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BBC Radio 2 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Light Programme.

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Barry Humphries Forgotten Musical Masterpieces

Music

As a tribute to Dame Edna's alter-ego, another chance to hear his Radio 2 show from 2020.

Another chance to hear Barry Humphries on Radio 2 in a programme first broadcast in 2020. Barry died in April 2023 aged 89.

Barry Humphries: Barry's Forgotten Musical Masterpieces: Series 2

Barry Humphries Forgotten Musical Masterpieces: Series 2: Episode 4

Episode 4

Series 2

BBC Radio 2 - Barry Humphries Forgotten Musical Masterpieces, Series 2, Episode 4

Barry Humphries uncovers a musical treasure trove of rare and forgotten recordings.

Barry Humphries spins his turntable time machine at a rate of 78 rpm to transport listeners back to the early 20th century with rare and forgotten musical masterpieces.

Barry Humphries takes listeners back to the first half of the twentieth century with a selection of his favourite 78 r.p.m. recordings. Through his unique commentary, Barry demonstrates the songs of the past are still relevant today and each track played offers fascinating insights of social history.

In this final programme in this series of Forgotten Music, Barry celebrates the music the Nazis said was bad. It includes details on the history of Barry's favourite group 'The Comedian Harmonists'. When the Nazis came to power the group was banned because it had three Jewish members and sang mostly American or American-influenced music. Those members who fled to Austria re-named the group 'The Comedy Harmonists' before being forced again to flee when Austria became part of the Third Reich. The non-Jewish members of the group stayed in Germany and became 'Das Meistersextet'. Barry also plays 'So Blue' by the American vocal harmony group 'The Revelers' which inspired Harry Frommermann to form 'The Comedian Harmonists' in Berlin.

Another highlight of this final programme in Barry's series of forgotten music for BBC Radio 2 is a radio performance by George Gershwin, one of Barry's all-time favourite composers. George Gershwin died unexpectedly in July 1937, when he was just 38 years old of a brain tumour. 2017 marks 80 years since the death of this influential composer. His achievements were monumental and his music continues to influence musicians and composers today.

Barry Humphries Forgotten Musical Masterpieces: Series 2

Amazing music. Played by an amazing line up.

Radio 2: Amazing music. Played by an amazing line-up. The home of great music, entertainment and documentaries

Barry Humphries plays recordings by artists from the age of the wireless.

Barry Humphries transports listeners to a bygone era with a selection of vintage recordings by artists who made their names during the age of the wireless.

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Barry Humphries Forgotten Musical Masterpieces

Series 2

Episode 4

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