Series about pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact
Radio 4,·196 episodes
Send in the Clowns
Stephen Sondheim's song was written late in rehearsals for the actress Glynis Johns.
Ma Vlast
Ma Vlast by Bedrich Smetana has become an integral part of Czech culture.
Faure Requiem
David Willcocks and others reflect on the inspirational impact of Fauré's Requiem.
How Great Thou Art
Examining the power of the hymn How Great Thou Art.
The Emperor
Examining the power of Beethoven's fifth piano concerto, The Emperor.
Praise My Soul
The story of Henry Francis Lyte's hymn that never fails to move a congregation.
Mendelssohn Violin Concerto
An exploration of the personal and professional impact of the concerto written in 1844.
Dido's Lament
Exploring what Henry Purcell's aria means to different people.
He's Got the Whole World in His Hands
Exploring what an American spiritual song means to different people
Bach's Goldberg Variations
People describe the place that Bach's Goldberg Variations have in their lives.
Fever
Peggy Lee's daughter Nicki Foster talks about her mother's life and her hit record.
Barber's Adagio for Strings
Leonard Slatkin on the impact of the adagio that became America's 'national funeral music'
Moon River
Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer's film theme for Breakfast at Tiffany's.
Kol Nidrei
Max Bruch's piece for cello is based on Jewish prayer sung at Yom Kippur.
Somewhere
Exploring what Leonard Bernstein's song from 'West Side Story' means to different people.
The Pathétique
Anthony Holden and Vassily Sinaisky explore the impact of Tchaikovsky's final symphony.