Soundstage

Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

Factual: Science & Nature: Nature & Environment

Wildlife sound recordist Chris Watson presents a series of audio postcards.

BBC Radio 4 FM

Soundstage: Cima Verde

Cima Verde

BBC Radio 4 - Soundstage, Cima Verde

A journey in sound from the summit to the valley floor of Cima Verde in northern Italy.

Wildlife sound recordist Chris Watson captures a journey in sound from the summit to the valley floor of Cima Verde in northern Italy.

We descend 10,000 feet from the summit of Cima Verde in Northern Italy, down the alpine slopes, across high pastures, through Alpine forest and down into the vineyards on the valley floor. The programme opens with an imagined soundscape high above the mountain in a place we cannot tread, but as we begin our descent we catch the sounds of passing ravens as they fly high above the summit scavenging for food. A snow field melts into the sounds of a high pasture. Further down, capercaillie are captured in a forest clearing, spirits dancing in the forest at first light, as these brightly coloured male birds perform their ritual dance to attract the females. A tawny owl signals a change of location and a woodland chorus reveals resident birds as well as African migrants. Our descent continues through orchards and vineyards where the clear silver song of a nightingale fills the air. This nocturnal soloist is then joined in the first light of dawn by the forest chorus as we reach our journey's end. Producer Sarah Blunt.

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Soundstage

Cima Verde

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4