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

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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: 2015 Season: Proms Interval

Becky Ripley

Maggi Dawn

Tom Holland

Kevin Jackson

Kaiti Soultana

BBC Proms: 2015: Proms Interval: The Writing on the Wall

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Factual: History

17/07/2015

The Writing on the Wall

2015

BBC Radio 3 - BBC Proms, 2015, Proms Interval, The Writing on the Wall

An exploration of the reasons behind the fall of the Babylonian empire.

An exploration of the reasons behind the fall of the Babylonian empire, as documented in the Book of Daniel and other historical sources.

How did the Babylonian empire really fall? Assuming it wasn't the wrath of God after Belshazzar's feast - as the Bible testifies - but a strategic succession of economic, political and military factors. Unpicking the book of Daniel alongside wider historical sources, this is the story of Babylon's legendary downfall. 

And it is a story which continues to be retold. Whatever history holds true, Daniel's image of the writing on the wall echoes through Western culture in many guises, from the medieval Pearl Poet to Simon & Garfunkel. It seems, far from their biblical context, those ominous little words still haunt us. 

This interval talk is to be followed by two musical retellings of the story of the Babylonian king Belshazzar, by Sibelius and Walton. 

Produced by Becky Ripley.

BBC Proms: 2015

BBC Proms: 2015: Proms Interval

Proms Interval

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.

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All broadcasts from the 121st season of the BBC Proms.

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