Series about pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact
Radio 4,·196 episodes
Pergolesi's Stabat Mater
The Stabat Mater hymn imagines the sufferings of the Virgin Mary at the foot of the cross.
Shipbuilding
The Robert Wyatt song from 1982, written by Elvis Costello and Clive Langer.
Dvorak's New World Symphony
Anti-apartheid campaigner Albie Sachs on the Largo from Dvorak's New World Symphony.
Beethoven's Violin Concerto
An exploration of how Beethoven's Violin Concerto has touched and changed people's lives.
The Skye Boat Song
Exploring how this song from the 1870s continues to touch people's lives across the world.
Brothers in Arms
The enduring appeal of the Dire Straits classic is explored by those touched by the piece.
Bach's St Matthew Passion
An exploration of how Bach's St Matthew Passion touches and changes people's lives.
New York, New York
Composer John Kander on the difficulties of writing the famous song, New York, New York.
Finlandia
Sibelius's work was adopted as Finland's symbol of its fight for independence from Russia.
Tainted Love
The Motown song that became a 70s Northern Soul scene favourite, and a huge 80s pop hit.
Spem in Alium
Thomas Tallis's work is one of the most spectacular pieces of choral music ever written.
Clair de lune
An exploration of Claude Debussy's music for piano, inspired by a poem about moonlight.
I Vow to thee my Country
An exploration of the hymn which stirs patriotism and controversy.
Ol' Man River
Tony Benn, Cleo Laine and Paul Robeson Jr reflect on the emotional power of Ol' Man River.
Widor's Toccata
Widor's Toccata is a favourite for married couples to exit the church by in the UK.
Baker Street
A celebration of Gerry Rafferty's popular solo hit, Baker Street.
Gresford, the Miners' Hymn
Exploration of the haunting melancholy of Gresford, the Miners' Hymn, by Robert Saint.
Rachmaninov, 2nd Piano Concerto
Exploration of how Rachmaninov's Second Piano Concerto touches and changes people's lives.
Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien
An exploration of the emotional impact of the song made famous by French singer Edith Piaf
The Hallelujah Chorus
Exploration of the emotional impact of The Hallelujah chorus from Handel's 1742 oratorio.
Mendelssohn's Octet
Exploring the impact that Mendelssohn's Octet has had on different people's lives.
Wichita Lineman
People reflect on the emotional impact of the country-pop crossover track.
Spiegel im Spiegel
Exploring the impact of Arvo Pärt's Spiegel im Spiegel on listeners' lives.
Dear Lord and Father of Mankind
Exploring the hymn which sets John Greenleaf Whittier's poem to music by Hubert Parry.
Let's Face the Music and Dance
Exploring the emotional impact of the classic Irving Berlin song.
Mozart's Clarinet Quintet
Music lovers describe the impact that Mozart's Clarinet Quintet has had on their lives.
Simple Gifts
Music lovers describe the important place the tune Simple Gifts has had in their lives.
The Impossible Dream
Lesley Garrett and yachtsman Geoff Holt on the inspiring song, The Impossible Dream.
Schubert's Winterreise
Music lovers describe the part that Schubert's Winterreise has played in their lives.
Mahler's Adagietto
Music lovers describe the part that Mahler's Adagietto has played in their lives.