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

Twenty Minutes

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media: Arts

Eclectic arts magazine programme, exploring a range of fascinating subjects

Eclectic arts magazine programme, exploring a range of fascinating people, places and events

William Walton

Twenty Minutes: Bittersweet Symphony

Documentaries

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Music: Classical: Orchestral

Wagner: Wesendonck Lieder

09/05/2012

Bittersweet Symphony

BBC Radio 3 - Twenty Minutes, Bittersweet Symphony

Louise Fryer investigates the inspiration behind Walton's powerful First Symphony.

Louise Fryer investigates the inspiration behind Walton's powerful First Symphony, and discovers a story of love, heartache, struggle and triumph.

'Symphonies are a lot of work to write. Too much. One has to have something really appalling happen to one, that lets loose the fount of inspiration.' (William Walton)

Walton can be a composer who divides opinion but his First Symphony is generally acknowledged as a masterpiece. But what was his "appalling" inspiration for this turbulent and deeply felt work?

Louise Fryer visits some landmarks of Walton's 1930s London and talks to Walton expert Stephen Johnson and conductor Andrew Litton to tell a story of love, heartache, struggle and triumph.

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.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Twenty Minutes

Bittersweet Symphony

Contributors

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC Radio 3

About BBC Radio 3