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BBC Radio 3 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Third Programme.

BBC Radio 3

Radio 3

The Essay Podcast

The Essay

Discussion & Talk

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Essays from leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond.

Leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond, themed across a week - insight, opinion and intellectual surprise.

The Essay: When Writers Play (Series 2)

The Essay: When Writers Play (Series 2): Episode 5: Niall Ferguson

Niall Ferguson

Episode 5

Episode 5: Niall Ferguson

When Writers Play (Series 2)

BBC Radio 3 - The Essay, When Writers Play (Series 2), Niall FergusonClose menu

Historian Niall Ferguson recalls his days as the double-bass player in a jazz quartet.

Historian Niall Ferguson recalls with fondness his days as the double-bass player in a jazz quartet.

Music might feature in the work of many writers, but do many writers play an instrument? Quite a few do, and this essay series charts five writers with musical 'careers'. Here is a bit of autobiography, telling listeners how they started out, their inspirations, their memorable performances and how playing relates to their lives as writers. And they are keen to demonstrate their musical talents, which you can hear at the end of each essay! 

The historian Niall Ferguson confesses that he stole a double bass to later join a local jazz quartet, who were beguiled by Charles Mingus.

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

Documentaries

Factual: Life Stories

Music: Classical

Five writers describe their passions and possibly talents for playing a musical instrument

Five writers describe their passions and possibly their talents for playing a musical instrument

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The Essay

When Writers Play (Series 2)

Episode 5: Niall Ferguson

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