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Intimations of Mortality

Death is a subject we are naturally reluctant to discuss. Is it simply morbid to do so? Mark Tully asks if a sense of mortality can be a force for life. With Baroness Neuberger.

Death is a subject we are often reluctant to discuss. It is often considered morbid to do so. It has commonly been described as the last taboo. However, some argue that a sense of our own mortality plays a vital part in our understanding of life. Further, that demystifying the process of death can be essential to getting the most out of life.

Mark Tully considers the advantages of being open to the intimations of mortality which we may come across daily.

In conversation with Baroness Rabbi Julia Neuberger he discusses attitudes to risk, memento mori and living legacies. With readings from Virginia Woolf, Kabir and music by Nitin Sawnhay and Gustav Mahler, he asks whether being open to intimations of mortality can bring more to life.

The readers are Helen Ryan and Kenneth Cranham.

Produced by: Frank Stirling
A Unique production for ±«Óătv Radio 4.

28 minutes

Last on

Sun 31 Oct 2021 23:30
±«Óătv Radio 4

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Life on Hold

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Music Played

  • Lyrics by Walter Chalmers Smith, Music traditional

    Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

    Performer: London Philharmonic Choir and London Philharmonic Orchestra

    • Hymns Triumphant.
    • EMI.
    • 724385198922.

  • Trad.

    When the Saints Go Marchin' In

    Performer: Percy Humphrey (vocals), The Preservation Hall Jazz Band

    • When the Saints Go Marchin’ In.
    • Sony.
    • 074643865029.

  • Elton John

    Song For Guy

    Performer: Elton John

    • A Single Man.
    • Mercury Records.
    • B00000APS1.

  • Zbigniew Preisner

    Qui Erat et Qui Est

    Performer: Sinfonia Varsovia conducted by Jacek Kaspszyk, Varsov Chamber Choir directed by Ryszard Zimak, Elzbieta Towarnicka (soprano)

    • Requiem for my Friend.
    • Erato.
    • 3984-24146-2.

  • Nitin Sawhney

    Taste the Air

    Performer: Nitin Sawnhey, feat. Natty

    • Last Days of Meaning.
    • Positiv LLP.
    • B0051SSHNS.

  • Gustav Mahler

    "Aufersteh'n, ja Aufersteh'n wirst du" from Symphony No. 2 in C Minor " Resurrection"

    Performer: Heather Harper, Helen Watts, the London Symphony Orchestra directed by Sir Georg Solti

    • Mahler – Symphony No. 2 “Resurrection”.
    • Decca.
    • 4758501.

Broadcasts

  • Sun 26 Aug 2012 06:05
    ±«Óătv Radio 4
  • Sun 26 Aug 2012 23:30
    ±«Óătv Radio 4
  • Sun 31 Oct 2021 06:05
    ±«Óătv Radio 4
  • Sun 31 Oct 2021 23:30
    ±«Óătv Radio 4