Contrasting sounds of nature are evoked by Dvorak, Wagner and Bax, whose atmospheric picture of creation in spring receives its Proms premiere tonight, from the Royal Albert Hall, London, while Richard Strauss's autumnal songs capture a mood of serene farewell to nature and to life.

Christine Brewer (soprano), Trinity College of Music Chamber Choir, BBC Symphony Orchestra, conductor Mark Elder

Wagner Overture; Venusberg music (Tannhauser)

Strauss Four Last Songs

8.20 The Flesh Made Word: 2: A.N. Wilson
The atheist, scholar and novelist wonders if it is still possible for us to talk about religion and pray in the same language, or whether our society is a Tower of Babel, incapable of shared belief and common prayer.

8.40 Dvorak Overture: In Nature's Realm

Bax Spring Fire