No 7 in B flat major
The English Concert, directed by Trevor Pinnock

Produced by Chris Taylor for Â鶹Éç Audio Wales & West