The Essay reflects upon the first book of The Well-Tempered Clavier by JS Bach, his landmark collection of Preludes and Fugues in every available key.

In this edition, filmmaker, writer and satirist Armando Iannucci contemplates the role of hard work and craft in creativity, and the connection between the structure of music and the structure of comedy.

Technical Producer... Mike Etherden
Production co-ordinator... Sara Benaim

Written and presented by Armando Iannucci
Produced by Abigail le Fleming

A BBC Audio production for Radio 3

Armando Iannucci is a writer and broadcaster who has written, directed and produced numerous critically acclaimed films, television and radio comedy shows.

His screenplay for the film 'In The Loop' was nominated for an Oscar at the Academy Awards. His iconic series for the BBC – 'The Thick of It' – was nominated for 13 BAFTA Awards, winning five during its four series run. Among his own award-winning shows, he is also the co-creator and writer of the popular Steve Coogan character Alan Partridge.

Armando's HBO comedy 'Veep' has picked up numerous awards. His film adaptation of Charles Dickens' 'The Personal History of David Copperfield' was released in January 2020. That year won Best Screenplay at BIFA, was also nominated for a Golden Globe, and won a 'Seal Distinction' from the US Critics' Choice Association.

In 2017 he published 'Hear Me Out', a new book on classical music, and released the feature film 'The Death of Stalin', which was nominated for two BAFTAs and won Best Comedy at the European Film Awards.
His latest HBO series, is 'Avenue 5'. Show less