Original version

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

BBC Radio 3

Radio 3

BBC Proms

Music: Classical

2024

The world's greatest classical music festival - stunning performances and collaborations.

The world's greatest classical music festival. Stunning performances, unique collaborations and the sheer joy of live music. Relive 2023's highlights before the new season begins.

BBC Proms: 2010: Proms Plus

BBC Proms: 2010: Proms Plus: Childe Harold

Childe Harold

09/08/2010

2010

BBC Radio 3 - BBC Proms, 2010, Proms Plus, Childe Harold

Matthew Sweet hosts a discusson on Lord Byron and his breakthrough poem.

Historian Tom Holland and novelist Ben Markovits join presenter Matthew Sweet to explore Childe Harold's Pilgrimage - the poem which overnight thrust Lord Byron into stardom.

Tom Holland, award winning historian of Rubicon, and novelist Ben Markovits join presenter Matthew Sweet to explore Childe Harold's Pilgrimage - the poem which thrust Lord Byron into stardom and made him a Romantic hero overnight.

The poem tells the story of a disillisioned young man's overseas journey and was inspired by Byron's own travels in southern Europe. But it also launched the idea of the Byronic hero, who became so influential in the romantic era. Tonight's BBC Proms concert features Hector Berlioz's musical version - Harold in Italy. 

Matthew Sweet guests are two writers who have re-interpreted Byron for the twenty-first century.Tom Holland has written a novel based on the myth of Byron's life and work called "The Vampyre". He describes Byron as the "David Bowie of his age" - able to reinvent himself to the world, but not just a doomed poet - also a brilliantly successful writer. Benjamin Markovits has written the first parts of a trilogy about Byron's life and loves. 

Their discussion is recorded in front of an audience at the Royal College of Music as part of this year's Proms Literary Festival.

BBC Proms: 2010

Proms Plus

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.

Discussion & Talk

Documentaries

Performances & Events

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

All broadcasts from the 116th season of the BBC Proms

Series of events providing a context to the 2010 Proms season's music and artists

Series of events providing a fascinating context to the 2010 BBC Proms season's music and artists

Accessibility links

Programme Index

BBC Proms

2010

Proms Plus

Childe Harold

Genres

Brand

Series

Series

BBC Radio 3

About BBC Radio 3