Little known in the West, behind the Iron Curtain Bulgaria created an operatic tradition. Companies had their star singers and productions that, in their own way, rivalled those in Europe and America.…
A flirt, flirting and a bean jumping, invite you to join the musical world of composer Robert Farnon (1917 - 2005). A legendary figure in his time, it's surprising how many of his compositions and…
Guido Cantelli (1920 - 1956) died in an aircraft disaster. He is another of those musicians who lit-up the musical world, and were then snuffed out. We are fortunate that his art is preserved on a…
A recreation of the long-running BBC series that commenced in 1940 to provide (initially) munitions workers with a bqckground of uplifting music over the sound of their machines. Laurence Lewis fills…
The precious first recordings - 1938 - 1939 - by violinist Ginette Neveu (1919 -1949), that shine a light on an early career, as the lights were dimming everywhere. Music by Kreisler, Suk and Chopin,…
Interest in the music of Gustav Mahler continues to grow, The LP record and subsequent technologies have taken advantage of this. But did you know that during the 78rpm era an extensive back-catalogue…
Some celebrated violin showpieces backgrounding the tragic story of Josef Hassid (1923 - 1950), recalled by Laurence Lewis. Playing Time: 14.23 mins.
Recorded on location in Argyle Street, Kings Cross, London, an episode celebrating the centenary of Peter Sellers, with some of his classic comic recordings, and the 70th anniversary of Ealing Studios…
Conductor Pierre Monteux (1875 - 1964) had an extraordinary musical life. In this episode, Laurence Lewis concentrates on the years he worked as conductor of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra.…
In which Laurence Lewis enters the drug filled world of Hector Berlioz to highlight five very different versions of his Symphonie Fantastique. NOTE: This is not a record review! Playing Time: 11.09…
