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Classical, blues and jazz for the weekend

Jools is joined by architectural historian Sir Charles Saumarez Smith to explore the life and work of 18th-century architect and playwright John Vanbrugh, who died 300 years ago.

Jools shares his lifelong passion for classical music and the beautiful connections with jazz and blues. With fascinating guests each week, who bring their own favourite music and occasionally perform live in Jools's studio.

Today, Jools's choices include music by Schumann, John Ireland and Toshiko Akiyoshi, with performances by pianist Rebeca Omordia, pianist Winifred Atwell and guitarist Luise Walker. His guest is the architectural historian Sir Charles Saumarez Smith, who talks to Jools about the life and work of the 18th-century architect and playwright John Vanbrugh, who died 300 years ago. We hear music connected with Vanbrugh, including Purcell, Cavalli and Handel.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Earlier with Jools Holland".

24 days left to listen

59 minutes

Music Played

  • Robert Schumann

    Traumerei (Kinderszenen, Op 15 No 7)

    Performer: Luise Walker.
    • DOREMI.
  • Johann Sebastian Bach

    Toccata and fugue in D minor, BWV 565: Toccata, orch. Stokowski

    Orchestrator: Leopold Stokowski. Orchestra: Philadelphia Orchestra. Conductor: Yannick Nézet‐Séguin.
    • Deutsche Grammophon.
  • John Ireland

    Decorations (The Island Spell)

    Performer: Rebeca Omordia.
    • Resonus Classics.
  • Winifred Atwell

    Big Ben Boogie

    • Decca.
  • Howard Skempton

    Lento

    Orchestra: BBC Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Mark Wigglesworth.
    • Skempton - Lento.
    • NMC.
    • 1.
  • Toshiko Akiyoshi

    Blues for Toshiko

    • Verve Records.
  • Francesco Cavalli

    Hipermestra, Act 3 Scene 14: Quest'è un gran caso al certo

    Singer: Mariana Flores. Ensemble: Cappella Mediterranea.
    • RICERCAR.
  • Henry Purcell

    March and canzona (Funeral Music for Queen Mary)

    Conductor: Sir John Eliot Gardiner. Choir: Monteverdi Choir. Orchestra: English Baroque Soloists. Ensemble: Equale Brass Ensemble.
    • Purcell: Music for Queen Mary.
    • Warner Apex.
    • 12-13.
  • George Frideric Handel

    Rinaldo (Overture)

    Orchestra: Academy of Ancient Music. Conductor: Christopher Hogwood.
    • DECCA.
  • George Frideric Handel

    Eternal source of light divine (Ode for the Birthday of Queen Anne)

    Performer: Alison Balsom. Singer: Iestyn Davies. Orchestra: The English Concert. Conductor: Trevor Pinnock.
    • EMI.

Broadcast

  • Saturday12:00