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Composer Joseph Horovitz: No Ordinary Joe

Debbie Wiseman

Documentaries

Factual: Life Stories

Music: Classical

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Composer Joseph Horovitz: No Ordinary Joe

Debbie Wiseman tells the fascinating story of the composer of Captain Noah and Rumpole

Debbie Wiseman explores the life of the composer who created the music for TV’s Rumpole of the Bailey. From 2011.


This is the story of a composer of the kind of music that just fits so beautifully, that you hardly notice yourself humming along.

Joseph Horovitz composes concertos and ballets, operas and chamber music, yet he’s best known for Rumpole of the Bailey, and Captain Noah and his Floating Zoo. 

Joseph journeys through his remarkable life and career in conversation with composer, Debbie Wiseman. 

Captain Noah has been translated into six languages, and is one of Horovitz’s best sellers. The Berkshire Maestros, and conductor David Hill with the Bach Choir, have all rehearsed and performed this work, and give their views on its lasting popularity. Dancer Wayne Sleep, conductor John Wilson, and TV executive producer Tony Wharmby, also discuss their musical collaborations with Horovitz.

Horovitz's story begins with his escape from the Nazis as they entered Vienna in 1938, to then include giving wartime musical appreciation lectures to the forces, being awarded two Ivor Novello awards for later compositions, and working with such comic legends as Gerard Hoffnung and Michael Flanders. 

This life journey has been one of distinction in many ways, yet Horovitz has not been taken as seriously as he'd like. Debbie Wiseman grapples with this issue, to understand why Horovitz has not received the acclaim that his artistry deserves. 

Producer:  Luke Whitlock 

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2011.

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